2024-25 NBA Power Rankings

See who’s the top dog in the NBA this season with our 2024-25 NBA Power Rankings. Our rankings can help you differentiate the contenders from the pretenders. Learn who we have ranked as the best NBA teams this season below and use this information to help you score your next winning NBA bet.

Latest NBA Power Rankings – Top 10 Teams

We’ve highlighted each of the 30 NBA teams for the 2024-2025 season and where they currently sit within our power rankings. Our NBA power rankings take multiple factors into account from statistics and advanced analytics, expert insights, as well as the NBA team standings as a whole.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

After exploding out the gates to the tune of a 15-0 start to the season, tied for the second-best start to a season all-time, the Cleveland Cavaliers have set out to prove that this season may finally be different.

Having been a good, but not great team ever since forming their big-four of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs have looked much improved under new Head Coach Kenny Atkinson.

Don’t underestimate the Cavaliers this season as they continue to be moneymakers in the mediocre East, cruising to victories on a nightly basis.

2. Boston Celtics

A no-brainer for the top spot in our NBA power rankings, the Boston Celtics continue to be the best team in the league. The reigning NBA Champions haven’t skipped a beat this season, sporting a stellar regular season record with impressive wins over the leagues’ top teams.

With the Celtics overwhelming star power of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White already a near-unbeatable combination, the Celtics have only gotten better after the return of Latvian big man Kristaps Porzingis to the C’s lineup.

In a great position to become the first team since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 & 2018 to win back-to-back NBA Championships, don’t bet against the Celtics this season.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

A budding powerhouse within the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder are living up to the hype this season. With a young, star-studded lineup sporting MVP-candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have only gotten better after finishing as the top team in the Western Conference in 2024.

After adding stellar talents in Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein in the offseason, the already dominant Thunder have gotten even better. Even with standout big man Chet Holmgren going down with a hip injury early on this season, the Thunder haven’t skipped a beat and have continued to be the top team in the West.

With all this success, the Thunder only get scarier when you take into account the war chest of NBA Draft picks they’ve stock-piled over the past few seasons. If you’re looking to boost your bankroll this NBA season, backing the Thunder is a great betting strategy to pursue.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

Picking up where they left off in the 2022-23 NBA season, the Memphis Grizzlies are once again among the best of the best in the Western Conference with the returning play of Ja Morant.

Back at full-strength, after struggling to maintain a winning record last season after suffering a plethora of injuries throughout their 2023-24 campaign, the Grizzlies have been a consistently strong squad. With an explosive offensive play style, coupled with a standout defence, the Grizzlies are slowly turning into a legitimate title threat before our eyes.

Looking to maintain their spot among the top teams in an uber competitive Western Conference, the Grizzlies should be viewed as a reliable betting option on any given night.

5. Houston Rockets

Arguably the most improved team from a year ago, the Houston Rockets currently reside as one of the top 10 squads within our NBA rankings. After showing signs of life during their 41-41 campaign last season, the Rockets appear to be a legitimate postseason threat in 2025.

As franchise building blocks Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have continued to develop at a rapid-pace, the Rockets tides truly began to turn after adding Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks into their lineup.

Since acquiring the proven winners, the Rockets saw their win total improve by 19 games last season, and are currently on-pace to see a major win uptick as they are projected to finish with 50+ wins for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Don’t sleep on the Rockets as they appear cleared for take off and have their potential shooting for the stars.

6. New York Knicks

After making multiple major offseason moves via trade after acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Knicks have been must-see hoops.

Picking up where they left off last season behind the elite guard play of Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have once again been a top team in the Eastern conference. With Towns and Bridges fitting into their lineup seamlessly, the Knicks currently hold the best offensive rating across the NBA.

With their knack for putting the ball in the basket, the Knickerbockers may finally be knocking on the door of the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

7. Milwaukee Bucks

We hope you didn’t count out Giannis Antetekounmpo and company just yet, as the Milwaukee Bucks are finally starting to click. After a year to forget in the 2023-24 season, the Bucks should be viewed as one of the most dangerous squads in the league.

With the superstar duo of the Greek Freak and Damian Lillard, the Bucks made necessary upgrades across their lineup to patch any weaknesses that were exposed a season ago. With no shortage of talent to pull from, the Bucks appear on the precipice of returning to title contention in 2025.

Ready to cement themselves as title contenders, the Bucks are on the come-up in our latest rankings.

8. Denver Nuggets

Not the powerhouse that we have grown to expect in recent seasons, the Denver Nuggets are still firmly among the top teams in the NBA. Rostering potentially the best basketball player on the planet in the triple double machine, Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets will always have a chance at winning with him in the lineup.

As the Nuggets continue to adjust to their new roster filled with young and unproven prospects, the Nuggets trial by fire seems to be isolating the talent that can be trusted to bring them back into playoff contention this season.

In a loaded Western Conference, the Nuggets are still a reliable betting option and are a great bet to make, especially when on their home court in the Mile High City.

