Latest Top 5 NBA Rankings
(Updated Regularly)
| Ranking | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 50-11 |
| 2 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 50-10 |
| 3 | Boston Celtics | 43-18 |
| 4 | Los Angeles Lakers | 38-21 |
| 5 | Houston Rockets | 37-24 |
The NBA season has entered a crucial phase following the All-Star break, with teams shifting priorities toward playoff positioning, maintaining momentum, or, in some cases, preparing for the draft lottery. With 30% of the season remaining, the intensity is increasing, and the power rankings reflect these dynamics.
One significant milestone was reached this past weekend: the establishment of the Phil Jackson 40 Before 20 Club—a group of teams that secured 40 wins before recording their 20th loss. Seventeen of the past 18 NBA champions have met this benchmark. This season, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics have achieved this feat, while losses eliminated the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies from contention.
Power Ranking Tiers
Each week, teams are ranked within five tiers, based on performance, potential, and playoff viability:
- Top Contenders – The elite, locked at five teams.
- In a Good Place – Strong teams pushing for higher playoff seeds.
- The Bubble – Playoff hopefuls fighting for positioning.
- Not the Tier to Fear – Underwhelming teams needing improvement.
- Basement Floor – Bottom-tier teams focusing on rebuilding.
Tier 1: Top Contenders
- Cleveland Cavaliers (47-10) – With a league-best record, the Cavs are surging. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are dominating both ends of the floor.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (46-11) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues his MVP-caliber season, while Chet Holmgren anchors the league’s best defense.
- Boston Celtics (41-16) – Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have elevated their game, leading the Celtics to elite two-way efficiency.
- New York Knicks (37-20) – Despite injuries, the Knicks remain resilient, relying on Jalen Brunson’s leadership and a deep supporting cast.
- Memphis Grizzlies (37-20) – Struggles on defense have raised concerns, but Ja Morant keeps them competitive with his offensive firepower.
Tier 2: In a Good Place
- Los Angeles Lakers (34-21) – Luka Dončić and LeBron James have built strong chemistry, making them a legitimate postseason threat.
- Denver Nuggets (38-20) – Nikola Jokić remains dominant, but defensive inconsistency is holding them back from true contention.
- Houston Rockets (35-22) – The Rockets’ young core is thriving, with Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet making significant impacts.
- Indiana Pacers (32-24) – Tyrese Haliburton has been outstanding, leading one of the league’s fastest-paced offenses.
- Milwaukee Bucks (32-24) – Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are dealing with injuries, making their postseason positioning uncertain.
- Detroit Pistons (32-26) – A massive turnaround season has made the Pistons a surprise success, thanks to Cade Cunningham’s stellar play.
Tier 3: The Bubble
- Minnesota Timberwolves (32-27) – Anthony Edwards is leading the charge, but inconsistency in clutch moments remains an issue.
- LA Clippers (31-26) – Injuries have slowed them down, but Kawhi Leonard and Paul George still make them a tough playoff opponent.
- Golden State Warriors (30-27) – Jimmy Butler III has provided much-needed defensive intensity, making the Warriors a dangerous dark horse.
- Sacramento Kings (29-28) – De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis continue to shine, but their defense remains a weak point.
- Dallas Mavericks (31-27) – Kyrie Irving is producing, but the team lacks depth behind him and Dončić.
Tier 4: Not the Tier to Fear
- Orlando Magic (29-30) – Young talent like Paolo Banchero shows promise, but injuries have hindered their playoff push.
- Atlanta Hawks (27-31) – Trae Young and Dejounte Murray’s chemistry is improving, but defensive woes persist.
- Miami Heat (26-30) – A rough stretch has dropped them down the standings, despite Bam Adebayo’s best efforts.
- San Antonio Spurs (24-31) – Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season is impressive, but the Spurs are still far from contention.
- Phoenix Suns (27-30) – Kevin Durant and Devin Booker can’t do it all alone, and their defense has been lackluster.
- Brooklyn Nets (21-36) – Struggling without a true star, Brooklyn is in rebuilding mode.
- Portland Trail Blazers (25-33) – Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson provide flashes of brilliance, but it’s not enough for playoff relevance.
- Chicago Bulls (23-35) – Zach LaVine trade rumors continue to swirl as the Bulls look for direction.
- Toronto Raptors (18-39) – Scottie Barnes is a bright spot, but they remain well outside the playoff picture.
Tier 5: Basement Floor
- Philadelphia 76ers (20-37) – With Joel Embiid potentially done for the season, their chances look grim.
- Charlotte Hornets (14-42) – LaMelo Ball’s health remains a concern, and the team lacks overall depth.
- New Orleans Pelicans (14-43) – Zion Williamson’s inconsistency has prevented them from making any real progress.
- Utah Jazz (14-43) – A rebuilding phase continues, with Keyonte George showing promise.
- Washington Wizards (10-47) – Despite adding veteran talent, they remain the league’s weakest team.
The next few weeks will be critical as teams finalize rotations and strategize for the playoffs or draft positioning. Expect further shifts in the rankings as contenders solidify their positions and struggling teams recalibrate their futures.
Full Latest NBA Rankings
(Updated on 2025-03-04)
| Ranking | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 50-11 |
| 2 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 50-10 |
| 3 | Boston Celtics | 43-18 |
| 4 | Los Angeles Lakers | 38-21 |
| 5 | Houston Rockets | 37-24 |
| 6 | Memphis Grizzlies | 38-22 |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets | 39-22 |
| 8 | New York Knicks | 40-20 |
| 9 | Golden State Warriors | 33-28 |
| 10 | LA Clippers | 32-28 |
| 11 | Sacramento Kings | 31-28 |
| 12 | Detroit Pistons | 34-27 |
| 13 | Indiana Pacers | 34-25 |
| 14 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 33-29 |
| 15 | Milwaukee Bucks | 34-25 |
| 16 | Dallas Mavericks | 32-29 |
| 17 | Phoenix Suns | 28-33 |
| 18 | Atlanta Hawks | 27-33 |
| 19 | Orlando Magic | 29-33 |
| 20 | Portland Trail Blazers | 28-34 |
| 21 | Toronto Raptors | 19-42 |
| 22 | Miami Heat | 29-31 |
| 23 | Chicago Bulls | 24-37 |
| 24 | Brooklyn Nets | 21-39 |
| 25 | Utah Jazz | 15-45 |
| 26 | New Orleans Pelicans | 17-44 |
| 27 | San Antonio Spurs | 25-34 |
| 28 | Washington Wizards | 11-49 |
| 29 | Charlotte Hornets | 14-46 |
| 30 | Philadelphia 76ers | 21-39 |