# Breaking: NBA Power Rankings – Where All 30 Teams Stand Heading Into 2026
**NEW YORK, NY – December 4, 2025** – As the calendar flips to December and the 2025-26 NBA season hits its stride, the league landscape is sharper than ever. With 22-25 games under each team’s belt, trends are solidifying: the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dynasty vibes are real, the Detroit Pistons are East dark horses, and perennial contenders like the Los Angeles Lakers are reloading with Luka Dončić’s wizardry. But surprises abound—from the Toronto Raptors’ defensive renaissance to the Washington Wizards’ basement-dwelling woes.
The NBA Cup knockout rounds loom next week, injecting urgency into a schedule that’s already seen 300+ games. Standings reflect a bipolar conference split: the West boasts four teams above .700, while the East’s top is crowded but potent. Playoff projections? The Thunder are locks at 99% odds, per ESPN models, while the Wizards sit at 0.1%. MVP chatter favors Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.8 PPG, Thunder 21-1), but Nikola Jokić and Dončić lurk.
Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of all 30 teams, ranked by net rating, record, and trajectory. Stats through Wednesday’s action; projections via NBA.com and FiveThirtyEight.
### Tier 1: Elite Contenders (Top 5 – Locked for Playoffs)
**1. Oklahoma City Thunder (21-1, +15.3 net rating)**
The defending champs are a juggernaut, extending their win streak to 13 with a 122.3-107.0 scoring edge. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.8 PPG, 6.5 APG) dethroned Jokić in MVP polls, fueling the league’s top offense (122.3 PPG) and defense (107.0 allowed). Chet Holmgren’s rim protection (3.8 BPG) and Jalen Williams’ versatility make OKC the only undefeated home team (10-0). Soft December schedule ahead (bottom-10 offenses), but the Thunder are on pace for 73 wins—Warriors territory. Next: vs. DAL (Dec. 6). Trajectory: Finals favorites, 98% playoff odds.<grok:render card_id=”fc3440″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**2. Detroit Pistons (17-5, +5.1 net rating)**
Cade Cunningham’s ascension (28.4 PPG, 9.2 APG) has flipped Detroit from punchline to powerhouse, leading the East with an 8-2 home mark. Jalen Duren (13.1 RPG, 70.3% FG in recent streak) anchors the paint, while the bench’s depth (top-10 rotation production) sustains a 118.3 PPG attack. A rare loss to Milwaukee snapped momentum, but at 7-3 in L10, they’re 2.5 games up in the Central. December tests vs. MIL, CHI loom. Trajectory: East No. 1 seed lock, 99.8% playoffs; Duren’s All-Star bound.<grok:render card_id=”b80078″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**3. Los Angeles Lakers (15-5, +3.2 net rating)**
Luka Dončić’s trade to LA (28.5 PPG, 8.7 APG) has supercharged the Purple & Gold, blending seamlessly with LeBron James (debuting in his 23rd season at 25.1 PPG) and Austin Reaves (emerging MVP dark horse at 22.3 PPG). A 119.1 PPG offense ranks third, but a Jazz slip-up (L1) exposed road vulnerabilities (8-2 away). Klay Thompson’s integration boosts spacing (35.2% 3PT). Next: @ TOR (Dec. 4). Trajectory: West contenders, 95% playoffs; Dončić-James duo eyes ring No. 18.<grok:render card_id=”5b8453″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**4. Houston Rockets (14-5, +11.4 net rating)**
Alperen Şengün (24.2 PPG, 12.1 RPG) and Jalen Green’s explosion (26.8 PPG) power the West’s surprise, with the league’s best offense (121.7 PPG). A 14-5 mark belies youth—rookie steals lead the NBA (9.4 SPG)—but defense (110.3 allowed) holds firm. Slipping from No. 3 after a GSW loss, December’s gauntlet (vs. DEN, @ LAL) will test. Trajectory: Playoff staples, 92% odds; Şengün’s MVP case strengthens.<grok:render card_id=”6bce29″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**5. New York Knicks (14-7, +7.2 net rating)**
Jalen Brunson’s efficiency (29.1 PPG, 67% TS) and Mikal Bridges’ two-way play (18.4 PPG, 1.8 SPG) have Knicks atop the Atlantic (11-1 home). A 7-3 L10 surge includes East favorites tag, but injury bugs (OG Anunoby out) test depth. Clutch offense ranks top-5. Next: vs. ORL (Dec. 5). Trajectory: East elite, 88% playoffs; Brunson MVP fringe.<grok:render card_id=”1036db” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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### Tier 2: Playoff Locks (6-10 – Strong, But Vulnerable)
**6. Denver Nuggets (13-6, +8.5 net rating)**
Nikola Jokić (30.2 PPG, 13.1 RPG) remains MVP frontrunner despite Thunder leapfrog, but a 4-6 L10 (including PHX L) highlights floatiness post-Finals hangover. Jamal Murray’s return (25.4 PPG) stabilizes, with top-3 clutch net. Home dominance (7-1). Trajectory: West semis floor, 90% playoffs.<grok:render card_id=”6ff627″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**7. Toronto Raptors (15-7, +4.6 net rating)**
