NBA Team Rankings: Bucks Consistent, Clippers Eye Postseason

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With the NBA regular season entering its final month of 2024-25, teams are solidifying their positions for the playoffs, while others are concluding their seasons and preparing for the June draft.

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

Tensions are high as the regular season continues, with the second seed in the West still undecided and the play-in tournament bracket in the East constantly changing.

With less than 20 games remaining, every game is crucial. Let’s examine this week’s Team Rankings to see the current standings of all 30 teams.

Note: Team rankings are based on assessments from our panel of experts (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, and Chris Herring) regarding team performance this season.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2024-25 Record: 56-12

  • Previous Ranking: 1

  • Next Games: @ Sacramento (Mar. 19), @ Phoenix (Mar. 21), @ Utah (Mar. 23), @ Portland (Mar. 25)

Paolo Banchero’s decisive jump shot in the final minute of Sunday’s game against Orlando ended the Cavaliers’ 16-game winning streak. Cleveland will play nine of its last 15 games of the season away from home. However, with a significant lead over Boston, their top seed in the Eastern Conference is likely secure. They are expected to prioritize player health in the final stretch, as seen when Evan Mobley was rested against Orlando due to a foot injury. — Dave McMenamin

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • 2024-25 Record: 56-12

  • Previous Ranking: 2

  • Next Games: vs. Philadelphia (Mar. 19), vs. Charlotte (Mar. 21), @ LA Clippers (Mar. 23), @ Sacramento (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 period, even with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren each missing four games. Seven Thunder players have averaged double-digit points over these 11 games, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP contender, who averaged 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), @ Portland (Mar. 23), @ Sacramento (Mar. 24)

Payton Pritchard has set a new NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a season by a reserve player, with still almost a month left in the season. Pritchard has been consistently strong for the team this season, second only to Jayson Tatum, and his impactful play off the bench 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: @ Orlando (Mar. 19), @ Miami (Mar. 21), vs. Denver (Mar. 23), vs. Atlanta (Mar. 25)

The Rockets extended their winning streak to seven games on Monday, making a dramatic comeback from a 25-point deficit against Philadelphia, matching the largest comeback in franchise history. Rising stars Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green each scored 30 points, continuing to receive significant contributions from Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Dillon Brooks. Despite the winning streak, coach Ime Udoka is aware of the team’s tendency to struggle against weaker opponents, noting it as an area of concern. — Michael Wright

5. Denver Nuggets

  • 2024-25 Record: 44-25

  • Previous Ranking: 4

  • Next Games: @ LA Lakers (Mar. 19), @ Portland (Mar. 21), @ Houston (Mar. 23), vs. Chicago (Mar. 24)

After splitting games against the leading Thunder last week, the Nuggets’ performance was inconsistent. They were defeated by the Timberwolves, managed a win against the Lakers, but then lost to the Wizards for the second time this season. Despite injuries to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets surprised the Warriors in Golden State on Monday. Aaron Gordon scored 38 points and Russell Westbrook achieved a triple-double. This type of victory could energize the Nuggets as they continue their road trip. — Ohm Youngmisuk

6. Memphis Grizzlies

  • 2024-25 Record: 43-26

  • Previous Ranking: 6

  • Next Games: @ Portland (Mar. 19), @ LA Clippers (Mar. 21), @ Utah (Mar. 25)

Ja Morant, already playing with a shoulder injury, missed Monday’s game in Sacramento due to a hamstring issue. Morant has been absent for four of Memphis’s last 10 games, as the Grizzlies aim for the second seed in the West. They have scored 120 or more points in five consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NBA. Desmond Bane has been performing exceptionally well, making 11 of 12 three-pointers in his last two games, and Jaren Jackson Jr. seems fully recovered after a recent absence. — Wright

7. New York Knicks

  • 2024-25 Record: 43-24

  • Previous Ranking: 7

  • Next Games: @ San Antonio (Mar. 19), @ Charlotte (Mar. 20), vs. Washington (Mar. 22), vs. Dallas (Mar. 25)

The Knicks’ West Coast trip (2-3) was eventful, including Jalen Brunson’s ankle injury, Mikal Bridges’ game-winning three-pointer against Portland, and a loss to the Warriors. Their upcoming schedule is less demanding, with games against the Spurs, Hornets, Wizards, and a weakened Mavericks team, reducing the pressure for Brunson to return quickly from injury. — Chris Herring

