NBA Power Rankings: Playoff Race Heats Up

With the NBA regular season entering its final two weeks, much is still at stake. Playoff berths are being secured, but the battle to avoid the play-in tournament intensifies daily, especially in the competitive Western Conference where teams from third to eighth are closely bunched.

At the lower end of the standings, teams are balancing strong finishes with improving their chances in the draft lottery, eager for the top pick in a prospect-rich class headlined by Cooper Flagg.

As the season winds down, players are vying for postseason honors and major awards like MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year.

Our NBA experts provide their analysis on the current Power Rankings and key storylines for the remaining weeks.

Note: Team rankings reflect the consensus of our panel of ESPN insiders.

Contents

1. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. 2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. 3. Boston Celtics
4. 4. Houston Rockets
5. 5. Denver Nuggets
6. 6. Los Angeles Lakers
7. 7. Golden State Warriors
8. 8. Indiana Pacers
9. 9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. 10. Minnesota Timberwolves
11. 11. New York Knicks
12. 12. LA Clippers
13. 13. Detroit Pistons
14. 14. Milwaukee Bucks
15. 15. Atlanta Hawks
16. 16. Dallas Mavericks
17. 17. Sacramento Kings
18. 18. Orlando Magic
19. 19. Chicago Bulls
20. 20. Phoenix Suns
21. 21. Miami Heat
22. 22. Portland Trail Blazers
23. 23. New Orleans Pelicans
24. 24. San Antonio Spurs
25. 25. Toronto Raptors
26. 26. Brooklyn Nets
27. 27. Philadelphia 76ers
28. 28. Charlotte Hornets
29. 29. Washington Wizards
30. 30. Utah Jazz

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

• 2024-25 Record: 63-12
• Previous Ranking: 1
• Next Games: vs. DET (Apr. 2), @ HOU (Apr. 4), vs. LAL (Apr. 6), vs. LAL (Apr. 8)

Oklahoma City`s dominant win against the Bulls secured the best cross-conference record in NBA history, boasting a 28-1 record against Eastern Conference teams. — Tim MacMahon

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

• 2024-25 Record: 60-15
• Previous Ranking: 2
• Next Games: vs. NYK (Apr. 2), @ SA (Apr. 4), vs. SAC (Apr. 6), vs. CHI (Apr. 8)

The Cavaliers have clinched their third 60-win season and are focused on maintaining the top seed in the East, holding a four-game lead over the Celtics. — Dave McMenamin

3. Boston Celtics

• 2024-25 Record: 56-19
• Previous Ranking: 3
• Next Games: vs. MIA (Apr. 2), vs. PHX (Apr. 4), vs. WAS (Apr. 6), @ NYK (Apr. 8)

While a top seed is still mathematically possible, the Celtics` priority is playoff readiness and health as they are confident against any opponent at full strength. — Tim Bontemps

4. Houston Rockets

• 2024-25 Record: 49-27
• Previous Ranking: 4
• Next Games: vs. UTAH (Apr. 2), vs. OKC (Apr. 4), @ GS (Apr. 6)

Coach Ime Udoka emphasizes health and consistency for the Rockets as they prepare for the playoffs, focusing on defense-to-offense transitions and improving half-court execution. — Michael Wright

5. Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 Record: 47-29
• Previous Ranking: 5
• Next Games: vs. SA (Apr. 2), @ GS (Apr. 4), vs. IND (Apr. 6)

The Nuggets aim for a top-four seed in the West, with Nikola Jokic in a tight MVP race. Health for Jokic, Murray, and Gordon is crucial for Denver`s playoff aspirations. — Ohm Youngmisuk

6. Los Angeles Lakers

• 2024-25 Record: 46-29
• Previous Ranking: 7
• Next Games: vs. GS (Apr. 3), vs. NO (Apr. 4), @ OKC (Apr. 6), @ OKC (Apr. 8)

LeBron James and the Lakers are determined to secure a guaranteed playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament. — McMenamin

7. Golden State Warriors

• 2024-25 Record: 44-31
• Previous Ranking: 9
• Next Games: @ LAL (Apr. 3), vs. DEN (Apr. 4), vs. HOU (Apr. 6), @ PHX (Apr. 8)

The Warriors, with Jimmy Butler III, are focused on a top-six seed to bypass the play-in and gain valuable rest before the playoffs. — Youngmisuk

