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2023-24 NBA Power Rankings: Evaluating all 30 teams entering a massive March

With the 2023-2024 season underway, find out who are the best and worst NBA teams with our latest NBA power rankings.

Along with the latest pecking order around the league, you can also check out the current NBA standings, and take a look at the top 50 NBA players this season.

Related: NBA playoff predictions – Bracket picks & 2024 Finals champion

Without further ado, here are our current NBA power rankings for all 30 teams in the top professional basketball league in the world.

5 worst teams in NBA power rankings

30. Detroit Pistons (Previously: 30)

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After a bottom-of-the-standings showing in 2022-2023, things have not changed much for the Detroit Pistons in the new season, even with new head coach Monty Williams. After winning two of their first three, the team went into a massive tailspin as they lost 28 straight and tied the record for consecutive losses. And it’s why they are without a doubt the worst team in the league and our current NBA power rankings.

While there were rumors they could look to add stars before the trade deadline, they were instead sellers and finally moved sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic in a deal that landed them versatile former first-round pick Quentin Grimes from the Knicks. The only hope for Detroit the rest of the way is beating out the Wizards for the worst record this season.

Also Read: Who is the oldest NBA player? (All-time and active)

29. Washington Wizards (Previously: 29)

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The Washington Wizards should have been better with the talent they had last season, but alas, they missed the playoffs once again in 2022-2023. The reimagined front office hoped head coach Wes Unseld Jr. could do more with an adjusted roster led by Jordan Poole, Tyus Jones, and returning star Kyle Kuzma. Unfortunately, with most of the season in the books, this team has been a disaster.

Poole has been so disappointing that he’s been benched and Jones hasn’t been much better. They have been so bad that they are now in a fight with the Pistons for the worst record in the league this season.

Also Read: 20 highest-paid WNBA players in 2023

28. San Antonio Spurs (Previously: 28)

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The San Antonio Spurs hoped to bounce back from another losing season after drafting once-in-a-generation super prospect Victor Wembanyama. The French phenom is the most hyped young player since Lebron James and his development was a key storyline this season. While he is fast evolving into the superstar many suspected he could be, he has gotten little help from his teammates.

Wembanyama is breaking rookie records every month and is leading the team in many categories. That won’t change anytime soon nor will their spot at the very bottom of the NBA standings.

Related: Victor Wembanyama could become one of NBA’s best ever; his skills are only one of the reasons why

27. Charlotte Hornets (Previously: 27)

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Last season was an unexpected disaster for the Charlotte Hornets. After showing so much promise two seasons ago, they took major steps back in 2022-2023. LaMelo Ball regressed a bit and not having Miles Bridges on the roster — due to off-the-court issues — became a far bigger problem than many expected. Unfortunately, their bad luck has continued again this season.

LaMelo Ball has missed much of the season with injuries and Bridges has not been able to make them competitive on his own. The only bright side is that rookie Brandon Miller has slowly come along and is looking like he could evolve into the star they need.

Also Read: 10 shortest NBA players ever, including the shortest basketball player in the league today

26. Portland Trail Blazers (Previously: 26)

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After months of rumors and speculation, the inevitable finally happened and Damian Lillard’s legendary run with the Portland Trail Blazers came to an end in the fall of 2023. This will be their first season without the star guard in over a decade. The hope was that the roster’s young and fresh faces could make a difference, but Portland is heading to another lottery pick in June.

While Shaedon Sharpe continues to turn into a player who can be a reliable member of the starting five, first-round pick Scoot Henderson has not been as impactful in his rookie season. The last five weeks of the season need to be about getting their young players valuable minutes in another lost season.

Related: 25 highest-paid NBA players – Milwaukee Bucks now have two of the richest

Top 25 NBA teams right now

25. Memphis Grizzlies (Previously: 25)

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The Memphis Grizzles were always going to be behind the eight-ball when Ja Morant was suspended for the first 25 games of the season and starting center Steven Adams went down with a season-ending injury. Despite the best efforts of Desmond Bane, the team dug a big hole for itself to start the season.

When Morant finally returned from his suspension, the team unsurprisingly caught fire and seemed headed to being a top-six team in the West. However, a season-ending shoulder injury to Morant dashed all those hopes and the Grizz are likely on their way to being a lottery team in June.

