2025-26 NBA Power RankingsClemente Almanza, OKC Thunder WireMon, November 24, 2025 at 11:08 AM UTC·16 min readAs Thanksgiving nears, the NBA's 2025-26 regular season is officially a month old. While still in the early stages, we're starting to figure out who these teams and players are.
Unsurprisingly, the Oklahoma City Thunder look like a team in their own tier. The reigning NBA champion has had a historic start. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets hope to catch up eventually. Out East, the Detroit Pistons have been the biggest surprise with the second-best record in the league.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn the past week, LeBron James finally debuted this season. He dealt with sciatica that knocked him out for the first three weeks of the year. We have also heard some grumbling whispers of NBA superstars who might get moved. In LaMelo Ball and Anthony Davis.
Every week, Thunder Wire will release updated 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings. Here is the Nov. 17-23 edition:
30. Washington Wizards (1-15)
Nov 16, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) dribbles the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 30
Well, it didn't take long for the Wizards to reach the bottom of the standings. A 14-game losing streak will do that. It'll be another rough season littered with double-digit losses. You're at the point where player development matters more than the actual results. In that regard, at least Alex Sarr has been amazing. He's had one of the biggest jumps from this rookie year. As Washington starts over, it looks like he's a cornerstone.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement29. Indiana Pacers (2-14)
Nov 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) fight for the ball during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 29
No confusion this time, the Pacers are in a gap year. The first month of the season has told them they're behind the rest of the NBA. Quite the juxtaposition from last year's NBA Finals trip. Every year, a couple of teams get snake bitten with injuries. It was Indiana's turn this year. At least Bennedict Mathurin is back after a lengthy absence. He's been a consistent 20-point scorer for them. Maybe he's a long-term fit.
28. Sacramento Kings (4-13)
Nov 19, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 25
All the fun that surrounded the Kings a couple of years ago has evaporated. What was once a young, promising team has been traded in for a group of future Hall-of-Fame players with their own agendas and overlapping skills. To make the situation worse, Domantas Sabonis will be out at least a month with a torn meniscus. You have to feel bad for him, as Sacramento has slowly eroded around him over the years.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement27. Brooklyn Nets (3-13)
Nov 21, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) dunks the ball while Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) looks on during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 28
Not much is really going on with the Nets. Same as usual. It's a super young team that has a few veterans sprinkled in who are trying their best to improve their trade value so they can eventually get moved. One of those is Nic Claxton. He recorded his first career triple-double in a win over the Celtics. Feels like he's been in Brooklyn since forever. Maybe the rebuilding situation can deal him elsewhere as a trade deadline move.
26. New Orleans Pelicans (2-15)
Nov 17, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) dribbles against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 27
Amazing how long the NBA season is. A couple of weeks ago, the Pelicans were everybody's punching bag. Now, you're seeing why New Orleans' front office was infatuated with Derk Queen. To the point they're risking sending out a high lottery pick this year. In his first real minutes, he dropped 30 points and nine rebounds in a loss to the Nuggets. To the point that Jokic complimented him. His hot week showed why it was silly not to play him from the jump.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement25. Charlotte Hornets (4-13)
Nov 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 24
In a move that most anticipated, the Hornets now have to deal with a disgruntled NBA superstar. LaMelo Ball has reportedly requested a trade from Charlotte. While he's publicly denied the report, everybody knows how these situations typically play out. Maybe it's for the best for both sides. Injuries have hampered his time there. A high-usage playstyle has also rubbed some folks the wrong way. And the results haven't been pretty over the years. Still a long way to go, but it feels like Ball's time there is timed.
24. Dallas Mavericks (5-13)
Nov 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) celebrates after he is fouled on a basket by the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 26
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDealing with the aftershock of Nico Harrison's firing, the Mavericks are ready to shift their priorities. Beforehand, everything was about winning right now. That's why they traded for Anthony Davis. But with a new GM, that's changed. It's now about a long-term outlook around Cooper Flagg, as he's looked more comfortable. ESPN has reported that Dallas is willing to trade Davis. It's been an ugly marriage between the two sides for circumstances out of his control. It's probably best to just rip the band-aid off. Now, what a trade could look like is the interesting question.
23. Utah Jazz (5-11)
Nov 21, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) holds the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) defends during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 23
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSpeaking of trading an All-Star, the Jazz better not make the same mistake twice. Lauri Markannen has enjoyed a revamped season. He's back to averaging an efficient 30 points as a three-level scorer. He's headlined Utah's surprisingly hot offense that either drops or yields 140 points. But a demoralizing loss to the Thunder shows they're far behind the league's best. They should've traded him years ago, but his recent play has given them another chance to get a trade haul. Let's see if they can amend that mistake.
22. Memphis Grizzlies (6-11)
Nov 20, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) dunks during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 22
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementInjuries continue to ruin the Grizzlies. That's been the theme in Memphis for years now. In these latest hits, they've lost Ja Morant for at least two weeks with a calf strain. He's nowhere near the All-Star player he was a few years ago, but that's another key piece lost for a significant time. Another hit was Ty Jerome. He'll be further sidelined for around two more months with a calf strain that has kept him out this whole season. A brutal setback for somebody the Grizzlies had hoped could help them this year.
