As the 2024-25 NBA regular season nears its end, the playoff race intensifies in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

In the West, the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks, hampered by injuries, are vying for the 10th seed, the final play-in tournament spot. The Mavericks are hoping for a lift from Anthony Davis`s return after an adductor injury.

In the East, the Detroit Pistons, a surprise team this season, aim for a higher playoff seed, while the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic are in a tight contest for the No. 7 spot in the play-in tournament.

Here`s the power ranking of all 30 teams this week.

Note: Rankings are determined by ESPN panel members (Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, and Chris Herring).

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 | Mar. 19

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

Contents
  1. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder
  2. 2. Cleveland Cavaliers
  3. 3. Boston Celtics
  4. 4. Houston Rockets
  5. 5. Denver Nuggets
  6. 6. New York Knicks
  7. 7. Los Angeles Lakers
  8. 8. Memphis Grizzlies
  9. 9. Golden State Warriors
  10. 10. Minnesota Timberwolves
  11. 11. Indiana Pacers
  12. 12. LA Clippers
  13. 13. Milwaukee Bucks
  14. 14. Detroit Pistons
  15. 15. Sacramento Kings
  16. 16. Atlanta Hawks
  17. 17. Phoenix Suns
  18. 18. Orlando Magic
  19. 19. Dallas Mavericks
  20. 20. Portland Trail Blazers
  21. 21. Chicago Bulls
  22. 22. San Antonio Spurs
  23. 23. Miami Heat
  24. 24. Brooklyn Nets
  25. 25. Toronto Raptors
  26. 26. Philadelphia 76ers
  27. 27. New Orleans Pelicans
  28. 28. Charlotte Hornets
  29. 29. Utah Jazz
  30. 30. Washington Wizards

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • 2024-25 record: 60-12
  • Previous ranking: 2
  • Next games: vs. MEM (Mar. 27), vs. IND (Mar. 29), vs. CHI (Mar. 31)

Third-string center Jaylin Williams has significantly contributed to the Thunder`s impressive March (12-1). Williams has averaged 7.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists this month, mainly as a reserve. He achieved his first two career triple-doubles in starts against the Trail Blazers and 76ers when regular starters were rested. Williams joins Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Josh Giddey as the only Thunder players with multiple triple-doubles in a season. — Tim MacMahon

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2024-25 record: 58-14
  • Previous ranking: 1
  • Next games: vs. SA (Mar. 27), @ DET (Mar. 28), vs. LAC (Mar. 30)

Cleveland has achieved wins this season with a balanced approach and deep rotation, but Donovan Mitchell is crucial. This was evident in a 123-112 loss to the Suns last week, the Cavs` fourth straight defeat, where he scored a season-low seven points on 2-for-18 shooting. Despite the Cavaliers` talent, Mitchell is their playoff leader, and his performance is key to their success. — Dave McMenamin

3. Boston Celtics

  • 2024-25 record: 53-19
  • Previous ranking: 3
  • Next games: @ PHX (Mar. 26), @ SA (Mar. 29), @ MEM (Mar. 31)

Boston seems to have avoided a serious injury to Jayson Tatum, even though he`s listed as doubtful for Wednesday`s game due to an ankle sprain from Monday`s win in Sacramento. Tatum injured his ankle on a 3-point attempt contested by Domantas Sabonis but was able to walk off. As the Celtics prepare for the postseason, they need all players healthy for another Finals run. — Tim Bontemps

4. Houston Rockets

  • 2024-25 record: 47-26
  • Previous ranking: 4
  • Next games: @ UTAH (Mar. 27), @ PHX (Mar. 30), @ LAL (Mar. 31)

The Rockets usually capitalize on victory opportunities but missed one against the Nuggets on Sunday, even with Nikola Jokic absent due to injury. Jamal Murray scored 39 points, ending Houston`s nine-game win streak. Coach Ime Udoka called the performance `sloppy` as the Rockets aim to refine key areas for the postseason. Houston needs to maintain its physical, defense-first approach to close the regular season. — Michael Wright

5. Denver Nuggets

  • 2024-25 record: 45-28
  • Previous ranking: 5
  • Next games: vs. MIL (Mar. 26), vs. UTAH (Mar. 28), vs. MIN (Apr. 1)

