NFL
Spread

NBA Power Rankings 2025

Frank AmmiranteSenior Sports Writer
@FAmmiranteTFJ
Last Updated: 17 hours ago

The 2025-26 NBA season is set to tip off. Can anyone dethrone the Oklahoma City Thunder? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company were absolutely dominant last season.

It will be interesting to see if the Thunder can repeat as champions.

On this page, you’ll find my NBA Power Rankings for the 2025-26 season.

All NBA odds are current as of Sunday, October 19, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

NBA Power Rankings 2025-26

Edit
RankTeam2024-25 Record
1Thunder68-14
2Nuggets50-32
3Cavaliers64-18
4Knicks51-31
5Rockets52-30
6Warriors48-34
7Timberwolves49-33
8Lakers50-32
9Magic41-41
10Clippers50-32
11Mavericks39-43
1276ers24-58
13Bucks48-34
14Hawks40-42
15Spurs34-48
16Pistons44-38
17Celtics61-21
18Pacers50-32
19Raptors30-52
20Grizzlies48-34
21Heat37-45
22Kings40-42
23Suns36-46
24Pelicans21-61
25Bulls39-43
26Trail Blazers36-46
27Wizards18-64
28Hornets19-63
29Nets26-56
30Jazz17-65

NBA Power Rankings: Trending Up 📈

Houston Rockets (No. 5)

The Rockets went 50-32 last season and have now added Kevin Durant. Despite entering his age-37 season, Durant can still play at a high level, averaging 26.6 points per game last season.

Even though the Rockets lost Fred VanVleet to a season-ending knee injury, this is still a loaded roster and Durant could be the final piece.

Betting Tip: The Rockets have the fifth-shortest odds to win the NBA Championship at (+1100). If you’re in on Houston, I would take this NBA bet of the day before the season begins.

Philadelphia 76ers (No. 12)

The 76ers are relatively high in NBA Finals odds at 12th despite finishing with a 24-58 record last season.

We all know they’re much better than that. They just need Joel Embiid and Paul George to stay healthy for the majority of the year.

Don’t be surprised if we see a resurgence in Philadelphia this season.

Toronto Raptors (No. 19)

Don’t sleep on the Raptors, especially with Brandon Ingram now healthy. This is a guy who can create his own shot and carry the load on offense.

Toronto now has an intriguing duo with Scottie Barnes.

I could see the Raptors returning to the playoffs and potentially even winning a round this year.

NBA Power Rankings: Trending Down 📉

Boston Celtics (No. 17)

It’s a shame that the Celtics will have to play without Jayson Tatum this season, but there’s an outside chance that he can return at the end of the year.

I wouldn’t be shocked if Boston has a 2024-25 76ers-type of season, where it’s just a lost year due to injuries.

Even if it doesn’t get that bad, this is still a team trending downward.

Indiana Pacers (No. 18)

The Pacers are similar to the Celtics in that they’re forced to play without their star player after Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles.

It’s a shame for a team that went to the NBA Finals last year.

But this is a team that plays hard every night, so perhaps they can surprise us.

Phoenix Suns (No. 23)

The Suns were already bad last year, and now they’re without Kevin Durant.

We may see this team emerge as one of the worst in basketball this year.

Devin Booker is still there, but this is a rebuilding season in Phoenix.

Author

Frank Ammirante

Frank Ammirante is a Senior Sports Writer at The Game Day. Previously, he wrote for 4for4 Football and RotoBaller. Frank is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writer's Association while maintaining an active presence within the community. He has competed in industry contests like the Scott Fish Bowl, The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational, and more. Frank will be making his debut in Tout Wars this year. He's got a diverse sporting background, but specializes in football and baseball.

Related articles

Promotions

Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Bet $50, Get $250 FanCash

5 stars

Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 20 Bets

5 stars

Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Get A Bonus Bet Up To $250

5 stars

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY).

Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI).

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD).

21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Eligibility restrictions apply.

All betting content on TheGameDay.com is exclusively intended for audience members 21 years and older who are permitted to gamble in legal states. The Game Day may earn revenue from site visitor referrals to betting services.

Responsible Gaming: Many sportsbooks offer ways to encourage responsible gaming, including the establishment of limits to deposits, spending, and time dedicated to betting.

The Game Day is a TGD Marketing Ltd. endeavor.