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NBA Power Rankings, 30 teams ranked from worst to first

The NBA season has concluded 14 weeks. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons continue to lead their conferences and are the two best teams in the NBA. On the opposite end, Washington and Indiana are the two worst teams in the league. The All-Star Game is a few weeks away, but now is the time for teams to gain traction before a week-long break. Here are the NBA team power rankings heading into Week 15.

30. Washington Wizards

The roster doesn’t possess the talent, and Trae Young has yet to make his Washington debut. However, the front office could make another deal, adding another talented player to pair with Young. The Wizards rank 26th in points scored and 29th in points allowed per game.

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29. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are doing their best to play without their superstar. Still, the long season continues, and Indiana is looking to next season. The Pacers rank 29th in points scored and 23rd in points allowed per game.

28. New Orleans Pelicans

Jan 25, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks up the court in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

It is another season of New Orleans struggling to keep players healthy. The team continues to struggle with keeping its core on the court. The front office needs to consider moving Zion Williamson for future draft assets.

27. Sacramento Kings

Sacramento is trying to right the ship after playing for a month without superstar Domantas Sabonis. The Kings are easing Sabonis back onto the court but are losing precious games. If the team misses the playoffs, the front office may start a rebuild.

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26. Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn is young and are continuing to develop its youth. This is another season of hoping to land the top pick in the upcoming draft. The Nets rank 30th in points scored and 11th in points allowed per game.

25. Utah Jazz

Now is the time to trade off older players for future draft assets. The team will not reach the playoffs, and there is no point in holding onto valuable trade pieces. The Jazz must look to the future.

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24. Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets are playing themselves into the play-in tournament. The team’s increased production has them close to the final play-in spot. Charlotte’s defense has improved, and the team ranks 16th in points allowed per game.

23. Milwaukee Bucks

13. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball down the court against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

The team is struggling and are amid one of their worst seasons since Giannis entered his prime. The team needs to bring in reinforcements to help alleviate deficiencies. Is it time for the front office to consider trading Giannis Antetokounmpo?

22. Memphis Grizzlies

Home and away struggles are preventing Memphis from going on a run. The Grizzlies have a worse record on home court. The team is struggling offensively and defensively.

21. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks struggle against division foes and are lucky to be within reach of the play-in tournament. They continue to play without Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Dallas may decide to move Davis this offseason.

20. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers have gained traction over the last 10 games. Defense has been the key to the team’s improvement. On the season, Los Angeles ranks 8th in points allowed per game.

19. Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta is positioned for a spot in the play-in tournament. They may not make it out, but they will make it interesting. The Hawks rank 10th in points scored and 25th in points allowed per game.

18. Portland Trail Blazers

Oct 26, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Portland continues to perform, and veteran Jerami Grant returned from injury. The team’s offensive production is steady, but improvements need to happen on the defensive end. The Trail Blazers are headed to the play-in tournament.

17. Chicago Bulls

Chicago’s roster has returned to full health, and the team is again over .500. The Bulls must improve defensively if they want to make a push in the playoffs. The team ranks 7th in points scored and 26th in points allowed per game.

16. Orlando Magic

The Magic are young and entertaining, but struggle with consistency. However, they are on the verge of sliding into the Eastern Conference’s 6th seed. Orlando can cause issues for opposing teams in the playoffs.

15. Philadelphia 76ers

Health has allowed Philadelphia to continue its rebound from last season. Tyrese Maxey has blossomed into the team’s best player. Defensive improvements will continue leading the 76ers forward.

14. Miami Heat

The Heat are hovering around the Eastern Conference’s 6th seed. The offense has been one of the league’s best and ranks 4th in points scored per game. However, defense is an issue, and the team ranks 24th in points allowed per game.

13. Golden State Warriors

Jimmy Butler knee injury vs Miami Heat

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10)he goes down with a knee injury during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Warriors have their work cut out for them with the season-ending injury to Jimmy Butler. The front office needs to make trade acquisitions to give the team a realistic chance in the playoffs. Golden State ranks 14th in points scored and 10th in points allowed per game.

12. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are playing their best basketball of the season. They have had their ups and downs but are firing on all cylinders. Defensive improvements will aid the team’s movement up the Eastern Conference standings.

11. Phoenix Suns

Phoenix is winning at home and on the road. The team has remained consistent throughout 14 weeks of the regular season. The team’s defense has been the key to their success.

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have hit a rough stretch but will rebound quickly. The Western Conference’s 4th, 5th, and 6th seeds are up for grabs. Minnesota must keep the roster healthy as the season progresses.

9. New York Knicks

New York has done its best to build off last season’s success. However, the team has dealt with defensive inconsistencies. The Knicks must play solid defense as the regular season plays out.

8. Los Angeles Lakers

Jan 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Lakers are doing their best to ward off the play-in tournament. However, the team has their work cut out for them the rest of the way. Defense is the key to staying within the top six seeds of the Western Conference.

7. Houston Rockets

The league’s 4th–ranked defense has allowed Houston to hold onto the Western Conference’s 4th seed. The Rockets make life difficult for opposing offenses. Continuing to play stout defense will carry Houston into the playoffs.

6. Toronto Raptors

Toronto has been the Eastern Conference’s third-best team through the first 14 weeks of the season. The team’s defense has aided in a strong start to the season. The Raptors rank 24th in points scored and 6th in points allowed per game.

5. Boston Celtics

Boston’s strong play has the team holding onto the Eastern Conference’s 2nd seed. The team ranks 11th in points scored and 3rd in points allowed per game. The Celtics can make things interesting as they push Detroit for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

4. Denver Nuggets

Jan 22, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks on before a game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Denver continues to play well as superstar Nikola Jokic works his way back from injury. The Nuggets have gone a month without Jokic’s services and are still tied for the 2nd–best record in the Western Conference. Once Jokic returns, Denver will battle San Antonio for the 2nd seed in the Western Conference.

3. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have kept their roster healthy for most of the season. If their core continues to stay healthy, San Antonio will make noise in the playoffs. The team ranks 8th in points scored and 7th in points allowed per game.

2. Detroit Pistons

Detroit owns the second-best record in the league. The team’s success is attributed to ranking 2nd in points allowed per game. If the Pistons’ success continues, they will hold onto the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder are doing their best to continue their pursuit as repeat NBA Championship. Oklahoma City ranks 1st in point differential, points scored per game, and points allowed per game. They are the favorite to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.

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