With the 2024-25 NBA regular season entering its final month, the playoff picture is becoming clearer. Some teams are securing postseason berths, while others are preparing for the upcoming draft.

The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Oklahoma City Thunder have officially clinched playoff spots. The Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks have secured at least a play-in tournament spot. In the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz have been eliminated from playoff contention.

The race for playoff seeding remains intense, particularly in the Western Conference’s second seed and the Eastern Conference’s play-in bracket.

As the regular season nears its end, every game becomes crucial. Let’s examine this week’s Power Rankings to assess all 30 teams’ standings.

Note: These rankings reflect the opinions of our panel members (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, and Chris Herring) on team performance this season.

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1 | Jan. 8 | Jan. 15 | Jan. 22 | Jan. 29 | Feb. 5 | Feb. 12 | Feb. 26 | Mar. 5 | Mar. 12

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard lead the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 30.4 and 25.1 PPG respectively this season.

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NYK | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

2024-25 record: 56-12
Previous ranking: 1
Next games: @ SAC (Mar. 19), @ PHX (Mar. 21), @ UTAH (Mar. 23), @ POR (Mar. 25)

Paolo Banchero’s late basket in Sunday’s game against Orlando ended the Cavaliers’ 16-game winning streak. Cleveland will play nine of its final 15 games on the road. However, with a significant lead over Boston, their position as the top seed in the Eastern Conference is secure. They are expected to focus on player health as the season progresses, as seen with Evan Mobley’s recent rest due to a foot injury. — Dave McMenamin

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

2024-25 record: 56-12
Previous ranking: 2
Next games: vs. PHI (Mar. 19), vs. CHA (Mar. 21), @ LAC (Mar. 23), @ SAC (Mar. 25)

Oklahoma City has won 10 of their last 11 games, leading the league in scoring with 122.7 points per 100 possessions during this stretch, despite Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren each missing four games. Seven Thunder players are averaging double-digit points in these 11 games, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP contender, who is averaging 35.9 points per game with impressive shooting percentages. — Tim MacMahon

3. Boston Celtics

2024-25 record: 50-19
Previous ranking: 3
Next games: @ UTAH (Mar. 21), @ POR (Mar. 23), @ SAC (Mar. 24)

Payton Pritchard has set a new NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a season by a reserve player, and there’s still a month left in the season. Pritchard’s consistent performance off the bench, second only to Jayson Tatum, makes him a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. — Tim Bontemps

4. Houston Rockets

2024-25 record: 44-25
Previous ranking: 9
Next games: @ ORL (Mar. 19), @ MIA (Mar. 21), vs. DEN (Mar. 23), vs. ATL (Mar. 25)

The Rockets extended their winning streak to seven games on Monday with a dramatic comeback against Philadelphia, matching their largest comeback win in franchise history. Young players Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green each scored 30 points, supported by strong contributions from Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Dillon Brooks. Despite the winning streak, coach Ime Udoka acknowledged the team’s inconsistency against weaker opponents. — Michael Wright

5. Denver Nuggets

2024-25 record: 44-25
Previous ranking: 4
Next games: @ LAL (Mar. 19), @ POR (Mar. 21), @ HOU (Mar. 23), vs. CHI (Mar. 24)

After a mixed week including a win and loss against Oklahoma City, the Nuggets had inconsistent performances. Despite losses to the Timberwolves and Wizards, they managed a win against the Lakers and a surprising victory over the Warriors in Golden State, even with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray not fully fit. Aaron Gordon scored 38 points, and Russell Westbrook recorded a triple-double in the win against Golden State, providing a boost as they continue their road trip. — Ohm Youngmisuk

6. Memphis Grizzlies

2024-25 record: 43-26
Previous ranking: 6
Next games: @ POR (Mar. 19), @ LAC (Mar. 21), @ UTAH (Mar. 25)

Ja Morant, already dealing with a shoulder injury, missed Monday’s game due to hamstring soreness. Despite Morant’s absences, the Grizzlies are pushing for the second seed in the West, having scored 120 or more points in five consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NBA. Desmond Bane has been performing exceptionally, and Jaren Jackson Jr. seems fully recovered from a recent injury. — Wright

7. New York Knicks

2024-25 record: 43-24
Previous ranking: 7
Next games: @ SA (MAR. 19), @ CHA (Mar. 20), vs. WAS (Mar. 22), vs. DAL (Mar. 25)