The Nuggets began a five-game homestand with a loss to the Bulls. The main concern is Nikola Jokic`s health for the playoffs. Jokic has missed five games and was doubtful for Wednesday against the Bucks, but coach Michael Malone indicated he might return during the homestand. Jamal Murray has scored 39 and 28 points in the last two games without Jokic. — Ohm Youngmisuk

6. New York Knicks

  • 2024-25 record: 45-26
  • Previous ranking: 7
  • Next games: vs. LAC (Mar. 26), @ MIL (Mar. 28), vs. POR (Mar. 30), vs. PHI (Apr. 1)

After having the league`s second-worst defense in February, New York has improved in March, allowing just 109.1 points per 100 possessions, second-best in the league. Despite facing weaker opponents, this period has allowed them to address issues with Jalen Brunson (ankle) out and Mitchell Robinson regaining form. — Chris Herring

7. Los Angeles Lakers

  • 2024-25 record: 43-28
  • Previous ranking: 9
  • Next games: @ IND (Mar. 26), @ CHI (Mar. 27), @ MEM (Mar. 29), vs. HOU (Mar. 31)

The Lakers are 3-7 in their last 10 games. The return of LeBron James and Rui Hachimura hasn`t immediately boosted them as they regain form. Their seven losses averaged 15.7 points, and their schedule remains tough with games in Indiana and Chicago before facing the Grizzlies. — McMenamin

8. Memphis Grizzlies

  • 2024-25 record: 44-28
  • Previous ranking: 6
  • Next games: @ OKC (Mar. 27), vs. LAL (Mar. 29), vs. BOS (Mar. 31), vs. GS (Apr. 1)

The Grizzlies have struggled on the road, losing three straight on a five-game trip. Ja Morant missed his third game due to a hamstring injury, and Brandon Clarke is out for the season with a knee sprain. Morant has played in only 43 of 70 games due to injuries and needs to find rhythm with his teammates in Memphis`s new offense before the playoffs. — Wright

9. Golden State Warriors

  • 2024-25 record: 41-31
  • Previous ranking: 8
  • Next games: @ NO (Mar. 28), @ SA (Mar. 30), @ MEM (Apr. 1)

Stephen Curry rejoined the Warriors in Miami and worked out individually on Monday. Coach Steve Kerr indicated Curry felt something during a workout move and needs more rest. The Warriors were defeated in Jimmy Butler`s return to Miami but have a chance to rebound against the Pelicans on Friday. Kerr expects Curry to return then, giving him a week`s rest since his pelvic contusion against Toronto. A healthy Curry is crucial to avoid the play-in tournament. — Youngmisuk

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

  • 2024-25 record: 41-32
  • Previous ranking: 10
  • Next games: vs. PHX (Mar. 28), vs. DET (Mar. 30), @ DEN (Apr. 1)

After an eight-game win streak, the Timberwolves have lost three of four, dropping to No. 8 in the West. Naz Reid is making a case for Sixth Man of the Year, scoring 20+ points off the bench for the 24th time this season, a franchise record. Minnesota needs Reid`s production in home games against Phoenix and Detroit before facing Denver next week. — Jamal Collier

11. Indiana Pacers

  • 2024-25 record: 42-29
  • Previous ranking: 12
  • Next games: vs. LAL (Mar. 26), @ WAS (Mar. 27), @ OKC (Mar. 29), vs. SAC (Mar. 31)

The Pacers have won five straight and seven of eight, leading the Bucks by two games for the No. 4 seed in the East. Tyrese Haliburton has continued his strong second half with 11 consecutive double-doubles, the league`s longest active streak. Haliburton is on pace for the best assist-to-turnover ratio (5.46) in a season since 1990-91. — Collier

12. LA Clippers

  • 2024-25 record: 40-31
  • Previous ranking: 13
  • Next games: @ NYK (Mar. 26), @ BKN (Mar. 28), @ CLE (Mar. 30), @ ORL (Mar. 31)

The Clippers have won eight of their last 10, with their recent loss to the Thunder by just two points. They`ve been playing well, even with Tyronn Lue recently returning from a back issue. The Clippers start an East Coast road trip against the Knicks, followed by games against the Nets, Cavs, and Magic. — Youngmisuk

