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 2025 coming to a close and the new year set to begin, 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
Things are still rough for the Washington Wizards, but there are finally a few encouraging signs beneath the losses. The Wizards remain at the bottom of the league standings and have only won back-to-back games once this season, though they did surprise Memphis recently. Alex Sarr has quietly made a second-year leap, averaging 18.2 points on efficient shooting and ranking among the league leaders in blocks.
Kyshawn George has also shown flashes of promise, giving the Wizards a clearer picture of a potential core to build around. Development remains the only priority, and even small wins qualify as meaningful progress. The record may be abysmal, but at least Washington’s future is finally starting to take shape.
29) Sacramento Kings
Last Week’s Ranking: 28
It’s gone from bad to worse in Sacramento. The Kings have just three wins since Thanksgiving and sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, now facing a month without Domantas Sabonis and continued absences from Zach LaVine. Their recent win over Houston only stopped a five‑game skid, not sparked a turnaround. The roster built around DeMar DeRozan has fallen flat, exposing major flaws in its construction and direction.
A reset feels inevitable. The Kings have managed consecutive wins only once all season. With a rebuild looming, several players, including DeRozan, LaVine, and Keon Ellis, could be on the move before the trade deadline. Kings fans should brace themselves for another overhaul.
28) Indiana Pacers
Last Week’s Ranking: 26
The Indiana Pacers nearly upset the Knicks before Jalen Brunson’s game-winner dashed those hopes. That’s how their season has gone. With Tyrese Haliburton still recovering from his Achilles tear and several regulars sidelined, Indiana continues to battle through a rough stretch, now facing a string of winning teams to close out 2025. Losses may pile up, but the experience for their young core remains valuable.
This season was always meant to be a reset, and the Pacers are treating it that way. The silver lining is clear: a likely high lottery pick to pair with a healthy Haliburton next year. That combination could vault Indiana back into contention, making this gap year more productive than painful in the long run.
27) New Orleans Pelicans
Last Week’s Ranking: 29
Don’t look now, but the New Orleans Pelicans have found life. After dropping seven straight earlier this month, New Orleans has ripped off five in a row behind the emergence of rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Zion Williamson is coming off the bench as he builds back up, a surprising move that has actually unlocked cleaner spacing and offensive rhythm. The Pelicans suddenly look like a team rediscovering itself.
The bigger question is whether this turnaround is sustainable or just a temporary spark, especially after losing their last three. At 8‑25, the hole is still deep, but there’s enough time and raw talent to make a Play‑In Tournament push in a forgiving Western Conference. Despite their record, New Orleans may be a team worth watching again.
26) Los Angeles Clippers
Last Week’s Ranking: 26
It has been an up-and-down December for the LA Clippers, who are 5-6 this month and now face several weeks without starting center Ivica Zubac because of an ankle sprain. Their defense, once a top-three unit, has dropped to 26th in the league, according to Basketball Reference. Their 14-season streak of finishing above .500 is in serious jeopardy.
Kawhi Leonard’s recent 41-point and 55-point outbursts against Houston and Detroit, and his strong showing against the Lakers, were reminders of his brilliance, but relying on him nightly at this stage feels unsustainable.
Kawhi last four games:
39.0 PPG
9.8 RPG
2.8 SPG
1.5 BPG
52/44/98%4-0. pic.twitter.com/uLXehbOfxG
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 29, 2025
Rookie Kobe Sanders has been one of the few bright spots, showing flashes amid the struggles, yet the roster’s issues run deep. The win over the shorthanded Lakers offered some relief, but it doesn’t mask that this team looks lost and directionless. If things don’t flip fast, the Clippers may need to accept that another rebuild might be closer than anyone wants to admit.
25) Brooklyn Nets
Last Week’s Ranking: 27
The Brooklyn Nets are as hot as a rebuilding team can be. They’ve gone 7-3 in their last 10 behind Michael Porter Jr.’s shooting and confident scoring, giving Brooklyn one of the league’s best feel-good stretches this month. Jordi Fernández deserves credit for maximizing a young roster that plays hard, trimming their point differential to a respectable -3.9 per game.
Still, the better they play, the more it complicates the quiet pursuit of lottery odds. A play-in berth remains unlikely, but that hasn’t stopped this group from competing with purpose. With Porter’s star turn and Noah Clowney’s growth in his third year, the Nets are finding joy and unexpected intrigue in a season that was supposed to be about development.
