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Power Rankings for NBA teams in the 2025-2026 NBA season. RotoBaller's Kevin Larson analyzes every NBA Team with Power Rankings from worst to first.
NBA Power Rankings: Every Team From Worst to First
Opening night is finally here! The Oklahoma City Thunder will aim to defend their title by hosting Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets on ring night. It’s sure to be a spectacular game with much intrigue around not just how good the Thunder can be, but just how good Houston will look with Durant leading a young roster that was desperate for offense. Both teams have the goal of raising the trophy at the end of the season. It’s an obvious goal for every franchise, but some have different aspirations. With that said, let’s see find out what each team’s goal is for the 2025-2026 season in our latest NBA Power Rankings.
30. Utah Jazz
Goal: See what you have with Ace Bailey
It’s obvious that not much is in store for Utah this year in terms of competitive basketball. So much of this season should be spent on seeing just how good the 19-year-old out of Rutgers can be paired alongside Lauri Markkanen. There’s a lot that Utah needs to get right in the coming seasons, but knowing they’ve got a future cornerstone in Bailey could go a long ways in their rebuild.
29. Washington Wizards
Goal: Get something for their veterans at the trade deadline
Washington is a franchise that’s clearly in rebuild mode and that usually means you’re not inserting a ton of veterans into the lineup. But the Wizards are holding onto a couple interesting pieces in Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum. Both become unrestricted free agents after this season, making them obvious trade candidates. Washington should look to make them attractive rentals so they can build with whatever young talent they get back for those two. Expect the Wizards to focus on these two a bunch for their offense to start the season.
28. Brooklyn Nets
Goal: Make Cam Thomas want to sign here long term
Brooklyn enters a strange season where they are clearly continuing their rebuild, yet the pieces around the roster don’t fully make sense. They were unable to come to a long-term agreement with Cam Thomas this offseason, which may influence how this season looks for the Nets. With Thomas becoming an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason, he could turn into an attractive rental for teams that need a score-first point guard. Brooklyn needs to show Thomas that the Barclays Center should be his home court for the foreseeable future, otherwise their rebuild will be continuing for the next few seasons.
27. Charlotte Hornets
Goal: Make the play-in tournament
This isn’t exactly a lofty goal, but Charlotte’s been stuck in an injury rut the past couple seasons. With a few new additions to the roster, and a couple fun draft pieces, the Hornets may be a team that could make some noise this season. They’re not all that far removed from a competitive season in 2021-2022, but the level of confidence most fans have in this franchise is rather low. A big step towards competitiveness would go a long ways in Charlotte.
26. New Orleans Pelicans
Goal: Avoid injuries
Maybe this is a little out of control but last season was almost too much for New Orleans. It seemed like at least three quarters of the roster was on the IL at any given moment, completely derailing their season. It forced them to move on from longtime Pelican Brandon Ingram but questions are still there in regards to Zion Williamson. If the 25-year-old Duke product can stay healthy this year then we may be in for a fun season in the Big Easy, though they’ll now have to live with the highs and lows of Jordan Poole running point.
25. Phoenix Suns
Goal: Prove you don’t need defense if the offense can’t be stopped
After moving on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, the Suns look like a team that won’t have any type of defense that can stop anyone. Apologies to Dillon Brooks, but this roster gives the Suns a “shootout every game” type of vibe. Devin Booker’s been here for both the highs and the lows over the last decade, but he’ll have to take an even bigger lead in the first couple weeks of the regular season. That’s because newly acquired counterpart, Jalen Green, has been dealing with a hamstring injury and won’t be able to return for at least a week.
24. Portland Trail Blazers
Goal: Make the play-in tournament
Portland flirted with the idea of making the play-in tournament last season but ultimately stalled out late in the season. After revamping their roster, they’re trusting a bunch of guys that most casual NBA fans have never heard of. It’s probably one of the more intriguing roster situations in the league, especially after trading their best point scorer Anfernee Simons to the Celtics. Will Jrue Holiday turn into a scorer instead of a facilitator now? Does Shaedon Sharpe take a major leap in points per game? Lots of questions abound that can be put to rest if Portland makes the play-in tourney.
23. Chicago Bulls
Goal: Prove this roster can win
The Bulls had a rather interesting trade deadline last season. They traded Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings, a move which was expected. But they didn’t trade Nikola Vucevic. They were seemingly headed toward a rebuild, but decided to hold onto him. It was rather befuddling given the rest of their roster. After Josh Giddey got things turned around for Chicago, they re-signed him to a four year deal. A lot of questions still surround the identity of this roster, but all of that will go away if Chicago can win like they did after the All-Star Game last season (17-10).
22. Sacramento Kings
Goal: Make the playoffs
Questions about just what’s going on with this team can only be cured by them making the playoffs. The highs of their 48-win 2022-2023 season are long gone as they now face major questions about if this roster can win. Domantas Sabonis is the main centerpiece of the roster while DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine try to show they can be better than they were in Chicago. But the Kings continue to underwhelm after looking like they were on an upwards trajectory. If they’re able to make the playoffs they can at least cool down some of that noise.