13. Milwaukee Bucks

  • 2024-25 record: 40-31
  • Previous ranking: 11
  • Next games: @ DEN (Mar. 26), vs. NYK (Mar. 28), vs. ATL (Mar. 30), vs. PHX (Apr. 1)

The Bucks have lost three of their last five and are 4-6 in their last 10, coinciding with Damian Lillard`s indefinite absence due to a blood clot in his calf. The Bucks are 8-5 and average 108.5 points without Lillard, compared to 115.7 points with him. — Collier

14. Detroit Pistons

  • 2024-25 record: 41-32
  • Previous ranking: 14
  • Next games: vs. CLE (Mar. 28), @ MIN (Mar. 30)

With nine games left, the Pistons are three games behind the Pacers and Bucks for the No. 4 seed in the East. Detroit could still catch the Bucks for fifth place. The Pistons showed their depth by defeating the Pelicans without Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. — Kevin Pelton

15. Sacramento Kings

  • 2024-25 record: 35-37
  • Previous ranking: 15
  • Next games: vs. POR (Mar. 27), @ ORL (Mar. 29), @ IND (Mar. 31)

The Kings, previously seemingly secure in ninth for the play-in, are now fighting to maintain that spot after losing four straight at home. Sacramento is just ahead of Dallas and tied with Phoenix. Domantas Sabonis`s return should help the Kings, who went 3-6 in his absence. — Pelton

16. Atlanta Hawks

  • 2024-25 record: 35-37
  • Previous ranking: 17
  • Next games: @ MIA (Mar. 27), @ MIL (Mar. 30), vs. POR (Apr. 1)

Despite being a long shot, Atlanta still has a small chance (1.5%) to reach the top six in the East. The Hawks, currently seventh, have gained ground on the sixth-place Pistons. Detroit has a tougher remaining schedule compared to Atlanta. — Herring

17. Phoenix Suns

  • 2024-25 record: 35-37
  • Previous ranking: 18
  • Next games: vs. BOS (Mar. 26), @ MIN (Mar. 28), vs. HOU (Mar. 30), @ MIL (Apr. 1)

The Suns` four-game winning streak is their longest since October-November. Kevin Durant averaged 40 points in the last two games of this streak against Cleveland and Milwaukee. However, their next eight games are challenging, including two against Boston, plus Oklahoma City, Houston, Minnesota, New York, Golden State, and Milwaukee again. — McMenamin

18. Orlando Magic

  • 2024-25 record: 35-38
  • Previous ranking: 16
  • Next games: vs. DAL (Mar. 27), vs. SAC (Mar. 29), vs. LAC (Mar. 31), @ SA (Apr. 1)

The Magic might be improving at the right time. Back-to-back wins over the Lakers and Hornets gave Orlando its first three-game winning streak since December. With wins including one against Cleveland, Orlando shows signs of improving offense to complement their strong defense, led by Paolo Banchero averaging 30 points in March. — Pelton

19. Dallas Mavericks

  • 2024-25 record: 35-38
  • Previous ranking: 19
  • Next games: @ ORL (Mar. 27), @ CHI (Mar. 29), vs. BKN (Mar. 31)

Spencer Dinwiddie has been crucial in keeping the injury-hit Mavericks` playoff hopes alive. Dinwiddie averaged 23.5 points and 9.5 assists in wins over the Pistons and Nets. He had 28 points and six assists in a win over the Spurs, the Mavs` only other victory since Kyrie Irving`s injury. — MacMahon

20. Portland Trail Blazers

  • 2024-25 record: 32-41
  • Previous ranking: 21
  • Next games: @ SAC (Mar. 27), @ NYK (Mar. 30), @ ATL (Apr. 1)

With nine games left, the Blazers are running out of time to reach the play-in tournament but stayed in contention with home wins over the Grizzlies and Nuggets. Portland`s improved defense, led by Toumani Camara, is genuine. Despite opponents shooting better from 3 in March, Portland`s defense remains league-average. — Pelton

21. Chicago Bulls

  • 2024-25 record: 32-40
  • Previous ranking: 22
  • Next games: vs. LAL (Mar. 27), vs. DAL (Mar. 29), @ OKC (Mar. 31), vs. TOR (Apr. 1)

