2025-26 NBA Power RankingsClemente Almanza, OKC Thunder WireMon, December 1, 2025 at 11:06 AM UTC·15 min readThanksgiving has come and gone, which means the NBA 2025-26 regular season is well underway. Another sign of that is that the 2025 NBA Cup knockout tournament has been set. Eight teams remain with a trip to Las Vegas on the line.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to be the NBA's best team. Jalen Williams' return should scare the rest of the league, as they add an All-NBA player. What should scare everybody even more is the LA Clippers' collapse. If they land in the lottery, they could gift the reigning NBA champion a high lottery pick.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementElsewhere, the Detroit Pistons had their 13-game win streak snapped. Despite that, they've been one of the NBA's best teams. It's taken most by surprise as they weren't really in the contender conversation for most of the offseason.
Every week, Thunder Wire will release updated 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings. Here is the Nov. 24-30 edition:
30. Washington Wizards (2-16)
Nov 25, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum (3) shoots the ball as Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) defends in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 30
The Wizards snapped a 14-game losing streak with a blowout win over the Hawks. CJ McCollum had a throwback performance with 46 points and an eye-popping 10 made 3-pointers. He's been a solid veteran to this rebuild group. Maybe Washington can eventually flip him in a trade. Being in bad situations for the last few years, he'd welcome a competitive team.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement29. Brooklyn Nets (3-16)
Nov 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) controls the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 27
The Nets continue to remain at rock bottom. No doubt, they're one of the NBA's worst teams. That was intentional. But at least this past week saw some of their rookies have their best games yet. Egor Demin had 23 points and nine rebounds in a loss to the Sixers. Danny Wolf had 22 points in a loss to the Bucks. Those are the type of flashes you gotta hold onto amid a bunch of losses.
28. Indiana Pacers (4-16)
Nov 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning basket against the Chicago Bulls at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 29
After being a win away from an NBA championship, it's been quite the dramatic nosedive for the Pacers. Injuries have destroyed any competitive hopes this season. All Indiana can hope for is that it's rewarded with such a bad season by landing a top pick. A rare two-game win streak has been a nice change of pace. Pascal Siakam scored a game-winner in a win over the Bulls. Shoutout to him for navigating these troubled waters.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement27. New Orleans Pelicans (3-18)
Nov 24, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 26
The Pelicans snapped a nine-game win streak with a win over the Bulls. Zion Williamson had a vintage performance with 29 points. It's probably too late to salvage this season, but New Orleans has plenty of intriguing pieces it could trade away. The big fish is Williamson. He's not the NBA superstar everybody thought he'd be, but the talent is still there. If you're willing to deal with the headache of injuries.
26. Sacramento Kings (5-16)
Nov 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) and guard Zach LaVine (8) celebrate at mid court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 28
In classic Kings fashion, they mounted an improbable OT win over the Timberwolves to start the week. DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points as Sacramento scored nine points in the final minute to shock them. You think with that type of win, they'd ride out the momentum. Nope. They lost to the Jazz. That sequence about sums up the type of team they are. The Kings have talent on paper, but can't put it together on the court for whatever reason.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement25. LA Clippers (5-15)
Nov 29, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 21
It's still early, but the Clippers may be cooked. A four-game losing streak has caused LA to panic. An inexcusable loss to the short-handed Mavericks has sounded the alarms. This is more than just a slow start. The Clippers look like an old and slow squad that's played bad basketball all season. The rest of the NBA sits in anxiety at the possibility that LA gifts the reigning NBA champion the 2026 No. 1 pick.
24. Charlotte Hornets (6-14)
Nov 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 25
Two wins over the Bulls and Raptors have been a nice band-aid for the Hornets. They served an upset against the latter opponent as Miles Bridges scored 35 points in an OT win. They've fallen in the NBA standings, but have shown themselves to be one of the more fun, high-scoring offenses. It's all about player development and establishing a good culture for Charlotte this season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement23. Utah Jazz (6-13)
Nov 28, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) dirbbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 23
The Jazz are hoping to make up for lost time. A four-game losing streak has them near the bottom of the standings. That's what their front office hopes to be by the end of the year. It's all about lottery odds, as Utah has had some bad luck in recent years. Lauri Markannen and Keyonte George have stressed them out in a good way. Both have been their top scorers with career seasons so far. They combined for 59 points in a win over the Kings.
22. Dallas Mavericks (6-15)
Nov 29, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) and forward Cooper Flagg (32) chat during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 24
In their upset win over the Clippers, you saw why Cooper Flagg has been a household name since he was in high school. The 2025 No. 1 pick had his best game yet. He went off for 35 points in a win over the Clippers. The 18-year-old is the youngest player in league history to put up that many buckets in a game. Taking some time to adjust to the NBA, Flagg has played some awesome basketball. Dallas has its hands on a future NBA superstar.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement21. Portland Trail Blazers (8-12)
Nov 30, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) is fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 20
After a hot start, the Trail Blazers have cooled down. Maybe you can credit that to their backcourt injuries, but perhaps they were playing above their heads and have seen their record get corrected. Either way, you'll take this start if you're Portland. Deni Avdija has had a breakout season as a 25-point scorer. He's risen to be the Trail Blazers' best player among a group of really good players.
