NBA Power Rankings: End-of-Season Team Standings and Analysis

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

• 2024-25 Record: 63-12
• Previous Ranking: 1
• Next Games: vs. DET (Apr. 2), @ HOU (Apr. 4), vs. LAL (Apr. 6), vs. LAL (Apr. 8)

The Thunder`s dominant victory over the Bulls solidified their place in NBA history with the best cross-conference record. They boast a 28-1 record against Eastern Conference teams, their only loss to Cleveland. The previous record of 27-3 was held by the 2015-16 Warriors, 2006-07 Mavericks, and 1999-2000 Lakers. — Tim MacMahon

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

• 2024-25 Record: 60-15
• Previous Ranking: 2
• Next Games: vs. NYK (Apr. 2), @ SA (Apr. 4), vs. SAC (Apr. 6), vs. CHI (Apr. 8)

The Cavaliers have secured their third 60-win season and could match their franchise record with a 6-1 finish. Their primary focus is maintaining the No. 1 seed in the East, holding a four-game lead over the Celtics. Only one of their remaining seven games is against a non-playoff team. — Dave McMenamin

3. Boston Celtics

• 2024-25 Record: 56-19
• Previous Ranking: 3
• Next Games: vs. MIA (Apr. 2), vs. PHX (Apr. 4), vs. WAS (Apr. 6), @ NYK (Apr. 8)

While a small chance exists for the Celtics to overtake the Cavaliers for the top seed, their main priority is playoff readiness. Boston is confident in their ability to compete with any team at full strength. — Tim Bontemps

4. Houston Rockets

• 2024-25 Record: 49-27
• Previous Ranking: 4
• Next Games: vs. UTAH (Apr. 2), vs. OKC (Apr. 4), @ GS (Apr. 6)

Coach Ime Udoka emphasizes health, consistency, and physicality for the Rockets, aiming to convert defense into offense. They are working on improving their half-court offense and will rely on their league-leading offensive rebounding. Their upcoming schedule against playoff-bound Western Conference teams serves as crucial postseason preparation. — Michael Wright

5. Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 Record: 47-29
• Previous Ranking: 5
• Next Games: vs. SA (Apr. 2), @ GS (Apr. 4), vs. IND (Apr. 6)

The Nuggets are focused on securing a top-four seed in the West. Nikola Jokic remains in the MVP race and needs a strong finish after recent injury absences. Maintaining the health of Jokic, Murray, and Gordon is paramount for Denver`s playoff aspirations. Health permitting, the Nuggets are a threat to emerge from the West. — Ohm Youngmisuk

6. Los Angeles Lakers

• 2024-25 Record: 46-29
• Previous Ranking: 7
• Next Games: vs. GS (Apr. 3), vs. NO (Apr. 4), @ OKC (Apr. 6), @ OKC (Apr. 8)

The Lakers are determined to avoid the play-in tournament and secure an outright playoff spot. LeBron James emphasized the team`s mission to lock in a playoff spot and avoid the play-in games. — McMenamin

7. Golden State Warriors

• 2024-25 Record: 44-31
• Previous Ranking: 9
• Next Games: @ LAL (Apr. 3), vs. DEN (Apr. 4), vs. HOU (Apr. 6), @ PHX (Apr. 8)

The Warriors aim for a sixth seed or higher to bypass the play-in tournament. They prefer a week of rest before a first-round series. Steph Curry believes their championship experience makes them a threat to any team in a series. — Youngmisuk

8. Indiana Pacers

• 2024-25 Record: 44-31
• Previous Ranking: 11
• Next Games: vs. CHA (Apr. 2), vs. UTAH (Apr. 4), @ DEN (Apr. 6), vs. WAS (Apr. 8)

The Pacers are in a strong position to secure home-court advantage in the first round. Their strong home schedule in the final games provides an edge in achieving a top-four seed. — Jamal Collier

9. Memphis Grizzlies

• 2024-25 Record: 44-32
• Previous Ranking: 8
• Next Games: @ MIA (Apr. 3), @ DET (Apr. 5), @ CHA (Apr. 8)

The Grizzlies` firing of coach Taylor Jenkins was a shock. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo will implement more pick-and-roll tactics to optimize Ja Morant`s play. The team is 0-3 since the coaching change. — Wright

