NBA Power Rankings: Playoff Push by Pacers, Nuggets Still on Top

As the 2024-25 NBA regular season nears its end, the competition for playoff spots is heating up in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Out West, the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks, dealing with injuries, are vying for the final play-in tournament spot at number 10. The Mavericks are hoping for a lift from Anthony Davis`s return after he recovered from an adductor injury, which kept him sidelined for a while, to overtake the Suns in the standings.

In the East, the Detroit Pistons, currently ranked 6th and a surprise team this season, are aiming for an even better playoff seed. Meanwhile, the battle for the 7th spot and play-in tournament between the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic is expected to be closely contested.

Here`s a look at how all 30 NBA teams are ranked this week in our Power Rankings.

Note: These rankings reflect the opinions of our NBA panel (ESPN`s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, and Chris Herring) on team performance this season.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

• 2024-25 record: 60-12

• Previous ranking: 2

• Next games: vs. MEM (Mar. 27), vs. IND (Mar. 29), vs. CHI (Mar. 31)

Jaylin Williams, the Thunder`s third-string center, has become a key player in their impressive March performance (12-1). Williams has been contributing 7.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on average this month, mainly coming off the bench. He achieved his first two career triple-doubles in the two games he started, both wins against the Trail Blazers and 76ers, when many of the Thunder`s regular starters were resting. Williams now joins Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Josh Giddey as the only Thunder players with multiple triple-doubles in a single season. — Tim MacMahon

---

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

• 2024-25 record: 58-14

• Previous ranking: 1

• Next games: vs. SA (Mar. 27), @ DET (Mar. 28), vs. LAC (Mar. 30)

While Cleveland`s success this season is built on teamwork and a strong rotation, Donovan Mitchell remains their primary playmaker. This was evident in a 123-112 loss to the Suns last week, the Cavaliers` fourth consecutive loss, where Mitchell scored a season-low of just seven points on 2-for-18 shooting. Despite the team`s overall talent, Mitchell is crucial for their playoff performance, and his performance directly impacts the team`s success. — Dave McMenamin

---

3. Boston Celtics

• 2024-25 record: 53-19

• Previous ranking: 3

• Next games: @ PHX (Mar. 26), @ SA (Mar. 29), @ MEM (Mar. 31)

It seems Boston has avoided a major injury to star player Jayson Tatum, even though he`s listed as questionable for Wednesday`s game due to an ankle sprain from Monday`s win in Sacramento. Tatum injured his ankle after landing awkwardly on a 3-point attempt when Domantas Sabonis contested his shot, but he was able to walk off the court without help. As the Celtics focus on the postseason, keeping all players healthy will be crucial for another Finals run. — Tim Bontemps

---

4. Houston Rockets

• 2024-25 record: 47-26

• Previous ranking: 4

• Next games: @ UTAH (Mar. 27), @ PHX (Mar. 30), @ LAL (Mar. 31)

The Rockets typically capitalize on favorable opportunities, but they missed one against the Nuggets on Sunday, even with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic out with an ankle injury. Jamal Murray dominated Houston`s defense, scoring 39 points and ending their nine-game winning streak. Houston coach Ime Udoka described the performance as `sloppy,` especially as the Rockets aim to refine key aspects for the postseason. Udoka wants Houston to fully embrace their physical, defense-oriented style as they approach the end of the regular season. — Michael Wright

---

5. Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 record: 45-28

• Previous ranking: 5

• Next games: vs. MIL (Mar. 26), vs. UTAH (Mar. 28), vs. MIN (Apr. 1)

The Nuggets began a five-game home stand with a 10-point loss to the Bulls. However, the main concern is Nikola Jokic`s health for the playoffs. Jokic has been absent for five consecutive games and was unlikely to play on Wednesday against the Bucks, but coach Michael Malone suggested he might return sometime during this home stand. Jamal Murray has been carrying the offensive load, scoring 39 and 28 points in the last two games without Jokic. — Ohm Youngmisuk

---

6. New York Knicks

• 2024-25 record: 45-26

• Previous ranking: 7

• Next games: vs. LAC (Mar. 26), @ MIL (Mar. 28), vs. POR (Mar. 30), vs. PHI (Apr. 1)

After having the second-worst defense in the league during February, New York has improved significantly in March, allowing only 109.1 points per 100 possessions, which is the second-best in the league for this month. While they have faced weaker opponents recently, this period has allowed them to work on key areas with Jalen Brunson out due to an ankle injury and Mitchell Robinson regaining his form. — Chris Herring

---

7. Los Angeles Lakers

• 2024-25 record: 43-28

• Previous ranking: 9

• Next games: @ IND (Mar. 26), @ CHI (Mar. 27), @ MEM (Mar. 29), vs. HOU (Mar. 31)