24) Utah Jazz
Last Week’s Ranking: 22
The Utah Jazz have cooled off, losing four of their last six games, but the bigger picture remains brighter than the record suggests. Keyonte George is blossoming into a star in his third year, firmly in the Most Improved Player conversation, while rookie Ace Bailey has shown flashes of high‑end talent. Together, they’ve given Utah a clear foundation for the future and plenty of hope that this rebuild is nearing a turning point.
That optimism comes with a dilemma, as the Jazz are competitive enough to flirt with the Play‑In, yet their 2026 first‑round pick is only top‑eight protected. For a team seeking long‑term success, keeping that pick might be more valuable than short‑term wins. Either way, Utah fans can take solace that this team has finally found its direction, and promising talent is leading the way.
23) Charlotte Hornets
Last Week’s Ranking: 24
The Charlotte Hornets are finally starting to show what they can be when healthy. With LaMelo Ball back, rookie Kon Knueppel continuing his scoring surge, and Brandon Miller finding rhythm, Charlotte has looked more competitive, picking up confidence-boosting wins over Cleveland and Atlanta. That trio has dominated its limited minutes together, offering a glimpse of a lineup that can score with anyone when fully intact.
Defense remains a work in progress, but real optimism is building in Charlotte. Miles Bridges continues to lead them in scoring. When the starting five shares the floor, the Hornets post a positive net rating, a sign that this group can stay in the Play-In race if it stays healthy. Trade rumors around LaMelo may resurface soon, but right now, this team finally looks like it is turning a corner.
22) Milwaukee Bucks
Last Week’s Ranking: 21
Each Milwaukee Bucks win feels like a small relief in a season spinning off course. Milwaukee is 5–14 since mid‑November and continues to slide down the Eastern Conference standings, clinging to the Play‑In race. Giannis Antetokounmpo is back on the floor, but with trade rumors swirling and no real momentum, it’s hard to imagine this stretch strengthening his long‑term commitment to the franchise.
This isn’t the season Milwaukee expected. This is not a roster built to contend, even with a three‑time MVP leading the way. The defense has sagged, depth has disappointed, and outside the emergence of young guard Ryan Rollins, there haven’t been many bright spots. The Bucks desperately need a winning streak to restore belief, or the noise about what comes next will only grow louder.
21) Dallas Mavericks
Last Week’s Ranking: 19
The Dallas Mavericks have started to turn a corner, winning seven of their last 13 and showing real progress behind No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. Since moving to his natural forward spot, Flagg has blossomed into a two‑way force, playing at an All‑Star level months into his rookie season. His chemistry with Anthony Davis has anchored an improved December stretch, even though Dallas has lost to some inferior teams recently.
It’s been a rough time since the Luka Dončić trade, but the Mavericks finally look like they’re building toward something new. Flagg’s rapid ascent, along with Davis’ consistent play and Kyrie Irving’s looming return, could push them into legitimate Play‑In contention. This team might be too good to tank.
20) Chicago Bulls
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
Just when it looked like their season was slipping away, the Chicago Bulls have caught fire, winning six of their last eight and climbing close to a .500 record. Their offense has rediscovered its rhythm from the start of the year. Matas Buzelis’ offensive breakout has been central to that surge, giving Chicago a needed boost alongside the steady production of Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Nikola Vucevic.
RELATED: Bulls Sophomore Matas Buzelis Reveals the 7-Time NBA All-Star He Studied Growing Up
This group still has ups and downs ahead, but their recent balance on both ends makes them unpredictable and fun to watch. If the Bulls sustain this offensive cohesion, they might avoid answering tough roster questions at the trade deadline and keep building on this momentum.
19) Portland Trail Blazers
Last Week’s Ranking: 20
The Portland Trail Blazers have finally started to find their rhythm, winning four of their last seven, including posting a three-game winning streak for the first time since October and heading into 2026 with momentum. Deni Avdija has been sensational, averaging 25.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists while keeping Portland competitive nearly every night. With Jrue Holiday sidelined by a calf injury, Avdija’s workload has grown heavier, yet he continues to deliver All‑Star‑level production.
Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant have stepped up in December, giving the Blazers enough offensive support to stabilize after an underwhelming November. Sharpe’s growth alongside Avdija is encouraging for a franchise still shaping its future core. Portland’s goal of sneaking into the Play‑In remains realistic as long as its two young wings keep leading the way.
18) Memphis Grizzlies
Last Week’s Ranking: 18
The Memphis Grizzlies have quietly put together a respectable December despite being hit hard by injuries again. Rookie Cedric Coward has been a revelation, scoring in double figures in nine straight games and anchoring the defense with toughness and energy.