8. Golden State Warriors

  • 2024-25 Record: 40-29

  • Previous Ranking: 8

  • Next Games: vs. Toronto (Mar. 20), @ Atlanta (Mar. 22), @ Miami (Mar. 25)

The Warriors suffered only their second loss in 16 games when Denver defeated them despite missing key players. Golden State, who had been on a strong winning streak, was due for a setback. Coach Steve Kerr mentioned Stephen Curry’s exhaustion as a factor after a game where Curry struggled. Curry is also dealing with a back issue and missed Tuesday’s game against Milwaukee. Following home games against the Bucks and Raptors, the Warriors face a six-game road trip, including a game in Miami. — Youngmisuk

9. Los Angeles Lakers

  • 2024-25 Record: 42-25

  • Previous Ranking: 5

  • Next Games: vs. Denver (Mar. 19), vs. Milwaukee (Mar. 20), vs. Chicago (Mar. 22), @ Orlando (Mar. 24)

Austin Reaves has been performing exceptionally well, averaging 30.8 points, 7 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 2 steals over four games in five nights. Teammate Jordan Goodwin praised Reaves as better than most guards in the league, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of his abilities. — Dave McMenamin

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

  • 2024-25 Record: 40-30

  • Previous Ranking: 11

  • Next Games: vs. New Orleans (Mar. 19), vs. New Orleans (Mar. 21), @ Indiana (Mar. 24)

The Timberwolves’ eight-game winning streak ended in overtime against the Pacers, but Minnesota is playing well at a crucial time. They had won 13 games with Julius Randle in the lineup, and a favorable upcoming schedule should provide opportunities for 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: @ LA Lakers (Mar. 20), @ Sacramento (Mar. 22), @ Phoenix (Mar. 24)

The Bucks are embarking on their longest road trip of the season, a five-game West Coast stretch, starting with a loss to the Warriors. Milwaukee is shorthanded due to Jericho Sims’ wrist injury, which will keep him out for a month. — Collier

12. Indiana Pacers

  • 2024-25 Record: 38-29

  • Previous Ranking: 12

  • Next Games: vs. Dallas (Mar. 19), vs. Brooklyn (Mar. 20), vs. Brooklyn (Mar. 22), vs. Minnesota (Mar. 24)

The Pacers might face the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year, but they haven’t performed as well against Milwaukee this season. After a strong record against the Bucks last season, Indiana has lost four of five games to them this year. Home-court advantage in the first round is still possible; Indiana and Milwaukee have the same record, but the Bucks hold the tiebreaker. — Collier

13. LA Clippers

  • 2024-25 Record: 39-30

  • Previous Ranking: 13

  • Next Games: vs. Memphis (Mar. 21), vs. Oklahoma City (Mar. 23)

After a poor stretch, the Clippers have improved, winning seven of their last eight games, including a notable victory against the Cavaliers. Their upcoming schedule remains challenging. This stretch could be decisive for their playoff positioning. The return of Norman Powell and Ben Simmons is a significant boost for their postseason push. — Youngmisuk

14. Detroit Pistons

  • 2024-25 Record: 38-31

  • Previous Ranking: 14

  • Next Games: @ Miami (Mar. 19), @ Dallas (Mar. 21), vs. New Orleans (Mar. 23), vs. San Antonio (Mar. 25)

A home loss to the Wizards could be costly for the Pistons in their playoff aspirations. Detroit is close to the Pacers and Bucks in the standings. After a loss to Oklahoma City, the Pistons responded with a dominant win against the Pelicans. Four Pistons reserves scored in double figures in that game. — Kevin Pelton

15. Sacramento Kings

  • 2024-25 Record: 34-33

  • Previous Ranking: 15

  • Next Games: vs. Cleveland (Mar. 19), vs. Chicago (Mar. 20), vs. Milwaukee (Mar. 22), vs. Boston (Mar. 24), vs. Oklahoma City (Mar. 25)

Domantas Sabonis’s return from injury was challenging as he sustained an eye injury and then an ankle injury during Monday’s game against the Grizzlies. Despite Sabonis’s early exit, the Kings ended their losing streak. Sabonis is expected to miss at least 10 days due to an ankle sprain. — Pelton

16. Orlando Magic

  • 2024-25 Record: 32-37

  • Previous Ranking: 19

  • Next Games: vs. Houston (Mar. 19), @ Washington (Mar. 21), vs. LA Lakers (Mar. 24), @ Charlotte (Mar. 25)