The Lakers have a 3-7 record in their last 10 games, and the return of LeBron James (groin injury) and Rui Hachimura (knee injury) hasn`t immediately boosted their performance as they both work to get back into top shape. Their seven losses have been by an average margin of 15.7 points, and their schedule doesn`t get easier as they conclude their road trip with games in Indiana and Chicago, followed by a match against the Grizzlies. — McMenamin

---

8. Memphis Grizzlies

• 2024-25 record: 44-28

• Previous ranking: 6

• Next games: @ OKC (Mar. 27), vs. LAL (Mar. 29), vs. BOS (Mar. 31), vs. GS (Apr. 1)

The Grizzlies have struggled on the road recently, losing three straight games during their current five-game road trip. Star guard Ja Morant has missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury, and the team announced that Brandon Clarke will be out for the remainder of the season with a severe PCL sprain in his right knee. Morant has only played in 43 of Memphis`s 70 games due to various injuries, and he needs to find consistency with his teammates in Memphis`s new offensive system before the playoffs begin. — Wright

---

9. Golden State Warriors

• 2024-25 record: 41-31

• Previous ranking: 8

• Next games: @ NO (Mar. 28), @ SA (Mar. 30), @ MEM (Apr. 1)

Stephen Curry rejoined the Warriors in Miami and participated in an individual workout after Monday`s practice. However, coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Curry felt some discomfort during a specific movement late in the workout, indicating he wasn`t quite ready to return and needed a few more days of rest. The Warriors were heavily defeated in Jimmy Butler`s return to Miami but have an opportunity to recover when they face the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. Kerr anticipates Curry will be able to return then, provided everything progresses well, giving him a week of rest since his pelvic contusion injury against Toronto on Thursday. A healthy and rested Curry is essential for them to avoid the play-in tournament. — Youngmisuk

---

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

• 2024-25 record: 41-32

• Previous ranking: 10

• Next games: vs. PHX (Mar. 28), vs. DET (Mar. 30), @ DEN (Apr. 1)

After an eight-game winning streak, the Timberwolves have lost three of their last four games, dropping to the No. 8 spot in the competitive Western Conference. Despite the team`s recent struggles, center Naz Reid is strengthening his case for another Sixth Man of the Year award. He scored 20 points off the bench for the 24th time this season on Monday, setting a new franchise record. Minnesota will need Reid to maintain this level of performance in their upcoming home games against Phoenix and Detroit before facing the Nuggets in Denver next week in a crucial matchup. — Jamal Collier

---

11. Indiana Pacers

• 2024-25 record: 42-29

• Previous ranking: 12

• Next games: vs. LAL (Mar. 26), @ WAS (Mar. 27), @ OKC (Mar. 29), vs. SAC (Mar. 31)

The Pacers are on a five-game winning streak and have won seven of their last eight, giving them a two-game lead over the Bucks for the No. 4 seed in the East. Tyrese Haliburton has continued his strong play in the second half of the season, achieving 11 consecutive double-doubles, which is currently the longest active streak in the league. Haliburton is on track to achieve the best assist-to-turnover ratio (5.46) in a season since Muggsy Bogues in 1990-91. — Collier

---

12. LA Clippers

• 2024-25 record: 40-31

• Previous ranking: 13

• Next games: @ NYK (Mar. 26), @ BKN (Mar. 28), @ CLE (Mar. 30), @ ORL (Mar. 31)

The Clippers have been playing well, winning eight of their last 10 games, with their most recent loss being a close two-point defeat to the Thunder on Sunday. Tyronn Lue returned from a back issue for the Thunder game. The Clippers, still missing assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy, are embarking on a late-season East Coast road trip, starting in New York against the Knicks, followed by games against the Nets, Cavs, and Magic before returning home. — Youngmisuk

---

13. Milwaukee Bucks

• 2024-25 record: 40-31

• Previous ranking: 11

• Next games: @ DEN (Mar. 26), vs. NYK (Mar. 28), vs. ATL (Mar. 30), vs. PHX (Apr. 1)

The Bucks have lost three of their last five games and are 4-6 in their last 10, a slump that coincides with the news of Damian Lillard being out indefinitely with a blood clot in his right calf. Without Lillard this season, the Bucks are 8-5 and averaging 108.5 points, compared to 115.7 points when he plays. — Collier

---

14. Detroit Pistons

• 2024-25 record: 41-32

• Previous ranking: 14

• Next games: vs. CLE (Mar. 28), @ MIN (Mar. 30)

With nine games remaining, the Pistons are now three games behind the Pacers and Bucks in the loss column for the No. 4 seed in the East and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Detroit can still realistically overtake the Bucks for fifth place, which would mean a more favorable first-round matchup against Indiana rather than facing New York as the No. 6 seed. The Pistons demonstrated their depth on Sunday, defeating the Pelicans even with All-Star Cade Cunningham and starter Tim Hardaway Jr. sidelined due to minor injuries. — Kevin Pelton