21. LA Clippers (5-12)
Nov 22, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) drives in during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 21
A funny phenomenon happened recently. Seeing the Thunder separate themselves from the rest of the league, it seems like everybody dreadfully realized they could also get a high 2026 draft pick. That's turned everybody into Clippers fans, as OKC owns a first-round swap with them. The only person in the way is James Harden. He's nobly kept them afloat. He erupted for 55 points in a win over the Hornets. And with Kawhi Leonard about to return from a lengthy absence, help is on the way for LA.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement20. Portland Trail Blazers (7-10)
Nov 23, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 20
Well, the Trail Blazers have hit their first rough patch of the season. Most were surprised when they rolled along after Chauncey Billups left. They have a good mix of young players and veterans. Deni Avdija has built up a solid first-time All-Star case. He's averaged in efficient 25 points as their best player. But Portland has been in a funk since it handed OKC its first loss of the season. Let's see if they can get things right.
19. Milwaukee Bucks (8-9)
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) holds the ball beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 15
Things could get ugly fast in Milwaukee. The Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo for one or two weeks with a groin strain. While the absence is just a small bump on the road, it could cause them to spiral down the standings. They've lost four in a row. Goes without saying that everything with that NBA franchise centers around the two-time MVP winner. This season is about making him happy enough to stay long-term. Falling down the standings and getting exposed for a lack of depth is the opposite of that.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement18. Golden State Warriors (9-9)
Nov 18, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) after a timeout during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 14
Three straight losses have humbled the Warriors from their hot start. Age and a lack of depth have shown up during this low point of the season. Stephen Curry is awesome and can still go off for 30-plus points, but Golden State's bench leaves much to be desired. And that doesn't even include the ongoing drama with Jonathan Kuminga. He's back this season, but their relationship is held together by duct tape. Nothing to be too panicky about yet, but they have to right the ship or slide down the standings.
17. Chicago Bulls (9-7)
Nov 17, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 18
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWell, the Bulls' hot start feels like a distant memory. They were the talk of the NBA for the first week of the season. Since then, though, you've seen real-life regression. Specifically with Josh Giddey. He's not putting up the efficient 20-plus point outings he had at the start. Defenses have adjusted. While he could still be on his way to a first-time All-Star bid, he must figure out how to adjust those counters. Getting to the free-throw line a ton should help with that.
16. Boston Celtics (9-8)
Nov 18, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (14) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 16
Once Jayson Tatum went down and the Celtics shed salaries, everybody penciled this as a punt year for them. But so far, the Celtics have shown that they've played better than their record indicates with a positive point differential. That all starts and stops with Jaylen Brown. He's stepped up as the undisputed best player. Boston has given him the green light. While it hasn't led to super-efficient outings, he's gladly morphed into a high-usage player that they can rely on to create their own bucket.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement15. Atlanta Hawks (11-7)
Nov 20, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) drives to the basket during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 7
Continuing to be without Trae Young, the Hawks' success has opened up a Pandora’s box of questions. Maybe they're slowly learning they don't need the multi-time All-Star player to succeed. That's the million-dollar question everybody in Atlanta is trying to figure out. Until then, though, they've been a fun squad. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been an awesome addition. He dropped 38 points in a loss to the Spurs. He's enjoying a career season after spending the first part of his career trying to find a spot.
14. Philadelphia 76ers (9-7)
Nov 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) looks for a shot against Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) in the first overtime at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 13
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThink most have known it for a while, but it's official. Tyrese Maxey is the Sixers' best player. He dropped a career-high 54 points in an overtime win over the Bucks. It's a new era in Philadelphia. We're a month into the season and he's averaged 33 points on good efficiency. His improbable ascension has bailed out the Sixers from bad roster decisions. It now has something to be excited for in the long-term future as they slowly move past the frustrating Joel Embiid era.
13. New York Knicks (9-6)
Nov 19, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and guard Landry Shamet (44) celebrate after Shamet makes a go ahead three point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 10
Returning to his old NBA home, Jalen Brunson scored 28 points in a much-needed win over the Mavericks. Still wild to think they gave up on him. But that's old news. It's been a pretty meh start to the season for the Knicks. A little surprising considering most had them as the NBA Finals favorite to come out of the East. Let's see if they can eventually hit their stride under Mike Brown's new offense.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement12. Orlando Magic (10-8)
Nov 22, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) reacts after a play against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 19
The Magic have started to figure stuff out. They've won six of their last eight games. Franz Wagner went off for an efficient 37 points in a win over the Knicks. He's been awesome as Orlando's undisputed best player. Which makes you think about the growing elephant in the room with Paolo Banchero's fit. That's a problem for another day, thought. Let's not ruin the groove they've found themselves in. It was an ugly start to the season, but they have found a flow where everybody understands their role.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (10-6)
Nov 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) plays defense in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 12
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Timberwolves continue to have a decent start to their season. Julius Randle scored 32 points in a win over the Wizards. And then they lost a heartbreaker to the Suns as the last few possessions were filled with mental mistakes. This is who Minnesota is. Don't let two Western Conference Finals runs fool you. They might get hot at the right time, but their regular-season campaigns have been filled with plenty of ups and downs. Looks like it'll be another year of that.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (12-6)
Nov 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives to the basket against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 9
Help has finally arrived. After hurting his toe once again, Garland's five-game absence was erased. He scored 20 points in his return in a win over the Pacers. Look, the Cavaliers aren't the same team as last year. They won't mow down the rest of the NBA on their way to a 60-plus win season. But at this point, it's all about playoff results. We won't know that for another six months. Until then, though, Cleveland has to get healthier. Because it risks running Donovan Mitchell into the ground before they even get to that point.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement9. Miami Heat (11-6)
Nov 17, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) reacts against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 17
The Heat have been one of the biggest surprises. When you look at their roster, nobody pops out. It's a bunch of solid players, but not a certified All-Star. Despite that, they've had one of the best offenses and have frequently dropped 130-plus points. Norman Powell has averaged an efficient 25 points as Miami's top scorer. He's proven to be quite the offseason addition. The no-pick-and-roll experiment has produced incredible results.
