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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 as of November 24, 2025.
NBA Power Rankings: Every Team From Worst to First
With another week in the books are we anywhere close to actually knowing who’s for real and who isn’t? Teams continue to surprise us, both positively and negatively. The Pistons’ hot start may be the most surprising of starts in the NBA if not for the Clippers’ incredibly sluggish start. As far as who’s for real and who isn’t, usually the advanced stats help provide some clarity. So let’s look at one interesting or surprising advanced stat for each team and see if that helps us see if they’re real or not. Now let’s get to it.
30. Washington Wizards
Advanced Stat: 53.4% eFG% (21st overall)
With how bad the Wizards have been this season you might have assumed that the offense was not efficient. That’s not quite the case, but it’s not exactly like 21st overall inspires much confidence. Washington has now lost 14 straight games, mostly because their defense has been the worst in the league (123.4 defensive rating). The Wizards aren’t in the business of winning games this year but their fans would like to see a bit more effort on that end to make games more watchable.
29. Brooklyn Nets
Advanced Stat: 15.4% TOV% (18th overall)
A lot’s been going wrong in Brooklyn, but they’ve at least been average when it comes to turning the ball over. When you’re a younger team you want to at least give yourself more chances by holding onto the ball. Just like Washington, though, it’s the defense that’s killing them. Their 122.7 defensive rating only bests Washington, which doesn’t say much. The Nets might be fine with that, though, as they let Michael Porter Jr. develop into a leader. That doesn’t provide clarity into Cam Thomas’ future with the franchise, though, so Brooklyn will continue to face questions in yet another trying season.
28. Indiana Pacers
Advanced Stat: 32.1% Offensive Rebound Percentage (12th overall)
While this season hasn’t gone the way that Indiana has wanted, they can at least say they’ve made major improvements on the boards. Last season they posted a 21.3% offensive rebound percentage, 29th in the league. This year’s jump up to 12th is a good sign for a team that’s simply looking for any positives in a trying year. Isaiah Jackson, Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith are all averaging at least 1.5 offensive rebounds per game. It doesn’t help that Nesmith is still expected to be out for four weeks, but they’re at least finding ways to get second chances on offense.
27. New Orleans Pelicans
Advanced Stat: 50.2% eFG%, 28th overall
It’s hard to stay in games when you’re shooting the ball so inefficiently. New Orleans hasn’t been able to keep up this season, posting one of the league’s worst eFG% so far. To make matters worse, their defense gives up the league’s highest opponent eFG% at 58.8%. You can’t win many games like that. But not all is doomed in New Orleans. Rookie center Derik Queen has been impressive as of late, averaging 23.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 6.0 APG in his last three games as a starter. If nothing else, Queen may find himself in the thick of the Rookie of the Year race very shortly.
26. Utah Jazz
Advanced Stat: 72.5% Assist Percentage (1st overall)
The Utah Jazz lead the league in something positive! The ball moves in their offense, usually a sign of good things to come. That success is being driven by their guards Keyonte George (7.1 APG) and Isaiah Collier (6.4 APG). Team ball on offense usually means more success than ISO ball. But, as with Washington and Brooklyn, they’re posting a defensive rating above 120. Overall the Jazz will be fine with it, as they’re not aiming to compete this season, but the defensive efforts need to improve for them to take a jump in the future.
25. Charlotte Hornets
Advanced Stat: 54.1% Rebound Percentage (2nd overall)
The one thing the Hornets are really good at is rebounding. Their 54.1% rebounding percentage trails only the Houston Rockets. You’re not going to clean the boards against them. They have the top defensive rebounding percentage (74.3%) and the third best offensive rebounding percentage (35.1%). Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate have been huge drivers of that success. But that hasn’t mattered much since the Hornets also allow the third highest opponent eFG% in the league (58.3%). Charlotte has work to do before it can think about competing for the play-in tournament.
24. Dallas Mavericks
Advanced Stat: 110.6 Defensive Rating (3rd overall)
One thing is for certain in Dallas: You’re going to have a tough time scoring on them. Unfortunately for Dallas, it’s their offense that’s really holding them back right now. Their 105.3 offensive rating is the worst in the league this season. At the very least, defense generally travels. And ideally when they figure things out on the offensive end then the defense will really shine. If they start to play at a slower pace (current fifth fastest pace in the league) they may find a bit more success by slowing the game down and taking more time to evaluate. But until then it’s going to be sluggish in Dallas.
