The NBA has concluded eleven weeks of the 2025-2026 season. Oklahoma City continues its dominant start to the season, while Indiana, last season’s Eastern Conference champion, carries on without superstar Tyrese Haliburton. The biggest surprise, through 11 weeks, has been the Toronto Raptors. The team has played well, and obvious improvements have led to their strong start. Here are the NBA team power rankings heading into Week 12.
30. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have taken a step back offensively and defensively. Losing a superstar is always rough, and Indiana is trying its best to stay competitive. The Pacers defensive decline is apparent as they rank 24th in points allowed per game.
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29. New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans’ biggest issue is defense. The Pelicans rank 28th in points allowed per game and 26th in defensive rebounding. Until the team improves defensively, the Pelicans will remain one of the league’s worst teams.
28. Sacramento Kings
Jan 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Kings started their downward trend when Domantas Sabonis went down with a knee injury. Sacramento’s big man is out for at least five more weeks. The team will have to make up a lot of ground to reach the play-in tournament.
27. Washington Wizards
The Wizards are trying to compete, but face difficulties. Their young players are very raw, and veterans CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton are far from their former selves at 34 years old each. Washington needs to move the two veterans and stockpile future draft assets.
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26. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are one of the few teams that play good defense but have poor offense. On the season, Brooklyn ranks 9th defensively and 30th offensively. If Cam Thomas can stay healthy, the Nets could find a hot streak.
25. Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte’s receiving production from its younger players and is moving in the right direction. Rookie Kon Knueppel has been as good as advertised and is the fourth-highest scorer on the team. The Hornets will add to their standings as they continue gaining experience and learn how to win.
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24. Dallas Mavericks
Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (10) celebrates with Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the second half against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
It’s tough to win when your team is without one of its best players. The Mavericks are doing what they can without Kyrie Irving. Irving does not have a timetable to return, but Dallas has enough to reach the play in tournament.
23. Utah Jazz
Utah ranks last in defense and 26th in points per game differential. The Jazz are one of the league’s better offensive teams, but struggle to win games. Allowing a high total of points per game will hinder Utah throughout the season.
22. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers enter Week 12 after seeing their longest winning streak of the season end on Thursday. The veteran team struggled early on but is righting the ship. If Los Angeles can continue winning, they will quickly move up the standings.
21. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta’s lack of defense is the main culprit in the team’s struggles. The Hawks allow opponents to score at will and lose the battle on the glass. Atlanta must find a way to improve in offensive and defensive rebounding.
20. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland has increased its play over the last week. However, the team still struggles to win close games. The Trail Blazers can add more wins by winning the games that end within three possessions or less.
19. Milwaukee Bucks
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 1,192,296
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks back during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
When Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the court, Milwaukee has a chance to win. However, the team rarely wins when their superstar misses time. The front office needs to find a way to help Giannis through trades.
18. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies struggles come in games decided by 10 points or less. Last week’s losses were by an average of five points. If Memphis can improve its perimeter defense, the team will find itself winning close games.
17. Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 7-3 in its last 10 games and is moving past its struggles after a hot start to the season. Offensively, the Bulls are one of the best scoring teams in the league, but struggle to prevent opponents from scoring. Their main defensive issues are in defending the three-point shot.
16. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has yet to have a stretch of more than four consecutive wins, but the team hasn’t lost more than three straight games. The Cavaliers have taken a step back in points allowed per game, but have played better defense over the last two weeks. It’s only a matter of time before Cleveland finds its stride.
15. Golden State Warriors
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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gestures after a three-point basket by guard Brandin Podziemski (not shown) during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Improved play has Golden State winning games. After stints of being held to low-scoring games, the Warriors have seen an increase in offensive production. The team has a favorable schedule over the next two weeks.
14. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have improved this season and keep adding wins to their record. Defensive improvements have helped the Raptors rank 4th in points allowed per game. Toronto is on the right path to the playoffs.
13. Orlando Magic
Orlando has dropped winnable games since the beginning of December and is .500 in its last 10 games. Franz Wagner hasn’t played since December 7th, and his return will give the team a much-needed boost. The Magic are a team to watch once their roster returns to full health.
12. Miami Heat
Miami is on a hot streak and playing some of its best basketball of the season. On the season, the Heat are averaging the 3rd–most points per game. The acquisition of Norman Powell has helped Miami to a strong start.
11. Philadelphia 76ers
Jan 3, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dunks in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Philadelphia has improved its scoring, and Tyrese Maxey is having the best season of his career. If the 76ers can find a way to keep Joel Embiid and Paul George in the lineup, they will rebound after last season’s disappointment. Rookie V.J. Edgecombe has been one of the team’s consistent contributors.
10. Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is on fire over its last 10 games and moving up the standings. The Suns’ defensive improvements have paid dividends through 11 weeks. As their offense improves, they should continue rising in the Western Conference standings.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles rebounded after suffering losses for the first time this season. Marcus Smart continues to help defensively. The Lakers have their work cut out for them this week with a Wednesday matchup against San Antonio.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota has been one of the league’s best teams since the end of November. Rudy Gobert continues to be one of the team’s best defensive players. Minnesota has the NBA’s 8th–best point differential.
7. Denver Nuggets
2. Nikola Jokic – 1,128,962 votes
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Denver will be without Nikola Jokic for a month. There will be struggles, and the Nuggets must find a way to tread water. Peyton Watson has stepped up his production since Jokic went down with an injury.
6. Boston Celtics
Since December 15th, Boston has lost one game. They continue to play well, and Jaylen Brown is having the best offensive season of his career. The Celtics continue to play well in Jayson Tatum’s absence.
5. New York Knicks
New York’s strong season continues. The team is one of the league’s best teams at home. The Knicks are looking to get back on track after dropping their last three games.
4. Houston Rockets
8. Kevin Durant – 548,754 votes
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks down during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Houston has been one of the league’s best offensive and defensive teams through 11 weeks. The team’s few struggles have occurred on the road. Kevin Durant continues to lead the team offensively.
3. Detroit Pistons
Detroit sits atop the Eastern Conference and is one of two teams that have yet to reach double-digit losses. The team’s defense ranks 5th in points allowed per game and is among the league’s best units. The Pistons haven’t slowed down after their strong 2024-2025 season.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Dec 12, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) at a press conference prior to the Emirates Cup semifinals at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
San Antonio continues to win and rank in the top ten in offense and defense. Victor Wembanyama is having the best start in his three-year career. If Wembanyama stays healthy, the Spurs will compete for a trip to the NBA Finals.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder continues to show no signs of a hangover following last season’s championship run. The team owns the league’s best record and has dropped back-to-back games once. On the season, Oklahoma City ranks 2nd in points per game and 1st in points allowed per game.
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