A new week in the NBA is here. While some things have changed dramatically since the start of the season, others have remained the same. With an exciting Christmas Day slate around the corner, contenders and pretenders are becoming clearer.
Our NBA power rankings combine several factors, including overall record and advanced stats, such as offensive and defensive rating, to assign a ranking to every team.
30) Washington Wizards
Last Week’s Ranking: 30
The Washington Wizards are exactly where everyone expected. They’re deep in a rebuild and focused on growth over wins. They’ve managed only three victories since late November but still show flashes of offensive promise, capable of lighting up the scoreboard any night. Defense remains a major issue, as Washington consistently ranks near the bottom in opponent scoring and efficiency.
Young players are logging valuable minutes while veterans are doing enough to stay on the trade radar. Even in losses, like their near-upset of the Cavaliers, the effort has been respectable. This season is about development and evaluation, with the hope that the pieces taking their lumps now can form something sustainable down the line.
29) New Orleans Pelicans
Last Week’s Ranking: 28
The New Orleans Pelicans have finally shown signs of life, winning four straight to end a seven-game skid as Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Jordan Poole returned to the floor. Health has made a clear difference, with Saddiq Bey stepping up in key minutes while Williamson works back to full strength. Still, inconsistency and defensive lapses hinder the Pelicans, keeping them below expectations for a roster with this much talent.
Even with consecutive wins, New Orleans still feels like a team in transition. Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears are flashing potential, and it may be time to lean fully into that youth movement. The Pelicans could be active at the trade deadline, and if their struggles return, moving Williamson or Jones would not be a surprise.
28) Sacramento Kings
Last Week’s Ranking: 27
Nothing has gone right for the Sacramento Kings, who have dropped nine of their last 11 and sit near the bottom of the West, according to Basketball Reference. Panic moves like firing Mike Brown and trading De’Aaron Fox have only worsened the disarray for a team that once looked playoff-ready. Defensive lapses and late-game collapses are now routine, and with Domantas Sabonis missing time, Sacramento has struggled to stay consistently competitive.
It now feels like another reset is looming. Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Keon Ellis could all be on the move before the deadline as the front office charts a path forward. The offense still flashes potential, but without defensive buy-in or roster stability, the Kings remain stuck in basketball purgatory.
27) Brooklyn Nets
Last Week’s Ranking: 29
The Brooklyn Nets have quietly turned a soft patch in their schedule into solid basketball, winning four of their last seven and playing with energy. Michael Porter Jr. has been phenomenal, scoring at least 28 points in five of his past six games while giving Brooklyn a legitimate offensive anchor. Around him, young role players are settling into their roles, and the group’s competitiveness has been impressive given its inexperience.
Michael Porter Jr drops 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Nets win over Toronto
Via: https://t.co/QG3Xgt8oL5 pic.twitter.com/ZSdb9YIjel
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) December 22, 2025
This isn’t a playoff team yet, but the long-term picture is bright. The Nets continue to develop chemistry and find ways to stay in nearly every game. If their core continues to progress, Brooklyn might not be far from becoming a factor in the play-in range.
26) Indiana Pacers
Last Week’s Ranking: 26
It’s been a gap year for the Indiana Pacers, plain and simple. Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury has shifted this season into one focused on development and draft positioning instead of contention.
After a brief stretch of promise, winning four of six, Indiana has dropped four straight, including 19-point losses to Washington and New Orleans. Their fast pace keeps games entertaining, but inconsistency has left them near the bottom of the standings.
Without Haliburton to organize the offense, the Pacers often show flashes, only to give points back on defense. Still, there’s no panic, as everyone knew this would be a transitional season. The upside is a potential top lottery pick to pair with a healthy Haliburton next year, setting the stage for a much brighter 2026.
25) Los Angeles Clippers
Last Week’s Ranking: 24
The Los Angeles Clippers are in freefall, losing 10 of their last 12 to fall 14 games below .500. Even when they compete, they can’t close, due to injuries, inconsistent effort, and a disjointed offense. The schedule won’t ease up anytime soon, and the once‑promising season has become one of the most disappointing in recent history.
Kawhi Leonard’s ongoing trade speculation and the team’s instability add to the sense that major change is on the horizon. With the deadline approaching and playoff hopes fading, front‑office patience is wearing thin. If this slide continues, the Clippers may have no choice but to hit reset on a roster that’s run its course.
24) Charlotte Hornets
Last Week’s Ranking: 25
The Charlotte Hornets remain stuck in that familiar middle ground between rebuilding and competing. They’ve gone 5-5 over their last 10, showing stretches of promise but never quite breaking through.