23. Sacramento Kings
Advanced Stat: 14.0% Turnover Percentage (T-7th overall)
It hasn’t been pretty in Sacramento with rumors of a potential sell-off flying around. A roster full of veterans could provide a lot of value to teams in need. Coincidentally, that’s likely why their turnover percentage ranks as one of the better numbers in the league. It gives the Kings a chance to not give games away and sneak away wins like they did in Denver on Saturday night. But their biggest issue is how easy it is for opponents to score. They’re allowing opponents to shoot a 58.2% eFG%, just a touch better than the Hornets. If Sacramento wants to turn things around, and avoid a sell-off, they’ll need to play some stronger defense.
22. Memphis Grizzlies
Advanced Stat: 72.4% Assist Percentage (2nd overall)
Things may feel like they’re changing in Memphis but one aspect of things that hasn’t changed is their focus on team ball. It’s still moving plenty in the Grizzlies’ offense. But the larger issue for Memphis is simply the fact that they’re incredibly inefficient with scoring. Their 50.2% eFG% ranks second worst in the league ahead of only Indiana. That’s got to change if they want to keep Ja Morant around. If not, selling him to the highest bidder and accumulating more draft picks may not be the worst idea for Memphis.
21. Los Angeles Clippers
Advanced Stat: 59.4% True Shooting Percentage (11th overall)
While the Clippers haven’t had the great start, they’re at least still finding ways to score at an above average level. With true shooting percentage we’re certainly seeing the benefit of having James Harden on your team and finding his way to the free throw line. That’s going to help keep them in games that they should otherwise be losing big as their 118.9 defensive rating ranks 24th in the league. LA is underperforming, and they know that, so if they want to turn things around we know they’re going to start by shooting more efficiently and finding their way to the line.
20. Portland Trail Blazers
Advanced Stat: 38.0% Offensive Rebounding Percentage (2nd overall)
It’s been a bit rough for Portland as of late but they’re at least doing everything they can to give themselves second chances on offense. Their 38.0% offensive rebounding percentage is the league’s second best behind only the Rockets. That’s being driven by Donovan Clingan, who’s averaging 5.0 offensive rebounds per game. Only Steven Adams on the Rockets is averaging more than Clingan. Unfortunately for Portland it’s not adding up to recent wins. A hot start is now a cold streak and they’re going to need to take advantage of those second opportunities on offense more often if they want to find their way to the play-in.
19. Chicago Bulls
Advanced Stat: 70.9% Defensive Rebound Percentage (7th overall)
The Bulls have been fighting for an identity over the last couple seasons as they’ve navigated potential roster changes. But one thing that they certainly are strong at is their rebounding, led by veteran big man Nikola Vucevic. Their defensive rebounding percentage ranking seventh best makes them great at not allowing second opportunities for their opponents. And while they’ve cooled off after their strong start, they’re still holding onto the seventh seed in the East with a good shot at making the play-in, something they’ve gotten very familiar with over the past few seasons.
18. Philadelphia 76ers
Advanced Stat: 0.257 Opponent Free Throw Rate (4th overall)
Philadelphia has long been known for its ability to get to the free throw line thanks to Joel Embiid. But this season the Sixers are excelling on the other side of that and are limiting their opponents’ chances of getting to the line. As far as it leading to success, Philly has been a bit of a mixed bag as of late, alternating wins and losses for what feels like every game in November. Given their focus on managing the Embiid and Paul George injuries, they may be fine with that for now. But Tyrese Maxey is going to need more consistent help soon.
15. Milwaukee Bucks
Advanced Stat: 58.5% eFG% (1st overall)
There’s currently no one in the league shooting the ball more efficiently than Milwaukee. That can happen when your team’s offensive success is driven by someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Yet the Bucks find themselves in the midst of a four game losing streak and are 11th in the Eastern Conference. Some of that is going to be due to Giannis being absent with a groin injury, but it’s also due to a lack of defense. Their opponents are shooting for a 60.5% eFG% over the last five games. You’re not winning many games like that regard of whether Giannis starts or not. Milwaukee is going to be facing an uphill battle without The Greek Freak but they need the defense to improve sooner rather than later.
16. Boston Celtics
Advanced Stat: 2.07 Ast/TO Ratio (4th overall)
I have a lot of questions about just how real of a team the Celtics can be given how unpredictable they appear to be. But they’re at least finding a way to keep the ball moving in their offense without turning it over. That’s going to help give you a solid chance in most games and Boston’s excelling there. Now, if there was a way to figure out why they can beat teams like the Magic right after losing to teams like the Nets then that’d be helpful. But until then, they’re a wild card in the East that everyone needs to watch out for.