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

• 2024-25 Record: 44-32
• Previous Ranking: 10
• Next Games: @ BKN (Apr. 3), @ PHI (Apr. 5), @ MIL (Apr. 8)

The Timberwolves are aiming to climb out of the play-in tournament and secure a top-six seed. They are currently tied with the Grizzlies but only half a game ahead of the Clippers. Their schedule eases after a double-overtime win against Denver. — Collier

11. New York Knicks

• 2024-25 Record: 48-27
• Previous Ranking: 6
• Next Games: @ CLE (Apr. 2), @ ATL (Apr. 5), vs PHX (Apr. 6), vs. BOS (Apr. 8)

The Knicks` primary concern is Jalen Brunson`s health as he recovers from an ankle sprain. They are also hoping for the return of backups Deuce McBride and Cam Payne and Mitchell Robinson`s return to form. Brunson`s comfort level heading into the playoffs is key. — Chris Herring

12. LA Clippers

• 2024-25 Record: 43-32
• Previous Ranking: 12
• Next Games: vs. NO (Apr. 2), vs. DAL (Apr. 4), vs. DAL (Apr. 5), vs. SA (Apr. 8)

The Clippers are also vying for the sixth seed to avoid the play-in. Kawhi Leonard`s health remains their top priority heading into the playoffs. They have managed his back-to-backs to ensure his playoff readiness. — Youngmisuk

13. Detroit Pistons

• 2024-25 Record: 42-33
• Previous Ranking: 14
• Next Games: @ OKC (Apr. 2), @ TOR (Apr. 4), vs. MEM (Apr. 5), vs. SAC (Apr. 7)

The Pistons are focused on seeding after almost securing a top-six spot in the East. Home-court advantage over the Pacers might be difficult, but staying ahead of the Bucks for fifth is crucial. Their head-to-head tiebreaker with the Bucks will be decided in the final weekend. — Kevin Pelton

14. Milwaukee Bucks

• 2024-25 Record: 41-34
• Previous Ranking: 13
• Next Games: @ PHI (Apr. 3), @ MIA (Apr. 5), @ NO (Apr. 6), vs. MIN (Apr. 8)

Damian Lillard`s health is the biggest concern for the Bucks, who have dropped to sixth in the standings. Their postseason hopes depend on Lillard`s return and the chemistry between him and Giannis Antetokounmpo. — Collier

15. Atlanta Hawks

• 2024-25 Record: 36-39
• Previous Ranking: 16
• Next Games: @ DAL (Apr. 2), vs. NYK (Apr. 5), vs. UTAH (Apr. 6), @ ORL (Apr. 8)

The Hawks are prioritizing Trae Young`s health and the return of Clint Capela. They are likely to face the Magic in the play-in for the No. 7 seed and their remaining games against Orlando are crucial. — Herring

16. Dallas Mavericks

• 2024-25 Record: 37-39
• Previous Ranking: 19
• Next Games: vs. ATL (Apr. 2), @ LAC (Apr. 4), @ LAC (Apr. 5)

The Mavericks are getting healthy with the return of Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and soon Dereck Lively II. They are evaluating their frontcourt potential as they approach the end of the season. — MacMahon

17. Sacramento Kings

• 2024-25 Record: 36-39
• Previous Ranking: 15
• Next Games: @ WAS (Apr. 2), @ CHA (Apr. 4), @ CLE (Apr. 6), @ DET (Apr. 7)

Despite recent losses, the Kings are holding onto the final play-in spot. Durant`s injury improves their chances, and their favorable schedule makes them favorites to reach the play-in in simulations. — Pelton

18. Orlando Magic

• 2024-25 Record: 37-40
• Previous Ranking: 18
• Next Games: @ WAS (Apr. 3), vs. ATL (Apr. 8)

The Magic are battling for play-in seeding and have slipped behind the Hawks. Their upcoming games against Atlanta will be crucial in determining their play-in tournament path. — Pelton

19. Chicago Bulls

• 2024-25 Record: 34-42
• Previous Ranking: 21
• Next Games: vs. POR (Apr. 4), @ CHA (Apr. 6), @ CLE (Apr. 8)

Josh Giddey`s free agency and his performance down the stretch are key for the Bulls. His recent play alongside Coby White has given the Bulls a promising backcourt. His finish to the season will be crucial in proving his development. — Collier