20. Memphis Grizzlies (9-12)
Nov 28, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (left) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) greet center Jock Landale (31) during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 22
Hitting a soft part of their schedule, the Grizzlies have won a handful of gimme wins. That's what playoff contenders do. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 27 points in an OT win over the Pelicans. He's stepped up as Memphis' best player as Ja Morant has been sidelined. Consistency is always his biggest weakness, but he has the hot hand right now as the Grizzlies try to mount back to being a .500 squad.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement19. Chicago Bulls (9-10)
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) celebrates after scoring against the Washington Wizards during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 17
The clock has struck midnight. The Bulls were one of the best stories in the first couple of weeks this season. Since then, they've turned back into a pumpkin. A three-game losing streak has exposed their bad defense. Nikola Vucevic foretold that things weren't fixed as he scored 28 points in a close win over the Wizards. Folks who thought he was grumpy turned out to be wrong. Chicago has nosedived in the standings.
18. Milwaukee Bucks (9-12)
Nov 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts late in the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets as the Bucks ended their seven game losing streak at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 19
The Bucks stopped the bleeding as a seven-game losing streak was snapped with a win over the Nets. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points as he recently returned from a calf strain. That's good and all, but man, Milwaukee offered zero hope for the rest of its roster. His absence showed just how much it depends on the two-time MVP winner. That's not what you want to show in a season that could make or break his long-term future there.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement17. Golden State Warriors (11-10)
Nov 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gets up injured after a play against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 18
Speaking of NBA superstars being dependent on too much from their old roster, Stephen Curry will miss at least a week with a quad contusion. Uh oh. That could lead to some losses against tougher competition. Everything in Golden State revolves around him. So far, they have picked up a close win over the lowly Pelicans. Let's see how they do the rest of the way as the two-time MVP winner recovers from the injury.
16. Philadelphia 76ers (10-9)
![Nov 25, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic] during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2o7.5cT7Yv9ZQy_35mBMAA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/thunder_wire_usa_today_sports_articles_686/608b749e5ef58d985cb8857625b16563)
Nov 25, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic] during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 14
At this point, the Sixers can't wait around for Joel Embiid to stay healthy or return to playing like an MVP candidate. Those days are long gone, sadly. He can still be a complementary player, though. Philadelphia has done a good job at pivoting to Tyrese Maxey. The 30-point scorer has been their best player this season. Don't expect that to change either. He scored 44 points in a 2OT loss to the Hawks. They've had a good start to their season after a disastrous campaign last year.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement15. Boston Celtics (11-9)
Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) dunks past Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 16
No longer a title contender, the Celtics have been a pesky bunch. Most thought they'd tank, but their stats suggest they're closer to being a playoff team. Jaylen Brown has taken advantage of being the undisputed best player. He dropped 33 points in a signature win over the Pistons to snap their win streak. He then scored 41 points in a loss ot the Timberwolves. Boston has given him the keys to the team. He's produced as a near 30-point scorer this year.
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (12-8)
Nov 26, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 11
Speaking of scoring explosions, Anthony Edwards had quite the individual week. He's ascended into one of the NBA's best scorers with a near 30-point average. He went off for 43 points in an OT loss to the Kings and 39 points in a win over the Celtics. Even though the Timberwolves have had recent meltdown losses, he's nowhere near to blame for that. It really speaks to the rest of the Minnesota roster, as most of the role players have taken a step back.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement13. Phoenix Suns (12-9)
Nov 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA;Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 8
Taking the Thunder down to the final seconds, the Suns had their best outing yet this season. A close loss to OKC validates Phoenix's surprising start. Everybody knows what Devin Booker does at this point, but the rest of the roster is filled with veteran role players who know their role. Quite a refreshing change for an NBA franchise that has been known for off-court drama that leads to underperforming seasons. This should be a fun year for Suns fans.
12. Cleveland Cavaliers (12-9)
Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to net against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 10
Anybody who thought the Cavaliers would repeat last year's regular-season dominance must feel disappointed. Don't get me wrong, they're still one of the better teams in the East. If they get healthy, they could make a playoff run. But from everything Cleveland has shown this season, it just looks like another East team. Not a team in its own tier. Donovan Mitchell has done a helluva carry job as a 30-point scorer. But that's an unsustainable plan for success.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement11. Orlando Magic (12-8)
Oct 29, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 12
Well, those early-season struggles feel like a distant memory. The Magic have played their best basketball. They dropped 144 points in a blowout win over the Sixers. Anthony Black scored a career-high 31 points. They then beat the Pistons. Desmond Bane scored 37 points. Everything is starting to click in Orlando. Can't wait to see how Paolo Banchero fits into all of this when he returns from his groin strain. That's the million-dollar question everybody awaits.