15. Miami Heat
Advanced Stat: +5.4 Net Rating (8th overall)
It might be surprising to see this stat, given how quiet of a season it’s felt like, but Miami is putting up one of the league’s best net ratings. That’s going to be thanks to the league’s fourth best defensive rating (111.2) which probably gets overlooked given that Miami’s playing at a very high pace this season, which is a bit out of character for this roster. But they’re playing very well. And what may be more under the radar is that all of this has come without Tyler Herro being active. That’s going to change on Monday with Herro planning to return to action against the Mavericks. Miami could very well be shooting up both our rankings and the standings very shortly.
14. Phoenix Suns
Advanced Stat: 35.1% Offensive Rebounding Percentage (4th overall)
The Suns have been a bit surprising this season thanks to a hot start that’s mainly come without Jalen Green at all. While many thought they would be underwhelming this season, yours truly included, they’ve found themselves at sixth in the West. A lot of that success can be drawn back to offensive rebounding. They have three players averaging 1.8 offensive rebounds per game or better (Mark Williams, Ryan Dunn, Jordan Goodwin). Giving their offense additional chances is helping Phoenix start strong, helping to push the KD era out of their fans’ memories quicker than anticipated.
13. San Antonio Spurs
Advanced Stat: 71.4% Defensive Rebounding Percentage (4th overall)
It’s probably not all that surprising to see the Spurs rank this highly in a rebounding stat with Victor Wembanyama on the roster. What is pretty impressive is that San Antonio has been able to maintain this percentage (going into Sunday night’s game against Phoenix) in the three games they’ve played without Wemby. Now that’s a small sample size, but it’s a good sign that San Antonio will at least limit its opponents’ second chances on offense. It’s everything else that Wembanyama provides, especially this season, that they’ll dearly miss until he returns.
12. Orlando Magic
Advanced Stat: 0.365 Free Throw Attempt Rate (1st overall)
What started out as a bit of a frustrating start for Orlando has started to see itself turn around. With an 8-4 record in November they’re now starting to look like the team that we thought they could be after acquiring Desmond Bane. Last season a big detriment to their franchise was being a bit lacking on the offensive end. And while they still have things to figure out, they’ve found a way to get more points more often by finding their way to the line more than anyone else in the league. That’s helping to cover up a middling eFG%, which is exactly what you should try to do if you can’t shoot it incredibly efficiently. We’ll see if this keeps up, but for now Orlando knows exactly how to find its way to the line.
11. Atlanta Hawks
Advanced Stat: 2.06 Ast/TO Ratio (5th overall)
On one hand you may think this stat could be the beneficiary of Trae Young’s absence due to a lack of turnovers given how often he handles the ball. On the flipside, one could be shocked at this stat given how well Young usually facilitates this offense. But Atlanta has kept its offense running smoothly in his absence. Maybe not as high powered as you’re used to, but it’s rolling. Jalen Johnson has been doing it all for the Hawks and is a name you should get to know if you don’t. They’re sitting at fifth in the Eastern Conference right now and continue to progress in a year where the East feels relatively open.
10. Golden State Warriors
Advanced Stat: 0.265 Opponent Free Throw Attempt Rate (6th overall)
In what’s potentially a last hurrah for this Warriors veteran-heavy roster, they find themselves with just a .500 record. That makes it all the more important that they keep their opponents from making trips to the line. So far this season, they’ve excelled at that. Now they need to work on turning some other things around, like their 17th ranked eFG% (54.5%) and their 16.6% turnover rate (fourth worst). We know the capabilities of a Steph Curry led team. We know the capabilities of a Jimmy Butler led team. But now they need to focus on becoming those teams sooner rather than later so they don’t fall too far behind.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
Advanced Stat: 56.9% eFG% (6th overall)
It’s a pivotal year in Minnesota as they look to break through to the Finals after making the Western Conference Finals in back-t0-back seasons. In those seasons they’ve always excelled on defense but the offense has been lacking at times. This year that’s becoming a different focus as they are shooting the ball very, very efficiently. Four of their five starters are shooting for a 56.9% eFG% or better, making them a force for anyone to stop. On top of that, their defense is holding opponents to a 53.0% eFG%, seventh best in the league. The Timberwolves are, at the very least, focusing on efficiency and it’s paying off so far.