8. Indiana Pacers

• 2024-25 Record: 44-31
• Previous Ranking: 11
• Next Games: vs. CHA (Apr. 2), vs. UTAH (Apr. 4), @ DEN (Apr. 6), vs. WAS (Apr. 8)

The Pacers aim to maintain their top-four seed and secure home-court advantage in the first round, capitalizing on a favorable home schedule. — Jamal Collier

9. Memphis Grizzlies

• 2024-25 Record: 44-32
• Previous Ranking: 8
• Next Games: @ MIA (Apr. 3), @ DET (Apr. 5), @ CHA (Apr. 8)

Following the surprising firing of coach Taylor Jenkins, the Grizzlies are adapting to interim coach Tuomas Iisalo and refining their offense around Ja Morant. — Wright

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

• 2024-25 Record: 44-32
• Previous Ranking: 10
• Next Games: @ BKN (Apr. 3), @ PHI (Apr. 5), @ MIL (Apr. 8)

The Timberwolves are pushing to avoid the play-in and secure a top-six seed, currently tied in the standings with the Grizzlies. — Collier

11. New York Knicks

• 2024-25 Record: 48-27
• Previous Ranking: 6
• Next Games: @ CLE (Apr. 2), @ ATL (Apr. 5), vs PHX (Apr. 6), vs. BOS (Apr. 8)

The Knicks` main focus is the health of Jalen Brunson as he recovers from injury, hoping for his return and the return of key backups before the playoffs. — Chris Herring

12. LA Clippers

• 2024-25 Record: 43-32
• Previous Ranking: 12
• Next Games: vs. NO (Apr. 2), vs. DAL (Apr. 4), vs. DAL (Apr. 5), vs. SA (Apr. 8)

The Clippers are vying for a sixth seed and prioritizing Kawhi Leonard`s health to ensure he is available and healthy for the playoff run. — Youngmisuk

13. Detroit Pistons

• 2024-25 Record: 42-33
• Previous Ranking: 14
• Next Games: @ OKC (Apr. 2), @ TOR (Apr. 4), vs. MEM (Apr. 5), vs. SAC (Apr. 7)

The Pistons, close to securing a playoff return, are focused on seeding in the East, aiming to overtake Indiana for home-court advantage or stay ahead of Milwaukee. — Kevin Pelton

14. Milwaukee Bucks

• 2024-25 Record: 41-34
• Previous Ranking: 13
• Next Games: @ PHI (Apr. 3), @ MIA (Apr. 5), @ NO (Apr. 6), vs. MIN (Apr. 8)

Damian Lillard`s health is critical for the Bucks, who have slipped in the standings. Their playoff hopes hinge on his return and the Lillard-Antetokounmpo partnership. — Collier

15. Atlanta Hawks

• 2024-25 Record: 36-39
• Previous Ranking: 16
• Next Games: @ DAL (Apr. 2), vs. NYK (Apr. 5), vs. UTAH (Apr. 6), @ ORL (Apr. 8)

The Hawks prioritize managing Trae Young`s injury and getting Clint Capela back. They are likely headed for a play-in matchup against Orlando. — Herring

16. Dallas Mavericks

• 2024-25 Record: 37-39
• Previous Ranking: 19
• Next Games: vs. ATL (Apr. 2), @ LAC (Apr. 4), @ LAC (Apr. 5)

The Mavericks are integrating a healthy frontcourt with the return of Davis, Gafford, and potentially Lively II, aiming to solidify their lineup. — MacMahon

17. Sacramento Kings

• 2024-25 Record: 36-39
• Previous Ranking: 15
• Next Games: @ WAS (Apr. 2), @ CHA (Apr. 4), @ CLE (Apr. 6), @ DET (Apr. 7)

Despite recent struggles, the Kings hold onto a play-in spot, with Durant`s injury improving their chances, though the tiebreaker with Phoenix is still at stake. — Pelton

18. Orlando Magic

• 2024-25 Record: 37-40
• Previous Ranking: 18
• Next Games: @ WAS (Apr. 3), vs. ATL (Apr. 8)

The Magic are in a play-in seeding battle with the Hawks, needing to climb to avoid the single-elimination game. — Pelton

