As the 2024-25 NBA regular season nears its end, the competition for playoff spots is intensifying in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
In the West, the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks, facing injury challenges, are fiercely competing for the final play-in tournament spot. The Mavericks are hoping for a boost from Anthony Davis`s return after an adductor injury to overtake the Suns.
Meanwhile, in the East, the Detroit Pistons, a surprise contender this season, are aiming for a higher playoff seed. The battle for the seventh seed and play-in tournament contention between the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic is also heating up.
Here are the power rankings for all 30 NBA teams this week.
Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2024-25 record: 60-12
- Previous ranking: 2
- Next games: vs. MEM (Mar. 27), vs. IND (Mar. 29), vs. CHI (Mar. 31)
Jaylin Williams, the Thunder`s third-string center, has significantly contributed to their outstanding March performance (12-1). He`s averaged 7.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists this month, mostly as a reserve. Williams achieved his first two career triple-doubles in two starts, wins against the Trail Blazers and 76ers, when many regular starters were rested. He joins Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Josh Giddey as the only Thunder players with multiple triple-doubles in a season. — Tim MacMahon
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2024-25 record: 58-14
- Previous ranking: 1
- Next games: vs. SA (Mar. 27), @ DET (Mar. 28), vs. LAC (Mar. 30)
While Cleveland`s success this season stems from a balanced approach and deep roster, Donovan Mitchell remains the key player. This was evident in a 123-112 loss to the Suns last week, the Cavs` fourth consecutive defeat, where Mitchell scored a season-low seven points on 2-for-18 shooting. Despite their overall talent, Mitchell`s performance is crucial for the Cavaliers in the playoffs; if he struggles, so does the team. — Dave McMenamin
3. Boston Celtics
- 2024-25 record: 53-19
- Previous ranking: 3
- Next games: @ PHX (Mar. 26), @ SA (Mar. 29), @ MEM (Mar. 31)
Boston seems to have avoided a major injury to Jayson Tatum, even though the All-NBA forward is listed as doubtful for Wednesday`s game due to an ankle sprain sustained in Monday`s win against Sacramento. Tatum injured his ankle on a 3-point attempt when Domantas Sabonis contested the shot, but he could walk off the court independently. As the Celtics prepare for the postseason, they need all their players healthy for another Finals run. — Tim Bontemps
4. Houston Rockets
- 2024-25 record: 47-26
- Previous ranking: 4
- Next games: @ UTAH (Mar. 27), @ PHX (Mar. 30), @ LAL (Mar. 31)
The Rockets typically capitalize on favorable opportunities, but they missed one against the Nuggets on Sunday, despite three-time MVP Nikola Jokic being absent due to an ankle injury. Jamal Murray scored 39 points, ending Houston`s nine-game winning streak. Coach Ime Udoka described the performance as `sloppy` as the Rockets aim to refine key areas for the postseason. Houston has developed a physical, defense-oriented style that Udoka wants his team to fully commit to as the regular season concludes. — Michael Wright
5. Denver Nuggets
- 2024-25 record: 45-28
- Previous ranking: 5
- Next games: vs. MIL (Mar. 26), vs. UTAH (Mar. 28), vs. MIN (Apr. 1)
The Nuggets started a five-game homestand with a 10-point loss to the Bulls. However, the primary concern is Nikola Jokic`s health for the playoffs. Jokic has missed five consecutive games and was unlikely to play against the Bucks on Wednesday, but Michael Malone suggested he might return sometime during this homestand. Jamal Murray has scored 39 and 28 points in the last two games without Jokic. — Ohm Youngmisuk
6. New York Knicks
- 2024-25 record: 45-26
- Previous ranking: 7
- Next games: vs. LAC (Mar. 26), @ MIL (Mar. 28), vs. POR (Mar. 30), vs. PHI (Apr. 1)
After having the league`s second-worst defense in February, New York has improved in March, allowing just 109.1 points per 100 possessions, the second-best in the league during this period. While they have faced weaker opponents recently, it has allowed them to refine their game while Jalen Brunson (ankle) is out and Mitchell Robinson regains his form. — Chris Herring
