The 2024-25 NBA regular season is concluding this Sunday, with attention focused on Wednesday`s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. This game marks Luka Doncic`s return to Dallas after his high-profile trade to the Lakers in February, promising a tense atmosphere at the American Airlines Center.
Another significant Wednesday game features the Sacramento Kings hosting the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets will be playing their first game since unexpectedly firing coach Michael Malone on Tuesday. This move, Denver`s surprising decision to dismiss a coach late in the season, leaves one of the Western Conference`s strongest teams, led by MVP contender Nikola Jokic, in a state of uncertainty.
Amid these developments, leading playoff contenders are focused on securing their postseason positions, while teams at the bottom, such as the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards, are awaiting the lottery for the No. 1 draft pick.
As the regular season nears its end, our NBA experts analyze whether each team has lived up to or fallen short of preseason expectations in this final edition of the season`s Power Rankings.
Team rankings reflect the assessments of our panel (ESPN`s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, and Chris Herring) regarding team performance this season.
- 2024-25 Record: 65-14
- Previous Ranking: 1
- Next Games: @ PHX (April 9), @ UTAH (April 11), @ NO (April 13)
The Thunder secured the West`s No. 1 seed for the second consecutive year and are positioned to potentially repeat this in 2026 with a stable roster. With 15 players under contract for the next season, including lottery pick Nikola Topic, Oklahoma City`s future looks bright. They also hold potential for multiple first-round picks in the upcoming draft. — Tim MacMahon
- 2024-25 Record: 63-16
- Previous Ranking: 2
- Next Games: @ IND (April 10), @ NYK (April 11), vs. IND (April 13)
The Cavaliers have had a remarkable year, achieving their second-highest win total in franchise history and securing the No. 1 seed in the East for the first time without LeBron James. Under Coach of the Year candidate Kenny Atkinson, key players like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland had All-Star seasons. A deep playoff run is now crucial to validate their regular-season success. — Dave McMenamin
- 2024-25 Record: 59-20
- Previous Ranking: 3
- Next Games: @ ORL (April 9), vs. CHA (April 11), vs. CHA (April 13)
The Celtics are ideally positioned as they enter the postseason, holding a top spot in the East and favored to defend their championship. With a healthy roster and star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, their season has gone exceptionally well. — Tim Bontemps
- 2024-25 Record: 52-27
- Previous Ranking: 4
- Next Games: @ LAC (April 9), @ LAL (April 11), vs. DEN (April 13)
The Rockets have achieved their goal of returning to the postseason for the first time since 2019-20, with Coach Ime Udoka significantly transforming the team`s culture. His emphasis on defense and physicality, along with veteran additions, has led to substantial improvement. The team`s playoff performance will influence their offseason strategy, particularly regarding player options and potential star acquisitions. — Michael Wright
- 2024-25 Record: 50-29
- Previous Ranking: 11
- Next Games: @ DET (April 10), vs. CLE (April 11), @ BKN (April 13)
The Knicks have met preseason expectations by winning 50 games for the second straight season and being among the East`s top teams. However, their record against elite competition raises questions about their playoff competitiveness beyond the first round. — Chris Herring
- 2024-25 Record: 48-31
- Previous Ranking: 6
- Next Games: @ DAL (April 9), vs. HOU (April 11), @ POR (April 13)
The Lakers` season is highlighted by the acquisition of Luka Doncic, a trade considered one of the most significant in league history. Beyond this, positive developments include coach JJ Redick`s performance and LeBron James`s continued high-level play at 40 years old. — McMenamin
- 2024-25 Record: 47-32
- Previous Ranking: 5
- Next Games: @ SAC (April 9), vs. MEM (April 11), @ HOU (April 13)
The Nuggets made a significant change by firing both coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. This decision, driven by internal conflicts and recent team performance, aims to revitalize the team`s postseason prospects under interim coach David Adelman, despite Nikola Jokic`s MVP-caliber season. — Ohm Youngmisuk