Even with Ja Morant sidelined, Memphis has remained competitive behind the growth of its young core, though a recent home loss to Washington reminded them of their inconsistency.
Still, this stretch offers reasons for optimism. Coward’s emergence, plus contributions from Cam Spencer and the eventual return of Zach Edey, give the franchise a framework to build on beyond the Morant-Jaren Jackson Jr. duo. The Grizzlies remain in the Western Conference play-in mix for now, leaning on development and defense to keep their season afloat.
17) Miami Heat
Last Week’s Ranking: 16
The Miami Heat are stuck in neutral, having lost eight of their last 11 games as nagging injuries and offensive inconsistency have derailed their momentum. Tyler Herro has missed the last seven, and without his shot creation, Miami’s attack has sputtered.
Even Norman Powell’s All-Star-caliber play can only cover so many holes. The team has tried to mask its scoring woes by playing at the league’s fastest pace, but it still sits in the bottom half in offensive efficiency.
Miami remains competitive, but the lack of depth beyond Bam Adebayo, Powell, and Herro is becoming apparent. The Heat need a midseason scoring spark from someone just to stay in the middle of the pack in the East.
16) Atlanta Hawks
Last Week’s Ranking: 14
The Atlanta Hawks are spiraling through a rough December, going 2-10 this month and dropping all six games since Trae Young’s return. Having Young back should help, but his presence hasn’t solved Atlanta’s deeper issues, especially the lack of frontcourt depth with Kristaps Porziņģis still sidelined by illness. Without him, the defense has cratered, and Jalen Johnson has been forced to do almost everything on both ends.
Johnson’s breakout has at least provided hope in an otherwise frustrating season. Averaging 23.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, he looks like a budding franchise player, and notably, one who defends. But until the Hawks find balance around him, they will continue to hover near the East’s middle-to-bottom tier and may even be forced to reflect on Young’s future in Atlanta.
15) Golden State Warriors
Last Week’s Ranking: 17
The Golden State Warriors continue to tread water, as inconsistency has defined their season. Stephen Curry remains brilliant, averaging 28.9 points and keeping them competitive, but the supporting cast hasn’t lived up to expectations. Draymond Green’s inconsistent play and the lack of development from the younger core have left Golden State stuck in the middle of a stacked West.
Draymond Green says it’s true the Warriors are a fading dynasty
“It’s true. Guess what, Steph is in year 17. I’m in year 14. Klay is in year 15. When you talk the dynasty… How long can we extend it and what more can we do? That’s the goal. That’s our mission”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/xq0Wtk2UWJ
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) December 29, 2025
Wins over Phoenix and Orlando offer brief encouragement, but this team still feels far from contention.
Offensively, the drop‑off after Curry and Jimmy Butler is glaring, and even a top‑five defense can’t make up for those struggles. With Buddy Hield out of the rotation and Jonathan Kuminga’s situation becoming a distraction, a shake‑up seems imminent. The front office should feel pressure to act before the deadline.
14) Phoenix Suns
Last Week’s Ranking: 15
The Phoenix Suns have cooled off slightly since their hot 11‑6 start, but they’ve still been one of the more pleasant surprises of the season. Devin Booker is back and has led the team in scoring in five of the last six games, while Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie continue to post career years. Mark Williams has been a steady interior force, averaging 13.1 points on 66.5% shooting while maintaining his usual defensive impact.
Even with limited star power, Phoenix plays with grit and collective purpose, and it’s kept them in the thick of the West’s Play‑In race.
Jalen Green’s return should give this group another scoring jolt, though recent losses show how challenging it is for this roster to sustain early-season momentum. Still, for a team that underwent significant offseason changes, sitting in a playoff position at year’s end would be a success. The Suns’ hard-nosed, team-first identity has given them staying power that few saw coming.
13) Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reeling after a disappointing first half, sitting at 17‑16 and clinging to the East’s eighth seed. That’s a stark contrast from last year’s dominant campaign. They’ve dropped 10 of their last 15, including a deflating Christmas Day collapse against the Knicks. Their once-elite defense has struggled in the paint. Injuries have played a part, but the issues run deeper, as the rhythm and cohesion that fueled last season’s rise haven’t resurfaced.
Cleveland still has time to get on track, but urgency is creeping in. The front office may need to consider a roster shake‑up if this group can’t find consistency heading into 2026. Hovering around .500 isn’t enough for a team expected to contend, and each week adds more pressure to turn things around.