9. Sacramento Kings

Possessing no shortage of talent on their roster, it’s a wonder why the Sacramento Kings haven’t managed to translate this into wins. Having added All-Star DeMar DeRozan in the offseason, the Kings were projected to only get better but this hasn’t been the case.

With All-NBA candidates in De’Aaron Fox and Domantis Sabonis still leading the way for the Kings, look them to get their season back on track any day now as they begin to rattle off wins with increasedconsistency.

Now’s not the time to give the Kings a death sentence, instead expect them to elevate their play through adversity and remain competitive down the stretch of the 2024-25 season.

10. Dallas Mavericks

Coming off of a NBA Finals trip in 2024, the Dallas Mavericks appear poised to once again make a deep run into the postseason. With the dynamic duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic still wreaking havoc on defences across the league, the Mavs have been must-watch basketball.

While their offensive upside is undeniable, the Mavericks have also excelled as a defensive ball club. With a top 10 defensive rating, the Mavs have blossomed into one of the best two-way teams in the NBA.

Having now tasted success, the Mavericks appear hungrier than ever to make their return to the NBA Playoffs as they will likely be a prominent fixture among the top teams in our NBA Power Rankings all-season long.

NBA Power Rankings – Middle of the Pack

11. Los Angeles Clippers

No Kawhi? No problem, says James Harden as the Los Angeles Clippers have looked rock solid in the 2024-25 season. With The Beard returning to his MVP form alongside surging play of Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, the Clips may shock the NBA world and enter the postseason tournament this year.

After losing Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason, and Kawhi Leonard to injury prior to the season starting, every ounce of success for the Clippers has been gravy. With the Klaw potentially able to return down the stretch of the 2024-25 season, we may be yet to see the final version of this squad.

A fun team to watch and a reliable betting option to-boot, the Clippers hold a firm spot within the top half of our power rankings.

12. Minnesota Timberwolves

Coming off of a conference finals appearance that saw them defeat the defending NBA Champion Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves weren’t satisfied. Making a splash in the offseason by shipping out Karl-Anthony Towns in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo along with draft compensation, the T-Wolves are once again looking like title contenders out West.

Sporting a sensational defensive cast led by four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves have had a slow start to the season, but are beginning to round into shape. Behind play of superstar guard Anthony Edwards, the T-Wolves may be on the cusp of brining the first title to Minnesota since the Twins in 1991.

Invest in the Timberwolves now as their stock is set to explode into the new calendar year.

13. Los Angeles Lakers

Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers may be in the midst of one last season where they can legitimately compete for the NBA Championship. With Father Time seeming to catch up to King James, the leagues all-time leading scorer still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

Possessing the talent and depth to compete on any given night, the Lakers will be a tough task for any squad in a potential postseason matchup. With rumours of potential moves still to be made to their roster, we could see an improved version of this team sooner-than-later.

In what may be his last dance, the LeBron and the Lakeshow are once again one of the best teams across the league.

14. Orlando Magic

While many expected to see a major drop off from the Orlando Magic after star power forward Paolo Banchero went down due to injury early on this year, the Magic have instead rallied and excelled in his absence.

Sporting one of the best overall records in the entire NBA, the Magic have proven that defence still in fact is the winning recipe for success. A terrorizing crew led by young studs Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, then Magic have used their depth and defensive tenacity to win games this season.

There are still question marks surrounding the offensive potential of the Magic, but at this point they should still be looked at as one of the best teams across the league, and likely a mainstay within our NBA power rankings.

15. Golden State Warriors

The days of their unstoppable dynasty from the 2010s may be behind them, but the Golden State Warriors are still a competitive team to face on any given night.

With two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry still playing at an elite level, the new-look Dubs have been a tough opponent for any squad across the NBA.

With Head Coach Steve Kerr maximizing the production of each player within his deep-rotation, the Warriors have been able go punch-for-punch with the best teams in the league.

Not only have the Warriors continued to be a standout offensive team, but their defence has begun to approach elite status, much like their title winning teams from 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Bank on the Warriors to continue their stellar play as they aspire to capture their fifth NBA chip within a decade.

16. Indiana Pacers

Off to a rocky start after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024, the Indiana Pacers need to get the ball rolling soon before spiraling out of control. Still sporting plenty of talent across their roster such as Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers have simply not lived up to expectations as of late.

Even amidst their recent game struggles, the Pacers have no shortage of downsides–which is why they take 20th in our NBA power rankings. With Benedict Mathurin having a break out season, paired with their impressive depth across the board, the Pacers may need to do some soul-searching in order to figure out why the wins haven’t been coming their way.

If the Pacers are able to shake the cobwebs and recapture the magic that saw them finish the season as a competitive foe to the Celtics in the playoffs, they could quickly emerge into one of the top teams in the East.

17. Miami Heat

The highest-ranking of any team with a losing record on this list, the Miami Heat still possess plenty of upside. Having shown they can make a run in the NBA Playoffs regardless of the regular season finish, the Heat can never be truly counted out.