- 2024-25 Record: 48-31
- Previous Ranking: 8
- Next Games: vs. WAS (April 8), vs. CLE (April 10), vs. ORL (April 11), @ CLE (April 13)
The Pacers are on track to secure a high seed in the East, marking a successful season highlighted by Tyrese Haliburton`s stellar play. After a slow start, their current trajectory positions them favorably for another deep playoff run. — Jamal Collier
- 2024-25 Record: 47-32
- Previous Ranking: 12
- Next Games: vs. HOU (April 9), @ SAC (April 11), @ GS (April 13)
Despite low preseason expectations and roster changes, the Clippers have exceeded predictions, boasting a top-five defense. Key veteran performances and strategic coaching additions have contributed to their success. The critical question remains whether Kawhi Leonard can maintain health in the playoffs. — Youngmisuk
- 2024-25 Record: 47-32
- Previous Ranking: 7
- Next Games: vs. SA (April 9), @ POR (April 11), vs. LAC (April 13)
After a strong start and mid-season adjustments including a significant trade, the Warriors are gearing up for a playoff run. With rejuvenated key players and the addition of Jimmy Butler III, they aim to leverage their championship experience for postseason success. — Youngmisuk
- 2024-25 Record: 46-33
- Previous Ranking: 10
- Next Games: @ MEM (April 10), vs. BKN (April 11), vs. UTAH (April 13)
Despite preseason changes, the Timberwolves are contending for playoff positioning. After overcoming mid-season inconsistencies, they`ve shown strong momentum recently, improving their chances for a significant postseason impact. — Collier
- 2024-25 Record: 47-32
- Previous Ranking: 9
- Next Games: vs. MIN (April 10), @ DEN (April 11), vs. DAL (April 13)
The Grizzlies` season took a turn with the unexpected firing of coach Taylor Jenkins. Despite a season of offensive innovation, recent performance declines led to the coaching change. The team is now seeking direction under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo and considering roster and coaching changes in the offseason. — Wright
- 2024-25 Record: 45-34
- Previous Ranking: 14
- Next Games: vs. NO (April 10), @ DET (April 11), vs. DET (April 13)
Despite championship aspirations, the Bucks have struggled with consistency and performance against top teams throughout the season. Their final week will be crucial in determining their playoff seeding and overall outlook. — Collier
- 2024-25 Record: 43-36
- Previous Ranking: 13
- Next Games: vs. NYK (April 10), vs. MIL (April 11), @ MIL (April 13)
The Pistons have significantly surpassed expectations this season, already exceeding their projected win total by a large margin. Cade Cunningham`s development has been a major highlight, positioning him as a Most Improved Player contender. — Kevin Pelton
- 2024-25 Record: 39-40
- Previous Ranking: 18
- Next Games: vs. BOS (April 9), @ IND (April 11), @ ATL (April 13)
The Magic are aiming to secure a play-in spot after a season impacted by key injuries. Despite challenges, there have been bright spots, such as Caleb Houstan`s improved performance. The team`s overall health and roster stability remain key concerns. — Pelton
- 2024-25 Record: 39-40
- Previous Ranking: 17
- Next Games: vs. Den (April 9), vs. LAC (April 11), vs. PHX (April 13)
The Kings have secured a play-in tournament spot but are playing for better seeding. After a season of inconsistent performance and coaching changes, the team`s future direction remains uncertain, especially depending on their play-in outcome. — Pelton
- 2024-25 Record: 38-41
- Previous Ranking: 16
- Next Games: vs. LAL (April 9), vs. TOR (April 11), @ MEM (April 13)
The Mavericks are fighting for play-in game hosting rights, a position below their preseason expectations, especially after the Luka Doncic trade. Injuries, including a significant one to Kyrie Irving, have heavily impacted their season and future planning. — MacMahon
- 2024-25 Record: 37-42
- Previous Ranking: 15
- Next Games: @ BKN (April 10), @ PHI (April 11), vs. ORL (April 13)
The Hawks are in a familiar position, heading to the play-in tournament for the fourth consecutive year. Despite some high points in the season, their overall performance has been consistent with preseason projections, landing them back in the play-in scenario. — Chris Herring
- 2024-25 Record: 36-43
- Previous Ranking: 21