10. New York Knicks (13-6)
Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 13
Jalen Brunson's monster scoring has highlighted the Knicks' four-game win streak. He dropped 33 points in a blowout win over the Hornets and 37 points in a comfortable win over the Bucks. Even with a coaching change, he's been one of the NBA's top scorers. Everything starts and stops with Brunson. New York continues to hover around the conversation as an East contender.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement9. Miami Heat (13-7)
Nov 24, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) brings the ball up the court against the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 9
The Heat have been one of the hottest teams in the league. A six-game win streak was only snapped in a close loss to the Pistons. Not bad. One of the NBA's best offenses welcomed Tyler Herro. He made his season debut after recovering from ankle surgery. He scored 24 points in a win over the Mavericks. It'll be interesting to see how he fits with this squad, as the All-Star player has previously been Miami's best player.
8. Atlanta Hawks (13-8)
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 15
The Hawks continue to thrive without their All-Star player. Trae Young will be re-evaluated in two weeks for his MCL sprain. But if you're Atlanta, there's likely a side of you that's cool with him taking his sweet time. In the meantime, Jalen Johnson has blossomed into a probable first-time All-Star. He had a 29-point triple-double in a win over the Cavaliers. He then scored 41 points in a 2OT win over the Sixers. It makes you wonder if Young is the best long-term fit there. It's a nuanced argument with both sides having valid points.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement7. Toronto Raptors (14-7)
Nov 26, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the winning basket with 0.6 seconds on the clock against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 7
Probably the biggest surprise team in the NBA. A nine-game win streak has turned them from a squad that the national media mostly ignored to a team playing its way into the contention conversation. You can thank Brandon Ingram for that. He scored 37 points in a win over the Cavaliers and a game-winner in a win over the Pacers. Since he joined Toronto, it's turned into one of the better teams in the East. The sum is greater than the parts with this team.
6. San Antonio Spurs (13-6)
Nov 28, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) battles for the ball with Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) and guard Jamal Murray (27) in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 6
The short-handed Spurs continue to get wins. Give them credit as Victor Wembanyama remains out with an injury. It's been a group effort where any of their players can go off on any night. One example is Devin Vassell's 35 points in a win over the Nuggets. He's struggled to stay in the rotation, but has stepped up when San Antonio needed it. He might be buried on the depth chart, but not because of talent. Moreso because of the Spurs' deep backcourt.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement5. Denver Nuggets (14-5)
Nov 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 3
The Nuggets have had a couple of bad losses to the Kings and Spurs. That's caused them to drop down in the standings a little bit. That said, nobody has gotten cold feet on Denver's ceiling. Nikola Jokic has played like someone knocking on the door of a fourth MVP award. He's averaged a superb-efficient 29-point triple-double. What he does on a night-to-night basis has most folks proclaiming him to be one of the best players ever. Reading the tea leaves, feels like he's ahead of the rest of the competition in the MVP race. But still plenty of time left for that to change.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement4. Houston Rockets (13-4)
Nov 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) during a game against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 4
Everybody knows the Rockets are probably one of the five best teams in the NBA. They've been a win machine with the best offense. Kevin Durant has been the superstar addition they hoped for. But underneath that, Reed Sheppard's development might help Houston overcome its lack of a backcourt. He scored a career-best 31 points in a win over the Warriors. He had a forgettable rookie year but has turned around his perception with a hot month. Let's see if he can keep it up, but he's definitely their wildcard.
3. Los Angeles Lakers (15-4)
Nov 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a foul on Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 5
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCredit the Lakers, they've taken advantage of a cupcake schedule. A seven-game win streak is littered with teams at the bottom of the standings. That's what you have to do if you're a contender. Take care of the gimmes. Austin Reaves had 38 points and Luka Doncic had 35 points in a win over the Mavericks. Those two have led Los Angeles to an excellent start. Being a high-scoring threat surrounded by complementary players has been a great roster construction so far. It leads to a bunch of free-throw attempts.
2. Detroit Pistons (16-4)
Nov 29, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 2
The Pistons rode a franchise-record 13-game win streak to the top of the East standings. That's given them some wiggle room with the rest of the field. They returned to their winning ways with a win over the Heat. Cade Cunningham had 29 points. Detroit looks like it's taken a contender leap. Even with a young roster, hard to deny their chances of an NBA Finals trip if everything goes right. Led by Cunningham, several of their young players have expedited their development.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement1. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-1)
Nov 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) moves the ball down the court against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesPrevious Rankings: 1
The NBA's best team. The Thunder belong in a tier of their own. They're on a 12-game win streak. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has helped his MVP case with superb-efficient 30-plus point performances on a national stage. And to scare the rest of the league even more, Jalen Williams finally returned. He was sidelined the first month of the season with wrist surgery. Now that he's back, OKC gains an All-NBA player. It makes it feel even more impossible to catch the Thunder on a bad night with his addition. The reigning NBA champion is everybody's pick to go back-to-back.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Power Rankings: NBA Cup tournament set; Pistons' streak snapped
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