Sporting star power in their duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, they’re complimented well by amazing talents like Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. With Head Coach Erik Spoelstra seemingly able to spin gold out of straw regardless of the talent on his roster, this year’s Heat team is certainly in-play to turn the tides in their favour within a weak Eastern Conference.

Don’t count out the Heat just yet, instead, back them to beat up on the bottom feeders of the league as they vault their way back into a winning record.

18. Atlanta Hawks

Beginning to gather steam, the Atlanta Hawks look like they may be ready to make a splash in the postseason in 2025. With lead guard Trae Young continuing his elite play, combined with the emergence of Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson in their lineup, the new-look Hawks have been one of the most fun teams to watch hoop this year.

Looking to continue building momentum, the Hawks are in a win-win situation as they remain competitive while still developing young talent such as the first-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft in Zaccharie Rissacher.

A competitive unit that has what it takes to squeeze into the top eight of the East come seasons end, the Hawks are a squad to watch going forward.

19. Phoenix Suns

A team nobody wants to see in the NBA playoffs, the Phoenix Suns could be a frightful sight in the postseason this year. Rostering a deep lineup led by All-NBA players in Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Suns may be ready to make the leap in 2025.

After getting embarrassed by the Timberwolves in the 2024 playoffs, the Suns set out to fine tune their lineup to make them a more well-rounded ball club. With acquisitions of top-notch players such as Tyus Jones and Mason Plumlee, the Suns have managed to improve in every facet of their game from a year ago.

While injuries are still a big concern for the Suns going forward, at full-strength this squad is sure to be a top contender in the Western Conference.

20. San Antonio Spurs

When you have a 7’4″ demigod on your roster, anything is possible. With a winning record through the first quarter of the year, Victor Wembanyama has already asserted himself as one of the elite talents across the NBA, with a major impact on winning basketball.

With the young San Antonio Spurs beginning to mature and grow into their roles, they are a frisky squad to watch as they hover around the play-in tournament in the Western Conference.

While they may still miss the postseason in the loaded West, the Spurs have proven that they’re on the come-up and may be ready to takeover the league sooner than later.

Bottom 10 NBA Power Rankings

While each of the teams featured above has some sort of upside or potential to be competitive this season, there are still several bottom feeders within the NBA. Below we’ve highlighted the bottom 10 NBA teams with a brief explanation for why they should be looked at as must-fades throughout the 2024-25 NBA season.

21. Detroit Pistons – Struggling to remain competitive within the weak Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons are still experiencing some growing pains. While they’ve already shown they are much better than they were last season, the Pistons are still a bottom-ten team in the NBA currently.

22. Philadelphia 76ers – Undoubtedly the biggest bust of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers have been a dumpster fire. With the continuous issues around the health of former-MVP Joel Embiid, inconsistent play of the newly-acquired Paul George, and overall poor chemistry within the locker room, this has been an absolute failure of a season for the Sixers thus far.

23. Chicago Bulls – To quote Tobias Funke, “Oh my god, it’s a fire…sale”. This is exactly what you can expect for the Chicago Bulls this season as they will be the hottest sellers ahead of the 2024-25 NBA trade deadline, with star talents such as Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine on stand-by to be shipped out to a new destination.

24. Charlotte Hornets -While the elite play of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller has been a bright spot for the Charlotte Hornets this season, the team as a whole has been weak. With wins coming few and far between, the Hornets are once again poised to finish on the outside looking in of the postseason.

25. New Orleans Pelicans – With franchise cornerstone Zion Williamson once again out due to injury, the New Orleans Pelicans have crashed-and-burned so far this season. With All-Star forward Brandon Ingram a free agent at the end of the season, this could be the beginning of a new era in NOLA after such a disappointing year.

26. Brooklyn Nets – After getting out to a hot start this season, the Brooklyn Nets have cooled off drastically. As they are still aiming at a full rebuild with their young roster, look for touted veterans such as Cameron Johnson to fetch a pretty penny on the trade market this year.

27. Utah Jazz – Experiencing a bit of an identity crisis, the Utah Jazz need to embrace the rebuild and finally do away with several of their rotational players. With standout veterans such as Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, and Colin Sexton all holding great value in the NBA trade market, the Jazz need to set them free to greener pastures.

28. Toronto Raptors – In the midst of a tanking masterclass, the Toronto Raptors have managed to lose plenty of games while still remaining fun and competitive. With their eyes firmly set on the NBA Draft lottery, the Raptors aren’t going to make much noise in the win column this season.

29. Portland Trail Blazers – Having scored impressive wins against tough teams such as the Timberwolves and Rockets, the Portland Trail Blazers have shown signs of life. With a young roster ripe with potential, the future looks bright for the Blazers.

30. Washington Wizards – Easily the worst team in the NBA there’s nothing to like about this year’s Washington Wizards team. With lackluster play from their veterans and precious little shown from their developing talent, it’s no wonder the Wizards sit with the worst offensive AND defensive rating in the league to go along with the worst overall record.

---

NBA Power Rankings FAQ