8. Los Angeles Lakers
Advanced Stat: 62.0% True Shooting Percentage (1st overall)
It’s been wild most times, but the Lakers currently have the league’s best True Shooting percentage. They’re second best in both eFG% and FTA rate, making it very easy to see how they’re first overall in TS%. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are driving the large majority of the Lakers’ success, both in PPG and FT per game. Now they get the help of little known prospect LeBron James as he returns to the Lakers’ starting rotation. If the Lakers can improve their defense from middling to above average then they will become a very strong force in the West.
7. New York Knicks
Advanced Stat: 13.6% Turnover Rate (4th overall)
The Knicks might be playing with a bit of fire, and we’ll get to that, but one way to keep yourself safe during games is to limit turnovers. They’re the fourth best in the league at not turning the ball over and that’s something that’s very important to them right now. Part of why that’s important is that in quite a few other areas they’re lacking. Their 54.8% eFG% is average while they allow the sixth highest opponent eFG% at 56.4%. It’s not a huge gap but teams don’t normally win often when they get outshot. They’re overcoming that by limiting turnovers and grabbing a ton of rebounds. That’s working now, but they would probably prefer to shoot the ball better on top of that.
6. Toronto Raptors
Advanced Stat: 2.18 Ast/TO Ratio (1st overall)
Admittedly this is the stat that made me want to make this theme for these power rankings. The Raptors are starting to no longer be under-the-radar thanks to an 11-1 run. Their team ball offensive style is working great, especially with a league-best assist to turnover ratio. Everyone outside of Jakob Poeltl in Toronto’s starting lineup is averaging 3.9 APG or more. Jamal Shead has been fantastic facilitating for the second unit, averaging 5.4 APG. And only two Raptors are averaging two turnovers or more per game. Their team ball is leading to a great start to the season. And with the East seemingly open this year, they have a great chance at making some real noise.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Advanced Stat: 58.2% True Shooting Percentage (18th overall)
With how strong the Cavaliers have been the past two seasons, it’s a bit surprising to see that they’ve been middling, at best, when it comes to offensive success. Yet they still sit at 12-6 with the third seed in the East. That should be a terrifying thought to everyone else in the league. They have found a way to be fairly stout defensively, which has covered up many of the offensive issues they currently have. But if they can keep that stout defense once their offense comes back? That’s going to be a tough day for the league to handle.
4. Detroit Pistons
Advanced Stat: 17.4% Opponent Turnover Percentage (2nd overall)
The Pistons are the darlings of the East right now, turning in an upstart 2024-2025 season and making this year the year they really show their will. They are playing very, very stout defense, posting up a 110.0 defensive rating that’s only behind the Thunder. That’s being driven by their 17.4% opponent turnover percentage, also second behind the Thunder. The offense is an aspect of the Pistons’ game that needs some working on, but the defense being this good is going to lead to more wins than not. And so far that’s been true as they’re undefeated in November, winning 12 straight. The Pistons are a force that needs to be taken seriously this season.
3. Houston Rockets
Advanced Stat: 122.5 Offensive Rating (1st overall)
Last season for Houston was defined by a very, very strong defense with an inefficient offense that bit them in the playoffs, losing to the Warriors in seven games. That was addressed in the offseason through the addition of Kevin Durant. And while it seemed like they would take a hit with Fred VanVleet going down before the season even began, they’ve been very efficient. And with their schedule, Basketball Reference gives them the highest “Adjusted Net Rating” in the league, even above the Thunder. There are still hurdles they need to clear, but Houston’s looking to be the team they set out to be when they acquired KD this offseason.
2. Denver Nuggets
Advanced Stat: 52.0% Opponent eFG% (5th overall)
For a long time the Nuggets have been looked at as a team that’s always overpowered you with offense without having much of a focus on defense. That’s turning out to be not quite the truth this year as Denver has stepped it up a notch defensively. Their 112.2 defensive rating ranks eighth overall in the league, a rank that’s much better than where they were last season at 21st. But they’re going to have a big challenge in front of them as they face the next month plus with starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, both important defensive players. Denver addressed its depth in the offseason and they’re going to find out just how well they did very shortly.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Advanced Stat: 102.8 Defensive Rating (1st overall)
Truth be told, our number one seed has quite a few advanced stats we could have highlighted. They’re rated pretty highly in nearly all the advanced stats but the 102.8 defensive rating stands out. And it’s not unexpected given the style of ball they play. There are certainly questions about their strength of schedule so far (easiest in the league so far) but they’ve been destroying anyone that crosses their path so it’s not like you can judge it all that much. Much harder tests are in front of them, but there’s no reason to expect them to fail quite yet. They’re our top seed yet again.