LaMelo Ball drives their offense when healthy, but Charlotte’s defense can’t seem to match the scoring punch. Even so, this roster has shown more stability than expected, thanks to improved depth and the emergence of several rookies in the starting lineup.
Kon Knueppel has been a bright spot, playing with poise and confidence whether Ball is in the lineup or not. His rise, along with Charlotte’s balanced scoring, hints at a clearer direction for the future. But until the Hornets tighten up defensively and decide whether to push forward or pivot fully toward development, they’ll keep hovering between play-in territory and the bottom tier in the East.
23) Chicago Bulls
Last Week’s Ranking: 22
The Chicago Bulls hit rock bottom after dropping eight of their nine games, most against teams below .500. However, they have since rattled off three straight wins, beating the Cavaliers twice and the Hawks.
The Bulls had a promising 5-0 start but soon unraveled, with defensive lapses and poor late-game execution defining the slump. Josh Giddey continues to compete and create offensively, but Chicago’s effort and consistency have fallen flat against even middling opponents.
They can still score enough to hang around most nights, but being competitive does not always translate to wins. The Bulls’ minus‑3.5 net rating ranks 20th in the NBA, and their recent winning streak has helped them climb from the basement.
22) Utah Jazz
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
The Utah Jazz have gone 4-4 over their last eight games, and are still seven games below .500. However, they are 12th in the Western Conference, putting themselves in the play-in mix as the season’s midpoint approaches.
Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George have quietly become one of the league’s most exciting offensive duos. George delivered three straight games of 30+ points, then a 27-point outing. When their shots fall, Utah looks dangerous, especially at home, where they have been competitive even against stronger teams.
Still, this has been a streaky team. The Jazz’s offense can light up anyone on a good night, but their defense lags behind and often negates their scoring bursts. With the team’s 2026 first-round pick looming as a key storyline for lottery-watchers, Utah’s late-season trajectory could have ripple effects far beyond Salt Lake City.
21) Milwaukee Bucks
Last Week’s Ranking: 19
The Milwaukee Bucks are in a pivotal stretch, and it’s not going well. They’ve dropped five of their last six, including an embarrassing 45‑point loss to Brooklyn, while trying to stay afloat with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined by a calf strain. Milwaukee hovers near the play‑in range, still searching for consistency on both ends and answers for shaky road performances.
Uncertainty about Antetokounmpo’s future looms over everything. Trade speculation has gained momentum amid the team’s roller-coaster season, and every missed opportunity to find traction amplifies those questions. Even with Antetokounmpo playing at an MVP level when healthy, the Bucks have struggled against quality teams, a dangerous sign for a franchise that could soon face a difficult decision about its direction.
20) Portland Trail Blazers
Last Week’s Ranking: 20
The Portland Trail Blazers snapped a three-game skid and went on a three-game winning streak, with a victory over the Warriors and two over the Kings. However, the Kings are awful. Portland is 4-6 over its last 10 games and continues to search for rhythm.
MORE: PFSN’s FREE NBA Mock Draft Simulator 2026
Shaedon Sharpe has been efficient offensively, while Deni Avdija is playing at an All-Star level. However, this team has been wildly inconsistent on defense.
Getting Jrue Holiday back should help steady things on that end and bring order to the chaos. For a young roster, these growing pains were expected, and flashes of potential have been encouraging. The upset over the Thunder earlier this year showed what this team can be at its best, but having it show up every once in a while is the problem.
19) Dallas Mavericks
Last Week’s Ranking: 21
The Dallas Mavericks are trending upward, winning six of their last nine and showing promise behind No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. He scored a career-high 42 in the overtime loss to Utah, solidifying his Rookie of the Year candidacy and emerging as a focal point of Dallas’ future.
Anthony Davis’ steady play and leadership have stabilized both ends of the floor, and the team has picked up quality wins over contenders like Denver, Houston, and Miami.
For now, Dallas appears good enough to compete but is still thinking long-term around Flagg. The chemistry with Ryan Nembhard has stood out, and with Kyrie Irving nearing a return, the Mavericks suddenly look more intriguing than they did a couple of weeks ago.
18) Memphis Grizzlies
Last Week’s Ranking: 18
The Memphis Grizzlies have quietly stabilized after a rocky start, winning nine of their last 13 to get back in the Western Conference mix. They’ve started to buy into Tuomas Iisalo’s system and are playing with renewed defensive intensity, though offensive lulls still pop up too often. Ja Morant’s return from a calf strain has injected new life into the lineup, though he limped off the court in a recent win over the Clippers and hasn’t played since.