The Bulls are 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging a league-best 122.5 points in that span. Coby White has had three consecutive 35-point games, and Josh Giddey is averaging 22.6 points and 9.1 assists since the All-Star break. Chicago is two games behind Orlando for the No. 8 seed in the East. — Collier

22. San Antonio Spurs

  • 2024-25 record: 31-40
  • Previous ranking: 23
  • Next games: @ CLE (Mar. 27), vs. BOS (Mar. 29), vs. GS (Mar. 30), vs. ORL (Apr. 1)

San Antonio faces a tough path to the play-in tournament but will keep fighting. They held Toronto to 40 first-half points in a win, their second three-game win streak of the season. Chris Paul played his 70th game, becoming the first 20th-season player to play in his team`s first 70 games. — Wright

23. Miami Heat

  • 2024-25 record: 31-41
  • Previous ranking: 20
  • Next games: vs. ATL (Mar. 27), @ PHI (Mar. 29), @ WAS (Mar. 31)

Miami ended their 10-game losing streak with a 42-point game from Andrew Wiggins. Despite the streak, Miami remains in a play-in tournament spot in the East. — Bontemps

24. Brooklyn Nets

  • 2024-25 record: 23-49
  • Previous ranking: 26
  • Next games: vs. TOR (Mar. 26), vs. LAC (Mar. 28), @ WAS (Mar. 29), @ DAL (Mar. 31)

After a surprisingly decent start, the Nets have struggled in March, going 2-11. Trades and injuries, including Cam Thomas`s season-ending injury, have impacted the lottery-bound Nets. — Herring

25. Toronto Raptors

  • 2024-25 record: 25-47
  • Previous ranking: 24
  • Next games: @ BKN (Mar. 26), vs. CHA (Mar. 28), @ PHI (Mar. 30), @ CHI (Apr. 1)

Toronto is close to the 76ers and Nets in lottery standings. Their easy schedule has led to a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. A loss to the Nets could reduce their chances of falling further behind in the lottery race. — Bontemps

26. Philadelphia 76ers

  • 2024-25 record: 23-49
  • Previous ranking: 25
  • Next games: vs. WAS (Mar. 26), vs. MIA (Mar. 29), vs. TOR (Mar. 30), @ NYK (Apr. 1)

In a disappointing season, rookie Justin Edwards has been a positive for his hometown team. Edwards is averaging 14 points and shooting 37.5% from 3 in March, benefiting from increased playing time due to injuries on the 76ers. — Bontemps

27. New Orleans Pelicans

  • 2024-25 record: 20-53
  • Previous ranking: 27
  • Next games: vs. GS (Mar. 28), vs. CHA (Mar. 30)

The Pelicans faced more injury issues with Zion Williamson`s back contusion, sidelining him for two games. Rookie Yves Missi is also injured. The Pelicans lost a game despite shooting well, indicating it`s time to focus on future roster building. — Wright

28. Charlotte Hornets

  • 2024-25 record: 18-54
  • Previous ranking: 28
  • Next games: @ TOR (Mar. 28), @ NO (Mar. 30), vs. UTAH (Mar. 31)

LaMelo Ball has had a challenging second half of the season for Charlotte. His shooting percentages have declined significantly since the All-Star break, hitting career lows in field goal and 3-point percentages, despite a high usage rate. — Herring

29. Utah Jazz

  • 2024-25 record: 16-57
  • Previous ranking: 30
  • Next games: vs. HOU (Mar. 27), @ DEN (Mar. 28), @ CHA (Mar. 31)

Utah has committed at least 20 turnovers in 22 games this season, the most since the 2018-19 Hawks. The Jazz lead the league in turnovers per game and points allowed off turnovers. — MacMahon

30. Washington Wizards

  • 2024-25 record: 15-56
  • Previous ranking: 29
  • Next games: @ PHI (Mar. 26), vs. IND (Mar. 27), vs. BKN (Mar. 29), vs. MIA (Mar. 31)

Washington has lost five straight. The focus is on developing young players like Alex Sarr, who is averaging 19.7 points in seven games, showing promise as he finishes his rookie season. — Youngmisuk