- Next Games: @ CHI (April 9), @ NO (April 11), vs. WAS (April 13)
The Heat are again in the play-in tournament for the third straight year, despite early-season drama and a trade involving Jimmy Butler III. The team faces questions about how to advance beyond their current level in the upcoming season. — Bontemps
- 2024-25 Record: 36-43
- Previous Ranking: 19
- Next Games: vs. MIA (April 9), vs. WAS (April 11), @ PHI (April 13)
The Bulls are heading to the play-in tournament for the third consecutive season despite being in a transition phase. While not expected to make a deep playoff run, player development offers some optimism for the future, though the team`s ceiling appears limited without a star player. — Collier
- 2024-25 Record: 35-44
- Previous Ranking: 20
- Next Games: vs. OKC (April 9), vs. SA (April 11), @ SAC (April 13)
The Suns have had a disappointing season, falling far short of preseason win projections. Coaching changes and a significant losing streak have raised questions about the team`s direction and the future of key players like Kevin Durant. — McMenamin
- 2024-25 Record: 35-44
- Previous Ranking: 22
- Next Games: @ UTAH (April 9), vs. GS (April 11), vs. LAL (April 13)
The Trail Blazers, despite exceeding initial expectations by remaining competitive into April, have been eliminated from play-in contention. The team has focused on developing young players, and decisions regarding coaching and player options are upcoming. — Pelton
- 2024-25 Record: 32-47
- Previous Ranking: 24
- Next Games: @ GS (April 9), @ PHX (April 11), vs. TOR (April 13)
The Spurs` season was aimed at developing winning habits around rookie Victor Wembanyama, but challenges including coaching changes and injuries to key players disrupted these plans. The team is now looking towards the draft and addressing uncertainties around coaching for next season. — Wright
- 2024-25 Record: 29-50
- Previous Ranking: 25
- Next Games: vs. CHA (April 9), @ DAL (April 11), @ SA (April 13)
Injuries impacted the Raptors` season, preventing a potential play-in run. However, their lottery positioning offers a chance to improve significantly next season. The development of young players and draft outcomes will be crucial for their future. — Bontemps
- 2024-25 Record: 26-53
- Previous Ranking: 26
- Next Games: vs. ATL (April 10), @ MIN (April 11), vs. NYK (April 13)
The Nets have surpassed preseason expectations, showing competitiveness despite roster changes and injuries. Focusing on rebuilding, they are now looking towards the draft to add to their young core and plan for future growth. — Chris Herring
- 2024-25 Record: 23-56
- Previous Ranking: 27
- Next Games: @ WAS (April 9), vs. ATL (April 11), vs. CHI (April 13)
The 76ers` season has been a significant disappointment, falling far from championship aspirations. Their struggles have even led to the possibility of retaining a draft pick that was expected to be conveyed to another team, highlighting the season`s underperformance. — Bontemps
- 2024-25 Record: 21-58
- Previous Ranking: 23
- Next Games: @ MIL (April 10), vs. MIA (April 11), vs. OKC (April 13)
The Pelicans` season was marred by a series of injuries to key players, derailing their preseason hopes. With a focus on recovery and roster health, the team is looking ahead to the draft and building around Zion Williamson for future seasons. — Wright
- 2024-25 Record: 19-60
- Previous Ranking: 28
- Next Games: @ TOR (April 9), @ BOS (April 11), @ BOS (April 13)
The Hornets endured another challenging, injury-filled season, falling significantly below preseason win projections. The team faces important offseason decisions, particularly regarding LaMelo Ball`s role and the franchise`s direction. — Herring
- 2024-25 Record: 17-62
- Previous Ranking: 29
- Next Games: vs. PHI (April 9), @ CHI (April 11), @ MIA (April 13)
The Wizards` season was focused on development and acquiring assets, with expectations set low from the start. Despite another season with many losses, the focus remains on building through the draft and developing young talent. — Youngmisuk
- 2024-25 Record: 16-63
- Previous Ranking: 30
- Next Games: vs. POR (April 9), vs. OKC (April 11), @ MIN (April 13)
The Jazz are positioned for a high draft pick, hoping to secure a franchise-changing player. As they look to the future, decisions about veteran players and long-term team strategy will be key in the offseason. — MacMahon
