The dust settles in the 2025 NBA offseason, with training camp around the corner, and now is the time for our tradition of the year – Doctors of the Hoop NBA Power Ranking. From sensational trades to surprising draft picks and breakout playoff performances, the outlook for each team has changed since last season’s final buzzer. Some franchisees are chasing the championship, while others are pressing the reset button and betting on youth and development. Check out the 2025–26 NBA power rankings and let us know what you’re predicting next year!

At the top, defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder looks ready to defend their title, deeper and more dangerous than last year. The Pacers are a huge question mark for Halliburton’s Achilles’ injury. Meanwhile, competitors like the Rockets, Cavaliers and Knicks have all reorganized and climbed up the ranks. But don’t count the battle test squads like the Warriors and the Lakers, and it’s still important in the playoff gloves.

On the ladder, rebuilding the team like the Spurs, Pistons and Jazz is testing the young core, hoping to lay the foundation for future success. This year’s race is expected to be one of the most unpredictable matches in recent memory, and we’re here for all of them.

Let’s enter the 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings – Start with the Championship.

1	Oklahoma City Thunderbolt The defending champion returns with the deep, young core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After dominating last season, they are ready for another game of continuity and hunger.
2	Houston Rockets Kevin Durant’s addition has added instant championship bloodline. Coupled with their young talent and solid coaching, Houston is no longer just a reconstruction team.
3	Cleveland Cavaliers With over 60 victorious seasons and a mature core built around Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, Cleveland is ready to take the next step.
4	Golden State Warriors Steph Curry continues to resist age, with solid veterans around him, and the Warriors are still contenders if they stay healthy.
5	New York Knicks Jalen Brunson’s leadership and tenacious supporter make New York a dangerous playoff threat. They are far away from greatness.
6	Los Angeles Lakers Adding Luka Doncic provides LeBron with a real co-star. With Luka’s physical condition, if their role players strengthen, then this team can keep going.
7	Indiana Pacers Tyrese Haliburton’s injury slowed them down, but the return of health and strong depth put Indiana firmly on the upper floor.
8	Boston Celtics They still have one of the best rosters in the league, but durability and depth are still their biggest obstacles.
9	Minnesota Timberwolves The rise of Anthony Edwards brings new life to Minnesota. If their big guys stay focused, they are a dark horse in the West.
10	Denver Nuggets The defending champion slipped slightly, but remained dangerous while Jokic was leading and the system was intact.
11	Orlando Magic Paolo Banchero’s young energy, athleticism and emerging stars look like a future powerhouse.
12	Philadelphia 76 people Joel Embiid is dominant in a healthy situation, but the playoff inconsistency and aging stars create question marks.
13	King Sacramento Fox and Sabonis are one of the best duo in the league, but playoff experience and consistency still require work.
14	Dallas Mavericks Luka is gone, Davis doesn’t often play in the lineup, but the support cast must prove that it can provide when counting.
15	Miami Hot Miami is always more than expected, but their roster may be aging out of competition.
16	Toronto Raptors Developing young wings and solid defense keeps them competitive, but lacks star power.
17	Chicago Bulls A mix of veterans and youth makes Chicago important, but they need to define their long-term identities.
18	Atlanta Hawks The Trae Young is electric, but the team’s defense and depth continue to limit its upper limit.
19	Washington Wizards A group of promising young players are emerging, but it’s still a few years since the playoff relevance.
20	Charlotte Hornet The Lamelo Ball can light it up, but health and consistency are still the main concerns.
twenty one	Brooklyn Basketball Network Rebuilding with youth and finding identity in the Soviet era.
twenty two	Portland Trail Blazers Without Lillard, the Trail Blazers are in a complete reconstruction mode, hoping that young players can develop rapidly.
twenty three	New Orleans Pelicans Zion’s health is the ultimate wildcard. When he plays, they are competing.
twenty four	Memphis Grizzlies Still have footsteps and defensiveness, but lack of offensive breakthroughs.
25	Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham is becoming a star, and a few years later in the cellar, the team is showing signs of life.
26	Utah Jazz Utah has been redeveloped and will focus on development this year.
27	San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama is a must-see, but the Spurs are still in the fragments around him.
28	Los Angeles Clippers Kawhi and PG are unable to stay healthy and the windows appear to be closing.
29	Phoenix Sun A disappointing year later, a Phoenix lacks depth and internal turmoil.
30	Milwaukee Bucks With Giannis’ possible departure and thinning roster, Milwaukee entered the reconstruction phase. If he stays, they will quickly rise to those rankings, but they still won’t be as good as they were two years ago.

Power Rankings after NBA – Among Basketball Doctors, the advancing 2025-26 season has emerged.