21. Miami Heat
Goal: Finish .500 or better
We’re past the Jimmy Butler saga and now onto the next era of Heat basketball. Is this now Tyler Herro’s team? Or what do we need to start expecting out of Bam Adebayo? Those are going to be two main questions this season. However, they did make one of the more underrated acquisitions this season by getting Normal Powell through trade. The 32-year-old was productive in his time as a Clipper, especially as a starter. He averaged 21.8 PPG last season without being too ball dominant, something that fits right in with Miami. A .500 record doesn’t sound all that ambitious, but it should mean the playoffs in the East.
20. Indiana Pacers
Goal: Prove they are more than just Tyrese Haliburton
Last postseason had a bit of a “shock the world” type of vibe to it, but those that paid attention already knew that Indiana was one of the best teams in the league once the calendar turned to January. They were 34-14 since January 1st. That’s obviously more than just Tyrese Haliburton. But with him out for the season, and Myles Turner leaving for Milwaukee in free agency, there are questions about just how real they can be this year. They’re playing with house money, in a way, but their main goal needs to be to prove they’re more than just their All-Star point guard.
19. Memphis Grizzlies
Goal: Make the playoffs
It felt like Memphis was giving away a huge piece by trading away Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic this offseason. And they were. He was a big driver when Ja Morant was out of the lineup. So without him it feels like not many in the NBA world are giving them a chance. The Grizzlies have always played a lot of team ball and that’s going to have to continue this year under new head coach Tuomas Iisalo. If they make the playoffs it will show that Memphis can compete regardless of who they move off their roster, as long as it’s not Morant.
18. Toronto Raptors
Goal: Make the playoffs
If you want a sleeper in the East, count me as someone who thinks the Raptors can make noise. With Brandon Ingram added to the mix, Toronto now has a bit more veteran leadership to help guide them to the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Now a lot of Ingram’s impact will rely on his health, which certainly hasn’t been the best in seasons past. But the Raptors have interesting pieces regardless. And in a season where the East feels wide open, there’s opportunity for the Raptors to be an upstart team that makes the playoffs while avoiding the play-in altogether.
17. Dallas Mavericks
Goal: Bring at least a couple fans back
I’m not sure that Mavs fans are ever going to get over the Luka trade. They could draft eight Cooper Flaggs in a row and it probably wouldn’t matter to some fans. So just focus on getting some of them back in the building. Make them feel like things are going to get better. Don’t mention Luka’s name at any cost. Win some games and be competitive. Keep Anthony Davis upright as often as possible. Find a way to keep D’Angelo Russell under control. It’s going to take a lot, but do everything possible to win your fans back.
16. Boston Celtics
Goal: Make the playoffs
This is a lofty goal for an NBA franchise that traded away two of its starting five in the offseason while the other is likely to be out the entire season. But this is the Celtics. So the expectation to compete is still there. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White will be the mainstays while Anfernee Simons joins them at point guard. If the preseason tells us anything they will still be putting up a ton of threes regardless who’s on the court. But will it still pay off like it normally does? It will be an interesting season in Boston at the very least.
15. Milwaukee Bucks
Goal: Make Giannis want to stay
Everything in Milwaukee relies on Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’s the biggest star they have that seemingly does everything. He may even start a game for the Brewers next postseason (they need starting pitching help that bad). All jokes aside, the Bucks can’t be competitive without him. As the roster is, they are going to have some adventures this season. They would prefer for it to be not all that interesting as they cruise into the playoffs. If they do that it’ll be something that makes Giannis want to stay, which really needs to be their only focus this season.
14. Philadelphia 76ers
Goal: Make the playoffs and stay healthy
These goals go side by side, but Philadelphia just wants a healthy roster for once. That can be tough to avoid with Joel Embiid and Paul George being two of your best contributors, but the Sixers need them this season. Last year can be considered a blip on the radar because hey, it happens! But it can’t become the standard. Philadelphia knows it can be a threat and, when healthy, Embiid is one of the best players in the NBA. Sixers fans know they can win the East, but they need to break through and health is paramount to that.
13. San Antonio Spurs
Goal: Make the playoffs
The Victor Wembanyama story can’t continue without a trip to the playoffs. He’s too special a talent to continue fighting for a potential play-in spot. The front office recognized that last year and took a stab at De’Aaron Fox, but that project ultimately got put on hold after Wemby was forced to miss the rest of the regular season. Now San Antonio fans will finally be able to see how far those two can take them. They’ll also get to see just how much better Stephon Castle can get. The rookie of the year was dazzling last year and will be an important piece of any playoff run San Antonio aims to make.
12. Golden State Warriors
Goal: Make the Western Conference Finals
We are getting to do-or-die time for Golden State. They’ve got the talent to win, but Father Time is staring them in the fact. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green will all be big reasons why this team succeeds, but with age comes more potential fragility. If Curry or Butler face injury issues this season that’s going to severely hamper their chances at succeeding. That makes this year as close to an “All in” type scenario as you can get whether Warriors fans realize it or not. A run at the Western Conference Finals needs to be the goal.