Orlando’s win against Cleveland, ending the Cavaliers’ long winning streak, highlighted their potential. They effectively defended Donovan Mitchell and secured a key victory. The Magic might face the Cavaliers again in the first round of the playoffs. While escaping the play-in seems unlikely, they can still aim to improve their seeding. — Pelton

17. Atlanta Hawks

  • 2024-25 Record: 33-36

  • Previous Ranking: 17

  • Next Games: vs. Golden State (Mar. 22), vs. Philadelphia (Mar. 23), @ Houston (Mar. 25)

Dyson Daniels is poised to surpass Ricky Rubio’s steals record from 2013-14, potentially leading the NBA in steals for the first time in over a decade. The Hawks need Daniels’ defensive skills, especially as they may face strong offenses in the playoffs. — Herring

18. Phoenix Suns

  • 2024-25 Record: 32-37

  • Previous Ranking: 16

  • Next Games: vs. Chicago (Mar. 19), vs. Cleveland (Mar. 21), vs. Milwaukee (Mar. 24)

Phoenix hasn’t had consecutive wins in almost two months. Their last winning streak was in late January. However, they are still in contention for a play-in tournament spot, trailing the Mavericks for the final spot with 13 games remaining. — McMenamin

19. Dallas Mavericks

  • 2024-25 Record: 33-36

  • Previous Ranking: 18

  • Next Games: @ Indiana (Mar. 19), vs. Detroit (Mar. 21), @ Brooklyn (Mar. 24), @ New York (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 due to injuries. — MacMahon

20. Miami Heat

  • 2024-25 Record: 29-39

  • Previous Ranking: 20

  • Next Games: vs. Detroit (Mar. 19), vs. Houston (Mar. 21), vs. Charlotte (Mar. 23), vs. Golden State (Mar. 25)

After their eighth consecutive loss, coach Erik Spoelstra described this period as one of the toughest in his career. The Heat have struggled in the fourth quarter recently, causing them to drop in the Eastern Conference standings. — Bontemps

21. Portland Trail Blazers

  • 2024-25 Record: 30-39

  • Previous Ranking: 21

  • Next Games: vs. Memphis (Mar. 19), vs. Denver (Mar. 21), vs. Boston (Mar. 23), vs. Cleveland (Mar. 25)

Despite recent wins against weaker teams, the Blazers are still in play-in contention. To remain competitive, they might need to upset some of the top NBA teams during their current homestand. — Pelton

22. Chicago Bulls

  • 2024-25 Record: 29-39

  • Previous Ranking: 23

  • Next Games: @ Phoenix (Mar. 19), @ Sacramento (Mar. 20), @ LA Lakers (Mar. 22), @ Denver (Mar. 24)

After being in 10th place in the Eastern Conference for an extended period, the Bulls have moved up to ninth, surpassing the Heat and positioning themselves to potentially host a play-in game. Chicago’s focus has shifted from draft positioning to potentially competing in the play-in tournament. — Collier

23. San Antonio Spurs

  • 2024-25 Record: 28-39

  • Previous Ranking: 22

  • Next Games: vs. New York (Mar. 19), vs. Philadelphia (Mar. 21), @ Toronto (Mar. 23), @ Detroit (Mar. 25)

With De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama sidelined for the season, rookie Stephon Castle is taking the spotlight, averaging 22 points in his last three games. While the Spurs aim to win, they are not in serious contention for the play-in tournament. This period might be an opportunity for San Antonio to experiment with younger players and lineups, focusing on future development. — Wright

24. Toronto Raptors

  • 2024-25 Record: 24-45

  • Previous Ranking: 26

  • Next Games: @ Golden State (Mar. 20), vs. San Antonio (Mar. 23), @ Washington (Mar. 24)

The Raptors have recently surpassed the Nets and 76ers in the standings due to a softer schedule and could potentially overtake the Spurs. This might affect Toronto’s draft prospects in the upcoming draft. — Bontemps

25. Philadelphia 76ers

  • 2024-25 Record: 23-45

  • Previous Ranking: 24

  • Next Games: @ Oklahoma City (Mar. 19), @ San Antonio (Mar. 21), @ Atlanta (Mar. 23), @ New Orleans (Mar. 24)

The Sixers are now primarily focused on draft lottery positioning.

Caleb Ramsey
Caleb Ramsey

Caleb Ramsey, originally from small-town Exeter, has made a name for himself with his hockey coverage across Britain. Over 6 years, he's built his reputation through exclusive NHL player interviews and vivid writing style.

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