The Knicks’ West Coast trip was eventful, marked by Jalen Brunson’s ankle injury, Mikal Bridges’ game-winning shot, and a loss to the Warriors. With a 2-3 record on the trip, they now face an easier part of their schedule, playing against teams like the Spurs, Hornets, Wizards, and a weakened Mavericks team, which reduces pressure on Brunson to return quickly from injury. — Chris Herring

8. Golden State Warriors

2024-25 record: 40-29
Previous ranking: 8
Next games: vs. TOR (Mar. 20), @ ATL (Mar. 22), @ MIA (Mar. 25)

The Warriors suffered a loss to Denver despite Denver missing key players, ending a streak of 14 wins in 16 games. After winning seven straight and 12 of 13, a loss was expected. Steve Kerr noted Stephen Curry’s fatigue after a game where Curry struggled with shooting and turnovers. Curry is also dealing with a back issue and rested for the game against Milwaukee. Following home games, the Warriors face a six-game road trip. — Youngmisuk

9. Los Angeles Lakers

2024-25 record: 42-25
Previous ranking: 5
Next games: vs. DEN (Mar. 19), vs. MIL (Mar. 20), vs. CHI (Mar. 22), @ ORL (Mar. 24)

Austin Reaves has been on a scoring surge, averaging 30.8 points, 7 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 2 steals over four games in five nights. Teammate Jordan Goodwin praised Reaves, highlighting his value to the team as a top-tier player despite being considered the third option after LeBron James and Luka Doncic. — Dave McMenamin

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

2024-25 record: 40-30
Previous ranking: 11
Next games: vs. NO (Mar. 19), vs. NO (Mar. 21), @ IND (Mar. 24)

The Timberwolves’ eight-game winning streak ended in overtime against the Pacers, but they are playing well at a crucial time. They had won 13 games with Julius Randle in the lineup. A favorable upcoming schedule should allow them to accumulate more wins. They are currently tied with the Warriors for the No. 6 seed in the West. — Jamal Collier

11. Milwaukee Bucks

2024-25 record: 38-30
Previous ranking: 10
Next games: @ LAL (Mar. 20), @ SAC (Mar. 22), @ PHX (Mar. 24)

The Bucks are embarking on their longest road trip of the season, a five-game West Coast swing. They are shorthanded as center Jericho Sims is sidelined for a month due to wrist surgery. — Collier

12. Indiana Pacers

2024-25 record: 38-29
Previous ranking: 12
Next games: vs. DAL (Mar. 19), vs. BKN (Mar. 20), vs. BKN (Mar. 22), vs. MIN (Mar. 24)

The Pacers may face the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs again. While they were dominant against Milwaukee last season, they have struggled this season, losing four of five matchups. Home-court advantage in the first round is still possible, as Indiana and Milwaukee have similar records, though the Bucks hold the tiebreaker. — Collier

13. LA Clippers

2024-25 record: 39-30
Previous ranking: 13
Next games: vs. MEM (Mar. 21), vs. OKC (Mar. 23)

After a slump, the Clippers have improved, winning seven of their last eight games, including a win against the Cavaliers. They face a challenging March schedule with games against Memphis, Oklahoma City, New York, Orlando, and Cleveland again. This stretch is crucial for their playoff seeding hopes. The return of Norman Powell and Ben Simmons is a significant boost. — Youngmisuk

14. Detroit Pistons

2024-25 record: 38-31
Previous ranking: 14
Next games: @ MIA (Mar. 19), @ DAL (Mar. 21), vs. NO (Mar. 23), vs. SA (Mar. 25)

A home loss to the Wizards could impact the Pistons’ playoff positioning. They are close to the Pacers and Bucks in the standings, competing for home-court advantage in the first round. After a loss to Oklahoma City, the Pistons rebounded with a dominant win against the Pelicans. Strong performances from Detroit’s bench players contributed to the victory. — Kevin Pelton

15. Sacramento Kings

2024-25 record: 34-33
Previous ranking: 15
Next games: vs. CLE (Mar. 19), vs. CHI (Mar. 20), vs. MIL (Mar. 22), vs. BOS (Mar. 24), vs. OKC (Mar. 25)