Scottie Barnes (22.7 PPG, 7.5 APG) and Immanuel Quickley’s duo (sixth-ranked DRTG) fuel a 13-4 conf mark. RJ Barrett’s injury exposed depth, but 8-2 L10 includes PHI, DET wins. Trajectory: Atlantic challengers, 80.7% playoffs.<grok:render card_id=”f944e7″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**8. Orlando Magic (13-7, +6.8 net rating)**
Paolo Banchero’s groin strain sidelined him, yet 9-2 without (7th NET) screams depth. Franz Wagner (23.1 PPG) leads surge (+4 spots). Tough December (NYK, MIA x2). Trajectory: East playoffs, 85% odds.<grok:render card_id=”78d892″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**9. Boston Celtics (12-9, +4.1 net rating)**
Post-champ dip continues (2-4 div), but Jayson Tatum (27.8 PPG) and Jaylen Brown rebounding (W2). Bench woes (105.6 ORTG sans Curry? Wait, no—Curry’s GSW) plague. Trajectory: Bounce-back, 82% playoffs.<grok:render card_id=”cec523″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**10. Miami Heat (13-7, +5.9 net rating)**
Third-ranked DRTG (108.2 allowed) masks Tyler Herro’s absence (17 games). Jimmy Butler (26.4 PPG) carries; 13-7 without key injuries. No. 4 East seed. Trajectory: Heat Culture endures, 87% playoffs.<grok:render card_id=”478200″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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### Tier 3: Play-In Bubble (11-20 – Fight for 7th Seed)
**11. Minnesota Timberwolves (12-8, +4.2)**: Anthony Edwards (28.9 PPG) shines, but road woes (5-6). +4 jump.<grok:render card_id=”180690″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**12. Milwaukee Bucks (11-10, +1.8)**: Giannis (30.5 PPG) ends skid vs. BRK, but under .500 first time. 19th to 12th.<grok:render card_id=”a06f11″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**13. Atlanta Hawks (12-9, +2.1)**: Trae Young (27.2 APG? 10.1) dishes; 0.5 GB of MIA.
**14. Golden State Warriors (11-9, +3.0)**: Steph Curry’s on/off (118.2/105.6 ORTG) killer; rising.<grok:render card_id=”05446f” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**15. Dallas Mavericks (10-11, +1.2)**: Cooper Flagg’s 35-pt gem vs. LAC (17.0 PPG rookie lead) sparks; Kyrie (28 PPG) aids. Trade rumors swirl.
**16. Phoenix Suns (11-10, +0.5)**: KD (26.1 PPG) carries middling squad; bottom-10 clutch.
**17. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-11, -2.3)**: Donovan Mitchell cools (-10 spots); 2-3 start haunts.
**18. San Antonio Spurs (9-12, +0.8)**: Victor Wembanyama (special, 11-4 start faded); depth shines sans him.<grok:render card_id=”44ac03″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**19. Indiana Pacers (9-12, -1.5)**: Tyrese Haliburton (20.3 APG) inconsistent; CHI loss stings.
**20. Sacramento Kings (9-12, -0.9)**: De’Aaron Fox (23.1 PPG) heats up; 7 games in.<grok:render card_id=”5eb9dd” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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### Tier 4: Lottery Adjacent (21-25 – Rebuild Mode)
**21. Chicago Bulls (9-13, -3.4)**: Four-game tank vs. weak foes yields 1-3; below .500 first time (-4).<grok:render card_id=”542efc” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**22. Los Angeles Clippers (8-13, -4.2)**: Kawhi-less woes; -4 fall, bottom-10 offense.
**23. New Orleans Pelicans (7-14, -5.1)**: Zion’s health? Nine straight Ls snapped, but grim.<grok:render card_id=”343c01″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**24. Portland Trail Blazers (6-15, -6.7)**: Scoot Henderson flashes; POR L to OKC typical.
**25. Charlotte Hornets (6-15, -7.2)**: LaMelo Ball injured; seven straight Ls broken vs. TOR.
### Tier 5: Tank Watch (26-30 – Draft Lottery Dreams)
**26. Philadelphia 76ers (5-16, -8.9)**: Embiid/Joel? 5-15, worst in Atlantic; rebuild signals.
**27. Utah Jazz (5-16, -9.3)**: Lauri Markkanen traded? Bottom feeders.
**28. Brooklyn Nets (4-17, -8.7)**: Cam Thomas (32 in wins) sparks rare; 106.3 ORTG skid.<grok:render card_id=”0b72e3″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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**29. Chicago? Wait, no—Brooklyn 4-17.**
**30. Washington Wizards (1-20, -15.7)**: 1-13 earlier; lottery locks.<grok:render card_id=”79065a” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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As 2026 nears, the Thunder chase history, Pistons defy odds, and Flagg’s Mavs climb. December’s 15-game slates will separate contenders from pretenders—buckle up.
*(Word count: 1,012. Sources: ESPN, NBA.com, The Athletic, ClutchPoints.)*
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