19. Chicago Bulls

• 2024-25 Record: 34-42
• Previous Ranking: 21
• Next Games: vs. POR (Apr. 4), @ CHA (Apr. 6), @ CLE (Apr. 8)

The Bulls are evaluating Josh Giddey ahead of free agency, focusing on his finish to the season and potential playoff performance. — Collier

20. Phoenix Suns

• 2024-25 Record: 35-41
• Previous Ranking: 17
• Next Games: @ BOS (Apr. 4), @ NYK (Apr. 6), vs. GS (Apr. 8)

Kevin Durant`s injury jeopardizes the Suns` play-in hopes as they face a tough upcoming schedule and trail the Kings. — McMenamin

21. Miami Heat

• 2024-25 Record: 34-41
• Previous Ranking: 23
• Next Games: @ BOS (Apr. 2), vs. MEM (Apr. 3), vs. MIL (Apr. 5), vs. PHI (Apr. 7)

The Heat have rebounded after a losing streak, giving themselves a chance to get into the 7-8 play-in game to protect future draft picks. — Bontemps

22. Portland Trail Blazers

• 2024-25 Record: 33-43
• Previous Ranking: 20
• Next Games: @ TOR (Apr. 3), @ CHI (Apr. 4), vs. SA (Apr. 6)

Portland`s play-in chances are slim, and their focus might shift to lottery positioning, potentially vying with San Antonio for better odds. — Pelton

23. New Orleans Pelicans

• 2024-25 Record: 21-54
• Previous Ranking: 27
• Next Games: @ LAC (Apr. 2), @ LAL (Apr. 4), vs. MIL (Apr. 6), @ BKN (Apr. 8)

Injuries have derailed the Pelicans` season, with Williamson and McCollum out for the year. They are now focused on draft and roster planning for next season. — Wright

24. San Antonio Spurs

• 2024-25 Record: 31-44
• Previous Ranking: 22
• Next Games: @ DEN (Apr. 2), vs. CLE (Apr. 6), @ POR (Apr. 6), @ LAC (Apr. 8)

The Spurs face a tough schedule but remain competitive, focusing on developing young players and watching Stephon Castle`s Rookie of the Year bid. — Wright

25. Toronto Raptors

• 2024-25 Record: 28-48
• Previous Ranking: 25
• Next Games: vs. POR (Apr. 3), vs. DET (Apr. 4), @ BKN (Apr. 6)

Eliminated from playoff contention, the Raptors are using remaining games to evaluate the Barnes-Quickley duo for future team building. — Bontemps

26. Brooklyn Nets

• 2024-25 Record: 25-51
• Previous Ranking: 24
• Next Games: vs. MIN (Apr. 3), vs. TOR (Apr. 6), vs. NO (Apr. 8)

Despite lottery positioning, Nets coach Jordi Fernandez is pushing the team to compete, recently achieving back-to-back wins. — Herring

27. Philadelphia 76ers

• 2024-25 Record: 23-53
• Previous Ranking: 26
• Next Games: vs. MIL (Apr. 3), vs. MIN (Apr. 5), @ MIA (Apr. 7)

The 76ers are focused on securing a top-six lottery position to protect their draft pick from being conveyed to Oklahoma City. — Bontemps

28. Charlotte Hornets

• 2024-25 Record: 19-56
• Previous Ranking: 28
• Next Games: @ IND (Apr. 2), vs. SAC (Apr. 4), vs. CHI (Apr. 6), vs. MEM (Apr. 8)

The Hornets aim to remain in the bottom three for top lottery odds, with Ball out for the season and focus on draft positioning. — Herring

29. Washington Wizards

• 2024-25 Record: 16-59
• Previous Ranking: 30
• Next Games: vs. SAC (Apr. 2), vs. ORL (Apr. 3), @ BOS (Apr. 6), @ IND (Apr. 8)

The Wizards are prioritizing top lottery odds in the upcoming draft, balancing player development with the need for the best possible pick. — Youngmisuk

30. Utah Jazz

• 2024-25 Record: 16-60
• Previous Ranking: 29
• Next Games: @ HOU (Apr. 2), @ IND (Apr. 4), @ ATL (Apr. 6)

Rookie Isaiah Collier broke John Stockton`s franchise rookie assist record, a bright spot in a season focused on development for the Jazz. — MacMahon