The NBA has finished 12 weeks of the regular season. The top teams in the league have seen movement in the power rankings. The bottom-ranked teams haven’t moved as much, and this is understandable as a team like Indiana continues to play without its superstar. The Detroit Pistons continue their strong season and show no signs of slowing down. Here are the NBA team power rankings heading into Week 13.
30. Indiana Pacers
Indiana’s season continues while Tyrese Haliburton recovers from last season’s achillies injury. As of now, the team holds the best odds in the upcoming draft lottery. They need Haliburton fully healthy heading into next season.
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29. New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans has an issue keeping games within winning distance. On the season, New Orleans ranks 28th in points allowed per game. Like last season, the team cannot keep its best players on the court.
28. Sacramento Kings
Jan 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward/guard DeMar DeRozan (10) controls the ball against against Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The team continues to struggle while they await Domantas Sabonis’ return from injury. Defense continues to be an issue. The team ranks 27th in points allowed per game.
27. Washington Wizards
The Wizards are one of the worst teams defensively. Their offense isn’t much better, but the team acquired guard Trae Young last week. At least they have a young, highly effective offensive player.
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26. Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn neither wins at home nor on the road, and its opponents are outscoring them. They allow a low number of points per game but rank last in points scored per game. Michael Porter Jr. continues to be the team’s best offensive player.
25. Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is close to the play-in tournament, within one game of the final spot. The team’s issue is on the defensive end of the court. Rookie Kon Knueppel has been their most consistent player.
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24. Dallas Mavericks
The team will be without superstar Anthony Davis for months. They’ve been playing without Kyrie Irving as he makes his way back from injury. The Mavericks will be in the hunt to land the number one pick for a second consecutive season.
23. Utah Jazz
Utah isn’t contending for a playoff spot, and it’s only a matter of time before they move Lauri Markkanen for draft assets. They have young players with upside, but they need to develop. It’s time to start planning for the upcoming seasons.
22. Los Angeles Clippers
Jan 10, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) defends against LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The Clippers rank 27th in points scored per game and have issues winning on the road. They need to find consistency as they’ve taken a step back from last season. Los Angeles must improve offensively.
21. Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee’s issues stem from offense. If Giannis Antetokounmpo is off the court, the team does not have a chance. It’s the same story as last year: Giannis needs help.
20. Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis needs to find a way to win at home. Last season, they were one of the league’s best teams at home, but this season, they have a losing record. Winning home games can help them move up the Western Conference standings.
19. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta moved Trae Young last week and won’t suffer defensively. The team ranks 8th in points per game but 23rd in points allowed per game. The Hawks need to improve on defense.
18. Portland Trail Blazers
Dec 18, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) reacts after scoring in overtime against the Sacramento Kings Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Portland is nearing .500 and playing some of its best basketball of the season. Jerami Grant’s return from injury will give the team a boost. If the team can improve on defense, they can find themselves moving up the standings.
17. Chicago Bulls
Chicago has taken a step back on defense. The team is surrendering a high number of points and allowing opponents to make many three-point shots. Defensive flaws will hinder the team throughout the season.
16. Golden State Warriors
Golden State is in a better place than last season, but its core isn’t getting younger. They’ve been one of the league’s best defensive teams in points allowed per game. The Warriors need to keep their core healthy as the season progresses.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland’s heating up and must continue winning on the road. The Cavaliers have taken a step back defensively, and this has aided in their slow start. Once the defense improves, the team will start its ascent of the Eastern Conference standings.
14. Miami Heat
Miami is .500 in its last 10 games and has been blown out in losses. The team must improve on the defensive end of the court. The Heat is a team that will catch fire when adjustments are made.
13. Orlando Magic
Jan 11, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) goes to the basket during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Orlando has hit a rough stretch, but is looking to right the ship. They currently rank in the middle of the pack offensively and defensively. They’re young but will go on a run soon.
12. Toronto Raptors
Toronto continues to surprise the league and are 4th in the Eastern Conference standings. The Raptors rank as one of the league’s best defensive teams. They are a team worth watching the rest of the way.
11. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia continues to win at home and on the road. Guard Tyrese Maxey has been one of the league’s best players. The team’s defensive improvements have made the difference in this season’s success.
10. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have been the league’s hottest team over the last two weeks. They’re winning games with ease. The team has improved its defense and is one of the better teams in the Western Conference.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
Jan 6, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) heads to the locker room after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Los Angeles is struggling, and they’ve been hit or miss at home. The team cannot afford to struggle for an extended time while they chase Oklahoma City. Now is the time to find consistency.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota ranks 4th in points scored per game and 11th in points allowed per game. The team is on a tear and has yet to play their best basketball of the season. Anthony Edwards is ready to make a push for his first championship.
7. Boston Celtics
The Celtics are hot and have the league’s 2nd–best defense. Jaylen Brown is having the best season of his career and leads the team in scoring. The team can receive a boost in the playoffs if Jayson Tatum can return and play meaningful minutes.
6. Houston Rockets
Houston is close to finding its hot stretch. Kevin Durant is leading the team in scoring during his first season with the Rockets. The Rockets rank 3rd in points allowed per game.
5. Denver Nuggets
Dec 29, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots a free throw against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Nikola Jokic last played on December 29th, and the team is 4-3 during his absence. Jokic is two weeks away from returning. The Nuggets must tread water for a few more weeks.
4. New York Knicks
New York is .500 over its last 10 games but sit 2nd in the Eastern Conference standings. The team’s offense is clicking, but the defense has taken a step back from last season. Defensive improvements will keep the Knicks near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
3. Detroit Pistons
Detroit’s defensive improvements have been the story of its hot start. Last season, the Pistons ranked 14th in points allowed per game. This season, the team is surrendering the 4th–fewest points per game.
2. San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio has the 3rd–most wins through 12 weeks. The team ranks 7th in points allowed per game and 9th in points scored per game. They are making a case to be the favorites to contend with Oklahoma City in the Western Conference Finals.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Jan 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Kenrich Williams (34) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrate after a play against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Thunder have the NBA’s best point differential and own the league’s best record. The team ranks 1st in points allowed per game and 2nd in points scored per game. They are the favorite to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals for a second consecutive season.
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