7. Los Angeles Lakers
- 2024-25 record: 43-28
- Previous ranking: 9
- Next games: @ IND (Mar. 26), @ CHI (Mar. 27), @ MEM (Mar. 29), vs. HOU (Mar. 31)
The Lakers are 3-7 in their last 10 games, and the returns of LeBron James from a groin injury and Rui Hachimura from a knee injury haven`t immediately boosted them as they regain their rhythm. Their seven losses have been by an average of 15.7 points, and their schedule remains challenging with upcoming games in Indiana and Chicago before facing the Grizzlies. — McMenamin
8. Memphis Grizzlies
- 2024-25 record: 44-28
- Previous ranking: 6
- Next games: @ OKC (Mar. 27), vs. LAL (Mar. 29), vs. BOS (Mar. 31), vs. GS (Apr. 1)
The Grizzlies have struggled on the road recently, losing three straight on their current five-game trip. Ja Morant missed his third game due to a hamstring injury, and Brandon Clarke is out for the season with a knee sprain. Morant has only played in 43 of 70 games this season due to injuries and needs to find consistency with his teammates in Memphis`s new offensive system before the playoffs. — Wright
9. Golden State Warriors
- 2024-25 record: 41-31
- Previous ranking: 8
- Next games: @ NO (Mar. 28), @ SA (Mar. 30), @ MEM (Apr. 1)
Stephen Curry rejoined the Warriors in Miami and had an individual workout after Monday`s practice. However, coach Steve Kerr said Curry felt something during a move late in the workout and wasn`t quite ready to return, opting for a few more days of rest. The Warriors were defeated by Miami in Jimmy Butler`s return but have a chance to rebound against the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. Kerr expects Curry to return then, giving him a week off since his pelvic contusion injury against Toronto. They need a healthy Curry to avoid the play-in tournament. — Youngmisuk
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2024-25 record: 41-32
- Previous ranking: 10
- Next games: vs. PHX (Mar. 28), vs. DET (Mar. 30), @ DEN (Apr. 1)
After an eight-game winning streak, the Timberwolves have lost three of their last four, dropping to No. 8 in the Western Conference. Naz Reid continues to make a strong case for Sixth Man of the Year, scoring 20+ points off the bench for the 24th time this season, setting a franchise record. Minnesota will need Reid`s production in upcoming home games against Phoenix and Detroit before a crucial game against Denver next week. — Jamal Collier
11. Indiana Pacers
- 2024-25 record: 42-29
- Previous ranking: 12
- Next games: vs. LAL (Mar. 26), @ WAS (Mar. 27), @ OKC (Mar. 29), vs. SAC (Mar. 31)
The Pacers have won five straight and seven of their last eight, taking a two-game lead over the Bucks for the No. 4 seed in the East. Tyrese Haliburton is on a strong second half of the season with 11 consecutive double-doubles, the longest active streak in the league. Haliburton is on pace for the best assist-to-turnover ratio (5.46) in a season since Muggsy Bogues in 1990-91. — Collier
12. LA Clippers
- 2024-25 record: 40-31
- Previous ranking: 13
- Next games: @ NYK (Mar. 26), @ BKN (Mar. 28), @ CLE (Mar. 30), @ ORL (Mar. 31)
The Clippers have won eight of their last 10 games, with their most recent loss being a close two-point defeat to the Thunder on Sunday. They are playing some of their best basketball, and Tyronn Lue returned from a back issue for the Thunder game. The Clippers, still without assistant Jeff Van Gundy, begin a late-season East Coast road trip starting in New York against the Knicks, followed by games against the Nets, Cavs, and Magic. — Youngmisuk
13. Milwaukee Bucks
- 2024-25 record: 40-31
- Previous ranking: 11
- Next games: @ DEN (Mar. 26), vs. NYK (Mar. 28), vs. ATL (Mar. 30), vs. PHX (Apr. 1)
The Bucks have lost three of their last five and are 4-6 in their last 10, a tough stretch coinciding with the news of Damian Lillard being out indefinitely with a blood clot in his right calf. The Bucks are 8-5 and averaging 108.5 points without Lillard this season, compared to 115.7 points when he plays. — Collier
14. Detroit Pistons
- 2024-25 record: 41-32