12) Philadelphia 76ers
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
The Philadelphia 76ers are starting to look like a complete team again, and optimism in Philadelphia is on the rise. Tyrese Maxey’s breakout season has elevated him into All‑NBA territory, while rookie VJ Edgecombe continues to impress as a likely All‑Rookie selection. Paul George has also rediscovered his rhythm after a rocky start, giving Philly the two‑way wing presence they’d been hoping for.
With Joel Embiid healthy and anchoring the defense, the Sixers are showing flashes of their true ceiling. Maxey’s evolution has changed the franchise’s trajectory, providing a dynamic offensive engine to complement Embiid’s interior dominance. As long as their stars stay on the floor, Philadelphia has the pieces and momentum to make a push toward the top of the East.
11) Toronto Raptors
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
The Toronto Raptors have hit a rough patch, dropping nine of their last 14 games as their offense sputters without RJ Barrett. Still, Scottie Barnes has done everything possible to keep them competitive, building a fringe All‑NBA resume, averaging 19.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals. His all‑around impact has been crucial in preventing Toronto from fully sliding out of the mix in the Eastern Conference.
At one point, the Raptors appeared to be a legitimate threat, but December halted much of that early momentum. Getting Barrett back should re‑energize an attack that’s gone cold, and with Barnes holding steady as the centerpiece, a turnaround isn’t out of reach. For now, they’re a talented team searching for rhythm to climb back into contention.
10) Orlando Magic
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
The Orlando Magic are once again battling the injury bug, a familiar trend that has derailed their momentum just as they were finding consistency. Franz Wagner (ankle) and Jalen Suggs (hip) are sidelined, leaving Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane to shoulder the offensive load.
Orlando has split its last eight games. They have been solid but not as strong as when fully healthy. Still, Bane’s scoring and leadership have helped steady the group in Wagner’s absence.
Even with these setbacks, there is no denying the promise of this young core when intact. Anthony Black’s growth as a do-it-all contributor adds another encouraging layer. Orlando may not be elite offensively, but they have been better than in recent years. The team’s depth and defensive grit provide a solid foundation to build on once the lineup is whole again.
9) Los Angeles Lakers
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
The Los Angeles Lakers are sliding again, even with LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves back in the lineup. Their Christmas Day blowout loss to Houston exposed the same issue that has haunted them all season: a lack of defensive resistance. The offensive potential of that trio is undeniable. However, against longer, more athletic teams, their defense has been easy to pick apart.
MORE: NBA Legend Paul Pierce Blames Lakers’ Poor Form On LeBron James’ Injury Return
Ranking No. 25 in defensive efficiency, Los Angeles cannot keep relying on late-game heroics to bail them out. The front office may need to explore roster tweaks or a trade to balance the lineup before it slips further down the standings. The Lakers remain talented but deeply flawed and are trending in the wrong direction.
8) Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
The Boston Celtics have been one of the league’s biggest surprises, turning what was expected to be a gap year into a legitimate playoff push. Despite losing key veterans last summer and missing Jayson Tatum, Boston sits near the top of the East with a +6.3 net rating, sixth-best in the NBA.
Jeff Teague says Jaylen Brown Deserves to be first team all NBA over Luka
“He deserves to be 1st team not gonna lie… They have nothing over there. The Celtics were supposed to be a** bro”
(Via @club520podcast) pic.twitter.com/uBTiKFqXBB
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) December 29, 2025
Derrick White’s hot shooting, steady playmaking, and Jaylen Brown’s resurgence have fueled a much-improved offense and restored the scoring punch missing from Tatum’s absence.
Since their 5‑7 start, the Celtics have won 14 of 19, thriving under Joe Mazzulla’s system. Jordan Walsh has emerged as an unexpected contributor and a natural fit in the rotation. Boston still has room to grow, but with Tatum’s return looming, this team suddenly looks far more dangerous than anyone anticipated.
7) Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the new year looking every bit like the contender they’ve claimed to be, winning 10 of their last 14. They’ve built a top‑eight defense anchored by Rudy Gobert’s rim protection and physical presence, while Anthony Edwards continues to thrive as one of the league’s most dynamic scorers. Minnesota’s defensive toughness and star power have made them a nightmare matchup for opponents.
Their recent win over the Thunder validated their staying power. They are one of the few teams to beat OKC this season. After consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals, their pedigree and potential are clear. This version of the Wolves plays smart, balanced basketball, proving they belong among the NBA’s elite.