---

15. Sacramento Kings

• 2024-25 record: 35-37

• Previous ranking: 15

• Next games: vs. POR (Mar. 27), @ ORL (Mar. 29), @ IND (Mar. 31)

The Kings, who seemed secure in the ninth play-in spot a week ago with a three-game lead over the Mavericks and Suns, now find themselves fighting to maintain that position after losing four straight home games. Sacramento is just half a game ahead of Dallas and tied with Phoenix. One of these three teams will miss the play-in entirely, while the other two will compete in the 9-10 game. Domantas Sabonis`s return on Monday should help the Kings, who were 3-6 in the nine games he missed due to injury. — Pelton

---

16. Atlanta Hawks

• 2024-25 record: 35-37

• Previous ranking: 17

• Next games: @ MIA (Mar. 27), @ MIL (Mar. 30), vs. POR (Apr. 1)

While it`s unlikely, there is still a slight chance (1.5%, according to ESPN`s Basketball Power Index) for Atlanta to reach the top six in the East. The seventh-place Hawks, 5½ games behind the sixth-place Pistons, have gained two games on Detroit in their last 10 games. The Pistons have the second-toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, while Atlanta`s is the seventh-easiest. — Herring

---

17. Phoenix Suns

• 2024-25 record: 35-37

• Previous ranking: 18

• Next games: vs. BOS (Mar. 26), @ MIN (Mar. 28), vs. HOU (Mar. 30), @ MIL (Apr. 1)

The Suns are currently on a four-game winning streak, their longest since a seven-game streak from late October to early November. Kevin Durant has averaged 40 points in the last two games of this streak, against strong Eastern Conference teams like Cleveland and Milwaukee. However, the Suns face a challenging upcoming schedule with their next eight games including two against Boston, as well as matchups against Oklahoma City, Houston, Minnesota, New York, Golden State, and Milwaukee again. — McMenamin

---

18. Orlando Magic

• 2024-25 record: 35-38

• Previous ranking: 16

• Next games: vs. DAL (Mar. 27), vs. SAC (Mar. 29), vs. LAC (Mar. 31), @ SA (Apr. 1)

The Magic may be improving at the right time. Recent back-to-back wins against the Lakers and Hornets gave Orlando their first three-game winning streak since December 1st. Including their win against Cleveland and a loss at home to Houston, there are indications that Orlando is developing enough offense to complement their strong defense. Paolo Banchero is leading this offensive improvement, averaging 30 points in March and shooting 41.2% from 3-point range, resembling his strong early-season form before an oblique injury. — Pelton

---

19. Dallas Mavericks

• 2024-25 record: 35-38

• Previous ranking: 19

• Next games: @ ORL (Mar. 27), @ CHI (Mar. 29), vs. BKN (Mar. 31)

Spencer Dinwiddie, playing on a veteran`s minimum contract in his second stint with Dallas, has been crucial in keeping the injury-affected Mavericks` playoff hopes alive. Dinwiddie has averaged 23.5 points and 9.5 assists, while shooting 72.7% from the field, in the Mavs` recent wins against the Pistons and Nets. He also scored 28 points and had six assists in a March 10 win against the Spurs, the Mavs` only other victory since Kyrie Irving`s season-ending knee injury. — MacMahon

---

20. Portland Trail Blazers

• 2024-25 record: 32-41

• Previous ranking: 21

• Next games: @ SAC (Mar. 27), @ NYK (Mar. 30), @ ATL (Apr. 1)

With only nine games left, the Blazers are running out of time to catch the Mavericks and Suns for the final play-in spot in the West. However, they remain in contention after impressive home wins last week against the Grizzlies and the Nuggets (without Jokic). Portland`s improved defense, led by Toumani Camara, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, appears to be more than just luck with opponent shooting. Even though opponents` 3-point shooting against the Blazers has increased in March compared to February, Portland`s defense remains at a league-average level. — Pelton

---

21. Chicago Bulls

• 2024-25 record: 32-40

• Previous ranking: 22

• Next games: vs. LAL (Mar. 27), vs. DAL (Mar. 29), @ OKC (Mar. 31), vs. TOR (Apr. 1)

The Bulls have been playing well recently, going 8-2 in their last 10 games and leading the NBA in scoring with an average of 122.5 points during this period since March 6th. Their backcourt has been leading the charge, with Coby White achieving three consecutive 35-point games, his longest streak, and Josh Giddey averaging 22.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 54% (53% from 3-point range) since the All-Star break. Chicago is now two games behind Orlando for the No. 8 seed in the East. — Collier

---

22. San Antonio Spurs

• 2024-25 record: 31-40

• Previous ranking: 23

• Next games: @ CLE (Mar. 27), vs. BOS (Mar. 29), vs. GS (Mar. 30), vs. ORL (Apr. 1)