Losing Zach Edey through early January is another setback, as Memphis was dominating in his minutes, but the team has stayed competitive. Still, most of the Grizzlies’ wins have come against bad teams, and they could use a true statement victory.
17) Golden State Warriors
Last Week’s Ranking: 17
The Golden State Warriors can’t seem to find their footing, even with Stephen Curry back in the lineup. They’ve lost three out of four games since his return and are just 5-9 over their last 14, a stretch marred by inconsistency on both ends.
LeBron James is 41. Steph Curry is 37 and so is Kevin Durant.
Are we at the end of an era?
Steve Kerr talks about the “fountain of youth” in the NBA.
📺 Watch the full episode:https://t.co/TWN0lgKuHw pic.twitter.com/xXNaj4goT3
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 22, 2025
Curry still has superpowers, but the team’s offensive rhythm hasn’t translated to wins, and defensive lapses continue to undo their progress. Steve Kerr has publicly taken some blame, while Draymond Green has done the same for his turnovers.
With veterans like Curry, Green, and Jimmy Butler, Golden State should be better than it has shown. The front office’s patience may soon wear thin if results do not improve, and Jonathan Kuminga could be a name to watch in trade rumors. The Warriors appear to be a fading contender in need of a reset.
16) Miami Heat
Last Week’s Ranking: 15
The Miami Heat have hit a rough patch, dropping seven of their last eight, while their once-efficient offense has sputtered. Tyler Herro’s recent absence hasn’t helped, and Miami’s defense, usually its backbone, has been uncharacteristically porous. Losses to sub-.500 teams have amplified concerns, leaving the Heat searching for rhythm on both ends.
Even so, the Heat’s identity remains rooted in experience and toughness. Bam Adebayo continues to anchor the defense, and Norman Powell has provided steady scoring support, but the production gap without Herro looms large. Erik Spoelstra’s group rarely stays down for long, yet if the offense doesn’t find balance soon, the Heat could slip deeper into the East’s middle tier.
15) Phoenix Suns
Last Week’s Ranking: 16
The Phoenix Suns have dropped six of their last nine, but context matters. Three of those losses came without Devin Booker, whose groin injury briefly derailed their offense. With Booker back, Phoenix looks steadier, regaining the balance and tempo that define its best basketball this season. His shot creation and composure are irreplaceable, especially when the team’s attack slows in the half-court.
Even so, the Suns’ ceiling remains higher than their current record suggests. Dillon Brooks has provided defensive toughness, and Jalen Green’s progress could further unlock their offense once fully healthy. Phoenix is still above .500, but if Booker stays on the floor, they have the talent to climb quickly in the standings.
14) Atlanta Hawks
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
The Atlanta Hawks have dropped seven of their last nine but remain in the mix in the East, thanks to an offense that can score with anyone. Trae Young’s return adds firepower, though Atlanta is still missing Kristaps Porziņģis, whose size and rim protection are needed. Jalen Johnson continues his breakout run, posting triple-doubles in four of his last seven games, but his emergence alone can’t mask the team’s defensive inconsistency.
When the Hawks lock in on that end, they look like a legitimate playoff threat. Johnson and Dyson Daniels have taken on heavier roles, and their development has been a bright spot in a challenging stretch. Still, until Atlanta finds a reliable defensive identity, the offensive talent can only take them so far in a deep Eastern Conference.
13) Philadelphia 76ers
Last Week’s Ranking: 14
The Philadelphia 76ers have steadied themselves, winning six of their last eight to stay in the Eastern Conference mix. Most of those victories came against weaker opponents, but they recently beat the Knicks.
Joel Embiid enjoyed a recent resurgence, including a 39-point explosion against the Pacers. Unfortunately, he’s missed the last two games. When on the floor, he’s still capable of giving Philadelphia the inside presence it needs alongside Tyrese Maxey, who continues to establish himself as the team’s unquestioned leader. When Paul George provides consistent two-way play, the Sixers look more like the dangerous version they were built to be.
But this group still hasn’t fully hit its stride. Maxey is clearly the franchise centerpiece now, while Embiid and George serve as complementary pieces trying to stay healthy and productive. If that trio finds sustained chemistry, Philadelphia’s ceiling rises dramatically. If not, the Sixers may settle into the crowded middle tier of the East, fighting to avoid the play-in.
12) Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
The Cleveland Cavaliers can’t seem to catch a break. Their primary core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has barely shared the floor, and the results show it. Garland has played just 13 games, Allen 18, and now Mobley is sidelined for a month with a calf strain.
Cleveland has dropped games to struggling opponents like Portland, Charlotte, and a shorthanded Golden State, sliding to just a game above .500.
Most Points Per Possession On ISOs In The 2025-26 NBA Regular Season (Min. 50 Total ISO Possessions) :
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 1.20
1. Donovan Mitchell — 1.20
3. Norman Powell — 1.18
3. Cade Cunningham —… https://t.co/ot2rCrngpo pic.twitter.com/IipKJAiEDL— Stat Defender (@statdefender) December 22, 2025
Mitchell remains the lone constant, delivering All‑NBA level production to keep them afloat, but the Cavs lack cohesion, toughness, and rhythm. They have alternated wins and losses for weeks and have not won back‑to‑back since before Thanksgiving. On paper, the talent is undeniable, but they must regain last year’s form and stay healthy to compete.
11) Toronto Raptors
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
The Toronto Raptors snapped a four-game skid with a key win over Miami, and they’ve gone 2-2 over their last four.
But the bigger news is that RJ Barrett is ramping up for his return. Toronto was 12-5 with Barrett in the lineup but has a losing record without him, highlighting how vital his scoring and spacing are to their success. Since their nine-game winning streak in November, inconsistency has crept in, especially on defense and from beyond the arc.
Still, Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram anchor a group that plays with pace, effort, and toughness. When the Raptors defend and move the ball, they look like a top-five team in the East. Getting Barrett back should balance the rotation and stabilize an offense that has looked stagnant in recent weeks.
10) Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
The Boston Celtics stumbled with back-to-back losses, including a tough home defeat to Detroit, but they’ve gotten back on track with wins over Miami and Toronto.
Boston has remained competitive despite a depleted roster. Jaylen Brown has stepped into MVP form, averaging career highs across the board while carrying the Celtics’ offense in Jayson Tatum’s absence. With significant roster turnover from last year, Brown’s leadership has kept the team afloat and its offensive rhythm intact.
Even without their full arsenal, Boston has shown the fight and focus that keep it in the East playoff race. A softer upcoming stretch should give them a chance to regain momentum. If the offense continues to click, the Celtics will remain one of the conference’s toughest outs once healthy, especially if Tatum returns.
9) Orlando Magic
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
The Orlando Magic have battled another wave of injuries but remain steady in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs both went down recently. Suggs suffered a hip injury in the NBA Cup semifinal loss to New York. That leaves Paolo Banchero to shoulder more of the offensive load. Orlando has split its last six, leaning on Desmond Bane, Anthony Black, and Tyus Jones for playmaking while rookie Jase Richardson gets a look.
RELATED: Nikola Jokić Makes NBA History in Nuggets’ Win Over Magic by Surpassing 6-Time MVP
At full strength, the Magic have looked like a legitimate top-three threat in the East, anchored by a defense that plays with toughness and discipline. Until that lineup is whole again, it is hard to gauge their true ceiling. Still, Orlando continues to prove that effort and staying true to its identity can keep it in the mix, even while short-handed.
8) Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
The Minnesota Timberwolves are heating up again, winning nine of their last 11, including an impressive road victory over a healthy Warriors team without Anthony Edwards. Minnesota has gone 4-2 this season when Edwards sits, thanks to Julius Randle stepping up and their defense. That balance on both ends gives them a strong foundation, even if they haven’t always looked dominant.
Still, questions have lingered about how the Wolves stack up against elite competition, as they have a losing record versus teams above .500. However, they recently dealt the Thunder their third loss of the season.
Staying consistent through their current homestand before a Christmas clash in Denver will be crucial. Minnesota’s ceiling depends on turning those quality performances into more wins against the league’s top tier.
7) Los Angeles Lakers
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
The Los Angeles Lakers remain one of the league’s most entertaining teams and one of its biggest puzzles. LeBron James and Luka Dončić have powered a 9-4 stretch since James’ return, including a clutch win over Phoenix without Austin Reaves, who is sidelined with injury. They are now undefeated in clutch games. When their stars are rolling, their offense can hang with anyone, but their defense still swings wildly from game to game.
A sobering NBA Cup loss to San Antonio highlighted those defensive issues, but JJ Redick’s decision to reinsert Jarred Vanderbilt has helped tighten things up. Even so, the Lakers’ slow rotations and pace make them vulnerable against faster teams. For now, they are holding firm near the top of the West.