11. Detroit Pistons
Goal: Prove last season wasn’t a fluke
Detroit was a bit of a darling last year, making the postseason for the first time in pretty much forever. Now they need to show the league that they weren’t a fluke and have staying power. With the East relatively open, it’s a great time for them to take advantage and potentially snag a top four seed. Even with the volatility in the East, that’s going to be tough. But Cade Cunningham and crew will need to fight for it and show they’re for real.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
Goal: Figure out life after LeBron
LeBron James obviously hasn’t retired, but there are seemingly more and more signs popping up that 2025-2026 may be his final season. His availability for the beginning of the season may be in question too, especially with JJ Reddick calling the starting lineup in their final preseason game the anticipated lineup for opening night. Should the NBA world be getting worried about James’ potential availability? The Lakers can’t. That’s why they need to focus this season on what life will look like after LeBron. This is about to become Luka’s team.
9. Atlanta Hawks
Goal: Prove the hype is real
One day you wake up and all of a sudden the Celtics just drop Kristaps Porzingis in your lap like “here you go” while you think about Jalen Johnson returning for a healthy season. Atlanta is poised to be a really strong threat in the East. An offense ran by Trae Young is always going to be a threat, but putting Porzingis alongside him will give them an additional dimension from three while also strengthening the interior. The big question for the Hawks will be what they can do defensively. But if they’re averaging 120+ per game then defense may not even matter.
8. Los Angeles Clippers
Goal: Win the Western Conference
The Clippers are going for it this year. They’ve made some shrewd additions to the roster by adding Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal and John Collins. No name there is overwhelming but, given the Clippers’ needs these past few seasons, they check off a lot of boxes. Los Angeles hasn’t been able to make it to the Western Conference Finals since The Bubble. The front office clearly doesn’t want to wait much longer to get back there. Their goal this year needs to be not only to make it there, but to win the West.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Goal: Win the Western Conference
Minnesota’s been there two seasons in a row now. They can’t get there a third season in a row and not win it. That type of result may mean drastic roster changes for the Timberwolves. You can’t keep getting so close only to keep failing. That will drive front offices, fan bases and owners nuts. This is a really important season for Minnesota where progress is a must. Anthony Edwards may be the only player on the Timberwolves we can surely expect to be on their future roster if things go awry this year, but everyone else is on notice.
6. Orlando Magic
Goal: Win the Eastern Conference
Quite the jump from where they were a few seasons ago! Orlando recognized that their defense was on point but the offense needed additional firepower. They got Desmond Bane from Memphis for a pretty hefty price. That means that this has got to pay off. They’ve started getting some playoff experience the last couple seasons, but it’s never amounted to a ton of success. That expectation changes this season. Orlando needs to show it’s a force and that Desmond Bane was the missing piece. Winning the East for the first time since 2009 would certainly prove that.
5. New York Knicks
Goal: Win the Eastern Conference
It was supposed to be theirs last season but Indiana had other plans. Multiple times late in the game they had the lead and that’s going to drive New York this season. New head coach Mike Brown may have some different ways to handle the starting lineup too and preserve them for longer instead of overworking them. It’s a big stage and the Knicks have big expectations this year. Winning the East needs to be their goal, at the very least.
4. Houston Rockets
Goal: Win the Western Conference
This goal would feel a lot easier if Fred VanVleet hadn’t gone down with a season ending injury a few weeks ago. But it’s still going to be the goal for Houston. They made a big splash by adding Kevin Durant to a young roster that needed a little more veteran leadership. He’s locked in for two seasons in Houston, making this year a little less of a do-or-die type situation for the Rockets, but expectations are high. Houston will do whatever is needed in order to win the West this year, but it’s that much tougher without its veteran point guard at the helm.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Goal: Win it all
Last season can’t be sitting well with the Cavs. After a dominant regular season they fell flat against Indiana in the playoffs. Part of that is due to some injuries, but that doesn’t matter to them. Expect them to position themselves toward another top seed in the East but with a little more rest for their top guys in the regular season. Their front office was aggressive at the deadline last year and I’d expect them to be aggressive again this year to fill whatever needs they may have. Cleveland is the clear leader in a wide open East and it’s theirs for the taking.
2. Denver Nuggets
Goal: Win it all
The highs of winning the title in 2023 are long gone after losing in the second round in back-to-back seasons. The front office was able to get Nikola Jokic and Co. a bit of help by adding Cameron Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason. The Nuggets clearly are going for it and are the West’s best option against the division rival Thunder. Expect Jokic to contend for the MVP again, as he always does, but the true goal is for the Nuggets to win their second title in franchise history.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Goal: Repeat
At times it seemed too easy last season. The Nuggets and Pacers pushed them to the edge but the Thunder ultimately prevailed in both series. With a roster that’s largely unchanged, OKC looks to be the first repeat champion since Golden State in 2018. One should expect the regular season to be a little less dominant this year as they now know what it takes to succeed in the postseason, but the Thunder are in the driver’s seat until further notice and they know it. They’re our number one team with a clear goal to repeat.