- Previous ranking: 14
- Next games: vs. CLE (Mar. 28), @ MIN (Mar. 30)
With nine games remaining, the Pistons are three games behind the Pacers and Bucks in the loss column for the No. 4 seed in the East and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Detroit could realistically catch the Bucks for fifth, securing a more favorable matchup against Indiana instead of facing New York as the No. 6 seed. The Pistons demonstrated their depth by defeating the Pelicans even with Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. sidelined due to minor injuries. — Kevin Pelton
15. Sacramento Kings
- 2024-25 record: 35-37
- Previous ranking: 15
- Next games: vs. POR (Mar. 27), @ ORL (Mar. 29), @ IND (Mar. 31)
Seemingly secure in the ninth play-in spot a week ago, the Kings are now in a battle to maintain that position after losing four straight at home. Sacramento is only half a game ahead of Dallas and tied with Phoenix, with one of these three teams missing the play-in tournament altogether. Domantas Sabonis`s return should help the Kings, who went 3-6 in the nine games he missed due to injuries. — Pelton
16. Atlanta Hawks
- 2024-25 record: 35-37
- Previous ranking: 17
- Next games: @ MIA (Mar. 27), @ MIL (Mar. 30), vs. POR (Apr. 1)
While unlikely, there`s a slight chance (1.5% per ESPN`s Basketball Power Index) for Atlanta to reach the top six in the East. The seventh-place Hawks are 5ยฝ games behind the sixth-place Pistons and have gained two games on Detroit in their last 10 games. The Pistons have the second-toughest remaining schedule, while Atlanta`s is the seventh-easiest. — Herring
17. Phoenix Suns
- 2024-25 record: 35-37
- Previous ranking: 18
- Next games: vs. BOS (Mar. 26), @ MIN (Mar. 28), vs. HOU (Mar. 30), @ MIL (Apr. 1)
The Suns` four-game winning streak is their longest since October-November. Kevin Durant averaged 40 points in the last two games of this streak against Cleveland and Milwaukee. However, Phoenix`s upcoming schedule is challenging, including two games against Boston, plus games against Oklahoma City, Houston, Minnesota, New York, Golden State, and Milwaukee again. — McMenamin
18. Orlando Magic
- 2024-25 record: 35-38
- Previous ranking: 16
- Next games: vs. DAL (Mar. 27), vs. SAC (Mar. 29), vs. LAC (Mar. 31), @ SA (Apr. 1)
The Magic might be improving at the right time. Back-to-back wins over the Lakers and Hornets gave Orlando their first three-game winning streak since December 1st. Combined with a win in Cleveland before a loss to Houston, Orlando shows signs of developing enough offense to complement their strong defense. Paolo Banchero is averaging 30 points in March, shooting 41.2% from 3, resembling his strong start to the season before an oblique strain. — Pelton
19. Dallas Mavericks
- 2024-25 record: 35-38
- Previous ranking: 19
- Next games: @ ORL (Mar. 27), @ CHI (Mar. 29), vs. BKN (Mar. 31)
Spencer Dinwiddie, playing on a veteran`s minimum contract in his second stint with Dallas, has been crucial in keeping the injury-hit Mavericks` playoff hopes alive. Dinwiddie averaged 23.5 points and 9.5 assists while shooting 72.7% in wins over the Pistons and Nets. He also had 28 points and six assists in a March 10 win against the Spurs, the Mavs` only other win since Kyrie Irving`s season-ending knee injury. — MacMahon
20. Portland Trail Blazers
- 2024-25 record: 32-41
- Previous ranking: 21
- Next games: @ SAC (Mar. 27), @ NYK (Mar. 30), @ ATL (Apr. 1)
With nine games left, the Blazers are running out of time to catch the Mavericks and Suns for the final play-in spot in the West. However, they remain in contention after impressive home wins last week over the Grizzlies and Nuggets (without Jokic). Portland`s improved defense, led by Toumani Camara, is more than just opponent shooting luck. Despite teams shooting 38% from 3 against them in March (after 31% in February), Portland`s defense remains at a league-average level. — Pelton
21. Chicago Bulls
- 2024-25 record: 32-40
- Previous ranking: 22
- Next games: vs. LAL (Mar. 27), vs. DAL (Mar. 29), @ OKC (Mar. 31), vs. TOR (Apr. 1)