6) San Antonio Spurs
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
The San Antonio Spurs may have lost the NBA Cup Final to the Knicks, but that defeat doesn’t count in the standings, so they’re still riding a six-game winning streak that includes a statement victory over the Thunder.
Fully healthy for the first time all season, San Antonio looks like a legitimate threat in the West. Victor Wembanyama anchors an elite defense, while the guard trio of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and rookie Dylan Harper forms one of the league’s most dynamic backcourts.
Even without Wembanyama, the Spurs went 9-3, showing how deep and adaptable this roster can be. San Antonio plays with confidence, balance, and defensive grit, a formula that travels well into the postseason. No one wants to see this team in the playoffs.
5) Houston Rockets
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
Alperen Şengün joined franchise legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and James Harden with a 30-point triple-double in a thrilling loss to Denver, a game the Houston Rockets could have stolen if not for a late officiating blunder. Seven of their nine losses have come in clutch games, suggesting that a few cleaner late-game possessions could have raised their win total.
Despite frustrating losses to Utah, New Orleans, and Sacramento, Houston remains one of the league’s most balanced offensive units, scoring at least 110 points in nine of its last 10. Amen Thompson continues to flash All-Star potential, fueling optimism that this young core can sustain its strong start. The only question now is whether the Rockets make a move for a true floor general to elevate them into true contention.
4) Detroit Pistons
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
The Detroit Pistons came close to matching the best start in franchise history. Even still, they’re one of just two teams to win 22 games this season, with the other being the Thunder. Cade Cunningham powered their recent comeback win in Boston with a huge fourth quarter, and he’s added lockdown defense to his repertoire, making him a bona fide MVP candidate.
Anchored by Cunningham’s two-way brilliance and Isaiah Stewart’s interior presence, Detroit has climbed to second in defensive rating while quietly balancing one of the NBA’s most efficient offenses.
This team is as complete and composed as any in the league. They rank in the top 10 in both offense and defense and can win gritty battles or shootouts. After a brief stumble, the Pistons rebounded strongly, winning seven of nine and looking every bit like a 60‑win team.
3) New York Knicks
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
The New York Knicks hadn’t lifted a trophy since 1973. That was an NBA championship, but I guess the NBA Cup counts for something, right? Their win over the Spurs capped a stretch in which New York has won 11 of its last 13 games, thanks to physical defense and efficient offense. Mitchell Robinson dominated the glass throughout the Cup run, including 10 offensive rebounds in the championship.
Jalen Brunson vs. MIA (12/21/25):
47 PTS (15/26 FG), 6 3PM, 8 AST
Knicks are 20-8 🔥 pic.twitter.com/87euxGfVQn
— Halftime Hoops (@_halftimehoops) December 22, 2025
Fresh off that Cup title, New York sits firmly in the East’s top tier. Jalen Brunson continues to steer a balanced attack, while Karl-Anthony Towns has impressed as a rim protector. The Knicks’ combination of toughness, defense, and star power now makes a Finals run feel not just possible, but realistic.
2) Denver Nuggets
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
The Denver Nuggets are rolling again, winning six of their last seven games, with victories over Houston, Orlando, and Atlanta, and they’ve done it without Aaron Gordon or Christian Braun. Denver’s offense is elite and historically efficient, averaging 125.2 points per 100 possessions and climbing when Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray share the floor.
Jokic is somehow better than ever, averaging another near 30-point triple-double. Meanwhile, Murray looks like a first-time All-Star candidate.
Depth was once Denver’s most significant question, and now it’s a strength. The bench has stabilized. Jokic continues to operate as arguably the league’s best player, and Murray’s evolution has given the defending champs another gear. They’ll spend the holidays at home, including a Christmas showdown with Minnesota, before a long East Coast trip that will be another test.
1) Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
The Oklahoma City Thunder may have fallen short again in the NBA Cup semifinals, but it hardly shakes their place as the league’s most dominant team.
At 24-3, Oklahoma City continues to smother opponents defensively and overwhelm them on offense, looking like a legitimate threat to challenge the 2015–16 Warriors’ 73-9 record. Their 16-game win streak was a reminder of just how complete this roster is, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a team that rarely takes a night off.
The losses to San Antonio and Minnesota serve as a timely wake-up call above all else. The Thunder’s streaky 3-point shooting exposed one of the few flaws in an otherwise airtight group. Still, OKC remains the title favorite, and the upcoming rematches with the Spurs, including a Christmas showdown, offer a perfect chance to respond.