6) Houston Rockets
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
The Houston Rockets made a statement on Christmas by blowing out the Lakers, reminding the league how dangerous this group can be. Reed Sheppard’s growth in his second season has been key, as he’s addressing past weaknesses and becoming a more complete guard on both ends. Despite going 6‑6 in their last 12, Houston still sits near the top of the league in both offensive and defensive rating, showing their balance remains among the NBA’s best.
Still, inconsistency in clutch situations has kept them a notch below the upper tier for now. The Rockets can’t be satisfied with being ahead of most teams. They’re chasing Denver and Oklahoma City. Performances like their Christmas rout show they’re not far off. With continued growth, this team has the talent to make that leap.
5) New York Knicks
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
The New York Knicks have hit their stride, losing only three times since Thanksgiving and climbing to fourth in the league with a +7.0 net rating. Fresh off their NBA Cup title, they have kept that momentum, looking sharper and more connected than before. Jalen Brunson’s stellar play has vaulted him into the MVP conversation, and his late-game poise showed during their dramatic Christmas Day comeback from 16 down.
This team is playing with purpose after last year’s disappointment in the Eastern Conference Finals. The defense remains stingy, and Jordan Clarkson’s scoring off the bench adds to their depth. If this version of New York keeps its current pace, Mike Brown’s squad may do what the Knicks couldn’t last season.
4) Detroit Pistons
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
The Detroit Pistons have quietly transformed into a powerhouse, sitting atop the East and now within striking distance of the Thunder for the league’s best record. They rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating, proving last season’s rise was no fluke. Jalen Duren’s breakout campaign, driven by contract motivation and natural development, has been central to their success. He gives Detroit a dominant interior presence who changes games on both ends.
Aside from a couple of puzzling losses, the Pistons have been rolling, including an impressive road win over Boston. Their defense sets the tone, while their balanced, disciplined offense grinds opponents down over four quarters. With Cade Cunningham’s MVP-caliber play, Duren’s emergence, and a defense built for playoff basketball, Detroit is a real threat.
3) San Antonio Spurs
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
The San Antonio Spurs are showing what their ceiling can be, winning three straight against the Thunder. They’ve topped 117 points in eight of their last 11, showing how far their offense has come under Mitch Johnson. Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle have formed a dynamic trio capable of punishing teams in multiple ways, and their growing chemistry is turning San Antonio into a nightmare matchup.
Lou Will says Wemby’s rival should be SGA, not Chet 👀
“There’s levels to this conversation. The real rivalry is gonna be SGA and Wemby. Those are the MVP candidates. Why would a MVP candidate have a rivalry with a guy who’s not in that conversation.”
(via @RunItBackFDTV, h/t… pic.twitter.com/Fd96xKeeRt
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 29, 2025
Even when Wembanyama sits, the Spurs’ offense doesn’t skip a beat. Fox, Castle, and Devin Vassell look comfortable steering the ship, showing the roster’s depth and versatility. Dylan Harper plays with poise beyond his years. With a foundation of youth, length, and evolving offensive balance, the Spurs are beginning to look like a legitimate contender.
2) Denver Nuggets
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
The Denver Nuggets continue to prove their resilience, thriving despite extended absences from multiple starters. Even with Cameron Johnson joining Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun on the injury list, Denver hasn’t missed a beat, thanks to the brilliance of Nikola Jokić. He is the league’s ultimate difference‑maker. Jamal Murray has stepped up alongside him, playing at an All‑Star level and giving the offense steady, dynamic balance.
December has been kind to Denver, with an 8‑4 record that reinforces why they remain one of the league’s most complete teams. Peyton Watson has made the most of his expanded role. As long as Jokić is healthy, it’s clear Denver’s championship window remains wide open.
1) Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
For weeks, the Oklahoma City Thunder had looked untouchable at the top of the league, but their 0-3 record against the Spurs has made them appear more human. San Antonio’s size and versatility have exposed some of OKC’s weaknesses, though that says more about the Spurs’ rise than any real collapse. Oklahoma City is still deep, balanced, and well-coached. Reintegrating Jalen Williams into the lineup is naturally taking some time.
Despite the brief stumble, the Thunder remain the favorite against any team in a seven‑game series. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander continues to anchor an elite attack, while Ajay Mitchell has carved out a steady bench role, giving OKC another playmaker behind its stars. The top spot may be temporarily up for grabs, but this team still looks built for the long haul.