The Bulls are 8-2 in their last 10 games and averaging a league-best 122.5 points during this stretch since March 6th. Their backcourt is leading the way, with Coby White having three consecutive 35-point games, and Josh Giddey averaging 22.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 54% (53% from 3) since the All-Star break. Chicago is two games behind Orlando for the No. 8 seed in the East. — Collier
22. San Antonio Spurs
- 2024-25 record: 31-40
- Previous ranking: 23
- Next games: @ CLE (Mar. 27), vs. BOS (Mar. 29), vs. GS (Mar. 30), vs. ORL (Apr. 1)
San Antonio faces a tough path to play-in contention but continues to compete. They held Toronto to just 40 first-half points in a 123-89 victory on Sunday, securing their second three-game winning streak of the season. Veteran Chris Paul played his 70th game of the season, becoming the first player in his 20th season or later to play in his team`s first 70 games in league history. — Wright
23. Miami Heat
- 2024-25 record: 31-41
- Previous ranking: 20
- Next games: vs. ATL (Mar. 27), @ PHI (Mar. 29), @ WAS (Mar. 31)
Miami finally ended their 10-game losing streak on Sunday, led by Andrew Wiggins`s 42 points, following his 30-point game in their previous loss to the Rockets. Despite the 10-game losing streak, Miami remains in a play-in tournament spot in the East. — Bontemps
24. Brooklyn Nets
- 2024-25 record: 23-49
- Previous ranking: 26
- Next games: vs. TOR (Mar. 26), vs. LAC (Mar. 28), @ WAS (Mar. 29), @ DAL (Mar. 31)
Brooklyn`s resilience has faded after trading Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, waiving Ben Simmons, and losing Cam Thomas to a season-ending injury. The lottery-bound Nets are 2-11 in March after a better-than-expected 21-38 start. — Herring
25. Toronto Raptors
- 2024-25 record: 25-47
- Previous ranking: 24
- Next games: @ BKN (Mar. 26), vs. CHA (Mar. 28), @ PHI (Mar. 30), @ CHI (Apr. 1)
Toronto is keeping pace with the 76ers and Nets in the lottery standings. Playing an easy schedule has led to a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. A loss to the Nets on Wednesday would reduce their chances of falling behind either team in the coming weeks. — Bontemps
26. Philadelphia 76ers
- 2024-25 record: 23-49
- Previous ranking: 25
- Next games: vs. WAS (Mar. 26), vs. MIA (Mar. 29), vs. TOR (Mar. 30), @ NYK (Apr. 1)
In a disappointing season, rookie Justin Edwards has been a positive note for Philadelphia. Edwards is averaging 14 points and shooting 37.5% from 3 in March. He is capitalizing on increased playing time and opportunities due to the 76ers` numerous injuries. — Bontemps
27. New Orleans Pelicans
- 2024-25 record: 20-53
- Previous ranking: 27
- Next games: vs. GS (Mar. 28), vs. CHA (Mar. 30)
The Pelicans faced more injury setbacks as Zion Williamson suffered a back contusion, sidelining him for the last two games of a three-game road trip. Rookie Yves Missi is also out with hip soreness. Despite shooting well in their recent loss to Detroit, it`s time for New Orleans to focus on the future and roster development. — Wright
28. Charlotte Hornets
- 2024-25 record: 18-54
- Previous ranking: 28
- Next games: @ TOR (Mar. 28), @ NO (Mar. 30), vs. UTAH (Mar. 31)
It has been a challenging second half of the season for Charlotte point guard LaMelo Ball. His field goal percentage has dropped from nearly 42% before the All-Star break to just 35.3% since. His season field goal percentage (40.1%) and 3-point percentage (33.6%) are career lows, despite a league-high usage rate of 36%. — Herring
29. Utah Jazz
- 2024-25 record: 16-57
- Previous ranking: 30
- Next games: vs. HOU (Mar. 27), @ DEN (Mar. 28), @ CHA (Mar. 31)
Utah has committed 20 or more turnovers in 22 games this season, the most since the 2018-19 Hawks. The Jazz lead the league in turnovers per game (17.6) and points allowed off turnovers (22.1). — MacMahon
30. Washington Wizards
- 2024-25 record: 15-56
- Previous ranking: 29
- Next games: @ PHI (Mar. 26), vs. IND (Mar. 27), vs. BKN (Mar. 29), vs. MIA (Mar. 31)
Washington has lost five straight games. For the Wizards, the focus is on giving young players like Alex Sarr experience. Sarr is averaging 19.7 points in seven games, including a career-high 34-point game against Denver. It`s positive to see Sarr finishing his rookie season strongly as he heads into his first offseason. — Youngmisuk