20. Phoenix Suns

• 2024-25 Record: 35-41
• Previous Ranking: 17
• Next Games: @ BOS (Apr. 4), @ NYK (Apr. 6), vs. GS (Apr. 8)

Kevin Durant`s ankle injury casts doubt on the Suns` play-in hopes. They are 1½ games behind the Kings, but Durant`s absence and a tough upcoming schedule make their playoff chances slim. — McMenamin

21. Miami Heat

• 2024-25 Record: 34-41
• Previous Ranking: 23
• Next Games: @ BOS (Apr. 2), vs. MEM (Apr. 3), vs. MIL (Apr. 5), vs. PHI (Apr. 7)

The Heat are fighting to get back into the 7-8 play-in game after a recent winning streak. Making the playoffs is crucial for Miami to protect future draft picks. — Bontemps

22. Portland Trail Blazers

• 2024-25 Record: 33-43
• Previous Ranking: 20
• Next Games: @ TOR (Apr. 3), @ CHI (Apr. 4), vs. SA (Apr. 6)

The Blazers` play-in chances are slim after a four-game losing streak. Their focus may shift to lottery positioning and improving their draft odds. — Pelton

23. New Orleans Pelicans

• 2024-25 Record: 21-54
• Previous Ranking: 27
• Next Games: @ LAC (Apr. 2), @ LAL (Apr. 4), vs. MIL (Apr. 6), @ BKN (Apr. 8)

Injuries continue to plague the Pelicans, with Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum ruled out for the season. The Pelicans need to focus on the draft and roster construction for next season. — Wright

24. San Antonio Spurs

• 2024-25 Record: 31-44
• Previous Ranking: 22
• Next Games: @ DEN (Apr. 2), vs. CLE (Apr. 6), @ POR (Apr. 6), @ LAC (Apr. 8)

The Spurs are unlikely to reach the play-in but will continue to compete. Young players are auditioning for future roles, and Stephon Castle`s Rookie of the Year season is worth watching. — Wright

25. Toronto Raptors

• 2024-25 Record: 28-48
• Previous Ranking: 25
• Next Games: vs. POR (Apr. 3), vs. DET (Apr. 4), @ BKN (Apr. 6)

While Brandon Ingram is out, the Raptors are evaluating the duo of Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. Having been eliminated from postseason contention, they can focus on developing this duo for the future. — Bontemps

26. Brooklyn Nets

• 2024-25 Record: 25-51
• Previous Ranking: 24
• Next Games: vs. MIN (Apr. 3), vs. TOR (Apr. 6), vs. NO (Apr. 8)

Coach Jordi Fernandez is trying to maximize the Nets` performance despite their lottery position. They have recently won back-to-back games for the first time since the All-Star break. — Herring

27. Philadelphia 76ers

• 2024-25 Record: 23-53
• Previous Ranking: 26
• Next Games: vs. MIL (Apr. 3), vs. MIN (Apr. 5), @ MIA (Apr. 7)

The 76ers are focused on securing a top-six lottery position to keep their draft pick. Finishing fifth rather than sixth significantly increases their chances of retaining the pick. — Bontemps

28. Charlotte Hornets

• 2024-25 Record: 19-56
• Previous Ranking: 28
• Next Games: @ IND (Apr. 2), vs. SAC (Apr. 4), vs. CHI (Apr. 6), vs. MEM (Apr. 8)

The Hornets are aiming for a bottom-three league standing to maximize their lottery odds. With LaMelo Ball out for the season, they are likely to finish near the bottom of the standings. — Herring

29. Washington Wizards

• 2024-25 Record: 16-59
• Previous Ranking: 30
• Next Games: vs. SAC (Apr. 2), vs. ORL (Apr. 3), @ BOS (Apr. 6), @ IND (Apr. 8)

The Wizards are focused on securing the best lottery odds in the upcoming draft. Maintaining the highest odds for the No. 1 pick is their priority as they approach 60 losses. — Youngmisuk

30. Utah Jazz

• 2024-25 Record: 16-60
• Previous Ranking: 29
• Next Games: @ HOU (Apr. 2), @ IND (Apr. 4), @ ATL (Apr. 6)

Rookie Isaiah Collier broke John Stockton`s franchise rookie assist record. Collier`s development is a bright spot for the Jazz as they focus on player development. — MacMahon