8. Phoenix Suns (11-6)
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) celebrates with teammates after hitting the game winning shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half of an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 11
Down eight points with a minute left, the Suns had a ridiculous comeback. They shocked the Timberwolves with an unlikely NBA Cup win. Collin Gillespie made the go-ahead jumper with six seconds left. He's had one of the more underrated improvements this season. Afterward, Phoenix did a group interview. The vibes are at an all-time high there. Everybody understands their role and no drama has happened yet. This could be a fun season considering their low expectations.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement7. Toronto Raptors (12-5)
Nov 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) and forward Scottie Barnes (4) react after a score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 8
The Raptors have been one of the hottest teams in the league. They've won seven in a row. All against East teams, too. It's been a group effort where Toronto has one of the more well-balanced starting lineups. Three 20-point scorers will do that. One of those is RJ Barrett. You have to be happy with what he's done since he arrived there. They were one of the weirder teams to forecast. So far, it's been the best-case scenario.
6. San Antonio Spurs (11-5)
Nov 18, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) gives an interview after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 6
Victor Wembanyama is the reason why the Spurs are must-watch TV. But this past week has shown they have the depth to compete. While he recovers from a calf strain, the rest of the roster has stepped up to get wins. De'Aaron Fox has made up for lost time. He's led San Antonio to three out of four wins. He's been the perfect co-star to Wembanyama and increases their ceiling.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement5. Los Angeles Lakers (12-4)
Nov 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 5
It's been quite the newsworthy week for the Lakers. Per usual. LeBron James finally returned from sciatica. It cost him the first three weeks of the season. Questioned how he can fit next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, he said he's a great enough player to fit on any team. Off the court, Los Angeles also changed up its scouting department. It let go of two Buss siblings. Those moves made the headline rounds. That's an interesting macro-change that could affect their player developmental success.
4. Houston Rockets (10-4)
Nov 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) reacts after scoring a baskset during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 4
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTaking the Nuggets to the wire, you have to be happy if you're the Rockets. No such thing as moral victories in the NBA, but throwing strong punches at Denver and OKC this season has shown Houston to be one of the better teams in the West. They have the league's best offense. Remains to be seen if they can keep it up. But at the very least, Kevin Durant has upgraded them to being a contender. Also helps that Reed Sheppard has been awesome after a forgettable rookie year. He's been a scoring machine. He scored 27 points in their close loss to the Nuggets.
3. Denver Nuggets (12-4)
Nov 17, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) lines up a shot in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 2
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementInjuries have piled up on the Nuggets. Last week, they lost Christian Braun for six-plus weeks with an ankle sprain. This time, they lost Aaron Gordon for at least a month with a hamstring strain. That's two of Denver's best starters. Brutal. I know they've revamped their depth, but being without those two for a long stretch could affect where they land in the standings. That's the only thing that's slowed down the Nuggets. They've looked like the clear-cut second-best team in the West behind OKC.
2. Detroit Pistons (14-2)
Nov 18, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dunks against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 3
The Pistons have forgotten how to lose. They've won an eye-popping 12 in a row. And that's with a roster constantly changing due to injuries. Detroit has created a little bit of a cushion in first place. The young squad broke out last year with a playoff appearance. They're now taking another leap as a contender. Even more help has arrived. Dealing with a knee injury, Jaden Ivey finally made his season debut. He's been plagued by injuries, but has shown himself to be a dynamic scorer who could help Detroit's offense. Scary thought for the rest of the East.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement1. Oklahoma City Thunder (17-1)
Nov 21, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts to a shot against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 1
The Thunder continue to be a win machine. They've won nine in a row. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played his way at the top of the early MVP conversations. 30 points in three quarters has turned into his specialty. At this point, most expect them to reach 70 wins. The reigning NBA champion looks even scarier than last season. And they're doing all this without Jalen Williams as he continues to be sidelined with wrist surgery. Scary thought for the rest of the NBA on his eventual return.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Power Rankings: LeBron returns; 2 NBA superstars could be traded
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