San Antonio faces a tough road to seriously contend for a play-in tournament spot, but they are not giving up. The Spurs held Toronto to just 40 first-half points in a dominant 123-89 victory on Sunday, securing their second three-game winning streak of the season with one more road game remaining in the East against the Cavaliers. Veteran Chris Paul played in his 70th game of the season, becoming the first player in their 20th season or later to play in each of their team`s first 70 games in league history. — Wright

---

23. Miami Heat

• 2024-25 record: 31-41

• Previous ranking: 20

• Next games: vs. ATL (Mar. 27), @ PHI (Mar. 29), @ WAS (Mar. 31)

Miami finally ended their 10-game losing streak on Sunday, thanks to a 42-point performance from Andrew Wiggins. This followed his previous best game in Miami, where he scored 30 points in the last loss of the streak against the Rockets on Friday. Despite their 10-game losing streak, Miami remarkably remains in a play-in tournament position in the Eastern Conference. — Bontemps

---

24. Brooklyn Nets

• 2024-25 record: 23-49

• Previous ranking: 26

• Next games: vs. TOR (Mar. 26), vs. LAC (Mar. 28), @ WAS (Mar. 29), @ DAL (Mar. 31)

For much of the season, the Brooklyn Nets showed resilience, but recent team changes, including trades and injuries, appear to have finally impacted the lottery-bound team. The Nets have gone 2-11 in March after a surprisingly decent 21-38 start to the season. — Herring

---

25. Toronto Raptors

• 2024-25 record: 25-47

• Previous ranking: 24

• Next games: @ BKN (Mar. 26), vs. CHA (Mar. 28), @ PHI (Mar. 30), @ CHI (Apr. 1)

Toronto is keeping pace with the 76ers and Nets in the lottery standings. However, facing one of the easiest schedules in the league has resulted in the Raptors having a 5-5 record in their last 10 games leading into Wednesday`s game against Brooklyn. A loss against the Nets could significantly reduce their chances of falling further behind these teams in the lottery race over the next few weeks. — Bontemps

---

26. Philadelphia 76ers

• 2024-25 record: 23-49

• Previous ranking: 25

• Next games: vs. WAS (Mar. 26), vs. MIA (Mar. 29), vs. TOR (Mar. 30), @ NYK (Apr. 1)

In a disappointing season for the 76ers, rookie Justin Edwards has been a positive development. Edwards is averaging 14 points and shooting 37.5% from 3-point range in March. He has been effectively utilizing the increased playing time and opportunities due to the team`s numerous injuries. — Bontemps

---

27. New Orleans Pelicans

• 2024-25 record: 20-53

• Previous ranking: 27

• Next games: vs. GS (Mar. 28), vs. CHA (Mar. 30)

The Pelicans faced more injury setbacks when Zion Williamson suffered a lower back contusion, causing him to miss the last two games of a three-game road trip. Rookie Yves Missi is also dealing with hip soreness, which kept him out of Sunday`s loss to Detroit. This game marked only the third time in franchise history that New Orleans lost despite shooting 55% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. It may be time for New Orleans to focus on future roster strategies and development. — Wright

---

28. Charlotte Hornets

• 2024-25 record: 18-54

• Previous ranking: 28

• Next games: @ TOR (Mar. 28), @ NO (Mar. 30), vs. UTAH (Mar. 31)

The second half of the season, and the overall season, has been very challenging for Charlotte point guard LaMelo Ball. After shooting just under 42% from the field before the All-Star break, his field goal percentage has dropped to just 35.3% since. His season field goal percentage of 40.1% and 3-point percentage of 33.6% are career lows, even with his league-leading 36% usage rate being the highest of his career. — Herring

---

29. Utah Jazz

• 2024-25 record: 16-57

• Previous ranking: 30

• Next games: vs. HOU (Mar. 27), @ DEN (Mar. 28), @ CHA (Mar. 31)

Utah has had at least 20 turnovers in 22 games this season, the most for any team in a season since the 2018-19 Hawks, according to ESPN Research. The Jazz lead the league with 17.6 turnovers per game (1.5 more than any other team) and allow 22.1 points off turnovers per game (1.8 more than any team). — MacMahon

---

30. Washington Wizards

• 2024-25 record: 15-56

• Previous ranking: 29

• Next games: @ PHI (Mar. 26), vs. IND (Mar. 27), vs. BKN (Mar. 29), vs. MIA (Mar. 31)

Washington has lost five straight games heading into Wednesday`s game at Philadelphia. For the Wizards, the focus is on developing young players like Alex Sarr down the stretch. Sarr is averaging 19.7 points in his last seven games, including a career-high 34-point performance in a win against Denver. It will be encouraging for the team to see Sarr finish his rookie season strongly and build momentum for his first offseason. — Youngmisuk