Domantas Sabonis’s return from injury was marred by an eye injury and an ankle sprain in the game against the Grizzlies. Despite his limited play, the Kings ended their losing streak. Sabonis is expected to miss at least 10 days due to the ankle injury. — Pelton

16. Orlando Magic

2024-25 record: 32-37
Previous ranking: 19
Next games: vs. HOU (Mar. 19), @ WAS (Mar. 21), vs. LAL (Mar. 24), @ CHA (Mar. 25)

Orlando’s win against Cleveland highlighted their potential. They effectively defended Donovan Mitchell and secured a key win. The Magic are likely headed for the play-in tournament but can still improve their seeding to potentially avoid the play-in altogether by overtaking the Hawks. — Pelton

17. Atlanta Hawks

2024-25 record: 33-36
Previous ranking: 17
Next games: vs. GS (Mar. 22), vs. PHI (Mar. 23), @ HOU (Mar. 25)

Dyson Daniels is on track to record the most steals in the NBA in over a decade, surpassing Ricky Rubio’s mark. The Hawks need Daniels’ defensive abilities, especially facing strong offenses like Cleveland or Boston in the playoffs if they advance from the play-in. — Herring

18. Phoenix Suns

2024-25 record: 32-37
Previous ranking: 16
Next games: vs. CHI (Mar. 19), vs. CLE (Mar. 21), vs. MIL (Mar. 24)

Phoenix has struggled to maintain winning streaks, with their last one in January. They are 8-16 since then. However, they are still in contention for a play-in spot, trailing the Mavericks by one game for the final spot with 13 games remaining. — McMenamin

19. Dallas Mavericks

2024-25 record: 33-36
Previous ranking: 18
Next games: @ IND (Mar. 19), vs. DET (Mar. 21), @ BKN (Mar. 24), @ NYK (Mar. 25)

P.J. Washington performed well in his return from injury, scoring 29 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a loss to the 76ers. He is one of the few regular starters currently available for the Mavericks, who are dealing with numerous injuries. — MacMahon

20. Miami Heat

2024-25 record: 29-39
Previous ranking: 20
Next games: vs. DET (Mar. 19), vs. HOU (Mar. 21), vs. CHA (Mar. 23), vs. GS (Mar. 25)

The Heat are on an eight-game losing streak, their longest under coach Erik Spoelstra. Spoelstra described this period as one of the toughest regular seasons. Poor fourth-quarter performances have caused them to drop to the final play-in spot in the East. — Bontemps

21. Portland Trail Blazers

2024-25 record: 30-39
Previous ranking: 21
Next games: vs. MEM (Mar. 19), vs. DEN (Mar. 21), vs. BOS (Mar. 23), vs. CLE (Mar. 25)

After wins against weaker teams, the Blazers remain in play-in contention, a few games behind the Mavericks and Suns. To stay in the race, they may need to upset some top teams during their current homestand, which includes games against Boston, Cleveland, Denver, and Memphis. They have struggled against these top teams this season. — Pelton

22. Chicago Bulls

2024-25 record: 29-39
Previous ranking: 23
Next games: @ PHX (Mar. 19), @ SAC (Mar. 20), @ LAL (Mar. 22), @ DEN (Mar. 24)

After a long stretch in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls have moved up to ninth, ahead of the Heat, positioning themselves to potentially host a play-in game. With a recent improved record, their season focus has shifted from draft positioning to play-in tournament seeding. — Collier

23. San Antonio Spurs

2024-25 record: 28-39
Previous ranking: 22
Next games: vs. NYK (Mar. 19), vs. PHI (Mar. 21), @ TOR (Mar. 23), @ DET (Mar. 25)

With De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama sidelined for the season, rookie Stephon Castle is taking center stage, averaging 22 points in his last three games. While the Spurs aim to win, they are unlikely to reach the play-in tournament. This period might be an opportunity to develop younger players and experiment with lineups for the future, building around Fox and Wembanyama. — Wright

24. Toronto Raptors

2024-25 record: 24-45
Previous ranking: 26
Next games: @ GS (Mar. 20), vs. SA (Mar. 23), @ WAS (Mar. 24)

The Raptors have recently surpassed the Nets and 76ers in the standings due to an easier schedule and could potentially overtake the Spurs. This improvement in standings might affect their draft lottery odds in the upcoming draft. — Bontemps