We’ve reached a point in the season where trends can no longer be dismissed as early noise. Teams have defined their identities, rotations are settling, and the standings are beginning to reflect more than short-term momentum. The contenders are separating themselves, the middle tier continues to fluctuate, and weaknesses are becoming harder to hide with each passing game. With all of that in mind, it’s time to evaluate where things stand. Here are the top 10 teams in the NBA at this stage of the season, based on performance, consistency, and the trajectory each team appears to be heading toward.
10. Orlando Magic
The Magic came into this season with high expectations after their offseason acquisition of Desmond Bane. The Magic are still struggling with health issues, but they are hitting their stride, and once Paolo Banchero returns, they will be a force to be reckoned with. The Magic are growing, and they finally crack the power rankings and land at number 10.
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9. Cleveland Cavaliers
Nov 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Cavaliers have had a rough few weeks and have fallen from the top 3 in the power rankings to number 9. The Cavs have everything they need to win a championship and put a run together, but something is off right now. Whether it is injuries or just the team chemistry being off, they have to figure out what will work so they can be ready when the real test comes.
8. New York Knicks
The Knicks have been missing players every game, it feels like, and then the next game, it is someone different. They have still put together a solid season so far. Coming into the season, depth was a huge concern, but they have been doing pretty well in that regard. The Knicks land at number 8 in this week’s power rankings.
7. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have been one of the most under-the-radar teams in the NBA so far this season. There has not been a specific guy who carries them each game, but they have just been putting it together as a whole team. They are currently 14-6 and are 2nd in the entire Eastern Conference. If they maintain this pace, they will be a scary team down the stretch.
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6. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are officially here. They have lacked consistency when they miss Victor Wembanyama these past few seasons; they have now shown they can win games without him. They have what feels like a great roster built around him with a lot of athleticism and playmaking with Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox.
5. Denver Nuggets
Nov 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reaccts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Nuggets will always be contenders as long as Nikola Jokic is on the team. He is a walking triple-double and is making a case to win his 4th NBA MVP. The Nuggets have been playing great, and Jamal Murray is having his best season in a very long time. He just looks different. The Nuggets land at number 5 in this week’s power rankings.
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4. Los Angeles Lakers
Lebron James is finally back, and he has not been anything special, but just having an extra guy there to make plays and make things happen. This is Luka Doncic’s team, and he is leading them very well. The Lakers feel a lot different this season compared to any other season in recent history, other than their championship season.
3. Houston Rockets
The Rockets can easily win the NBA finals this season. They have been 12-2 after starting the season 0-2. The Rockets feel different than the rest of the NBA; they feel like they have chemistry, and they just work well together as a team. The addition of Kevin Durant was going to be great on paper but it looks even better on the court. They just work great together.
2. Detroit Pistons
Nov 18, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Pistons look elite, they look like the favorites out of the east, they win in a multitude of ways, defensively, offensively, or balanced. The Pistons are just a well-oiled machine that comes out with wins in what feels like every game they play. The Pistons are 1st in the East and are currently 16-4
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
There is literally nothing else to say about the Thunder other than the fact that they are the best team in the NFL. The Thunder are probably going to win the NBA Finals and we can see that from the early stage of the season already. The Thunder have the best defense in the NBA and have not even played at their best yet.
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