Before this year’s trade deadline, they showed change was coming to the roster when they surprisingly shipped off Adams in a trade with the Rockets for other players on the injured list.

Also Read: Highest-paid NFL coaches

24. Brooklyn Nets (Previously: 23)

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The Brooklyn Nets did not add a star in the summer, but at least this season was devoid of drama and volatility for the first time in a long time. That is probably the biggest positive in another disappointing season in Brooklyn that cost head coach Jacque Vaughn and lead job in the NBA.

Now, the rest of this season will be about seeing what pieces are worth keeping around Mikal Bridges heading into the offseason. Outside of Cam Thomas, nearly every other player on the roster could be up for grabs this summer.

Related: NBA Rookie of the Year 23-24 – Top NBA ROY odds and candidates to win

23. Toronto Raptors (Previously: 24)

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Despite another offseason of rumors and rumblings that they could make some major moves, the Toronto Raptors — for the most part — stood pat with the same roster they have had the last couple of seasons. Well, this season the long-expected breakdown has begun. Fred VanVleet left in free agency and the organization finally traded OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam during the season.

Also Read: 2024 NBA mock draft

In return for their two blockbuster trades, the team has landed a horde of draft assets and a nice young piece in RJ Barrett. The rest of this season will be about developing first-time All-Star Scottie Barnes and planning for potential moves in the summer. Before this year’s trade deadline, the team made a surprising swap of veteran guards when they shipped off VanVleet’s replacement, Dennis Schroder for Spencer Dinwiddie.

22. Atlanta Hawks (Previously: 22)

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Outside of finally trading John Collins, the Atlanta Hawks roster from last year remained intact in the new season After a full training camp under head coach Quinn Snyder, it wouldn’t have been shocking if the Hawks made a turnaround in 2023-24 and were able to become a playoff-caliber squad again. Unfortunately, that never materialized.

Despite rumblings that Dejounte Murray could be on the trade block the team never pulled the trigger on a deal and it seems more like that Trae Young could be the odd man out this summer.

Related: 50 Best NBA players of 2023

21. Houston Rockets (Previously: 21)

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After another ugly showing last season, the Houston Rockets front office is hoping that big-money free agents Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, as well as bringing in head Ime Udoka can finally bring the franchise back to relevance. Over the first couple of months, it seemed like they were on the right path but the team has fallen apart over the last month.

While there is still time for Houston to get back in the playoff chase, it seems like they don’t have enough impact pieces around young star Alperen Şengün. Another big worry has been the year-long mediocre play of first-round picks Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore — when healthy.

Also Read: Top-selling NBA jerseys in 2023

20. Chicago Bulls (Previously: 19)

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This has been another lost season for the Chicago Bulls with Lonzo Ball again missing much of the year and the organization never finding an answer for that void. Furthermore, surprisingly, they did not move unhappy star Zach LaVine before the trade deadline.

While they are still in a position to earn a Play-In Tournament spot, there is not much reason to expect Chicago to make any noise this spring.

Also Read: NBA Finals odds for 2023-2024 NBA season

19. Utah Jazz (Previously: 18)

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The Utah Jazz were one of the best stories in the NBA power rankings for much of last season. Heading into the season they were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, but first-year head coach Will Hardy led a competitive team and developed Lauri Markkanen into a legitimate All-Star.

However, while they haven’t been a bottom-feeder this season they are nevertheless not a serious postseason contender. While it may only be March, the Utah brass are likely already plotting out their summer plans.

18. Golden State Warriors (Previously: 20)

The Golden State Warriors have been fascinating to watch all season as their “Big Three” looks to prove they’ve still got it a year after failing to defend their most recent NBA championship. However, as the season played out, it seemed like Draymond Green was doing all he could to make things implode from within, plus Klay Thompson is in a serious battle with father time.

However, in recent weeks the team led by their legendary greybeards have caught fire since Thompson went to the bench. Now, a team that was barely holding on to a playoff spot could be a problem in the postseason.

Also Read: Golden State Warriors, Mike Dunleavy Jr. blasted for inactive NBA trade deadline

17. Los Angeles Lakers (Previously: 17)

The Los Angeles Lakers did not go star hunting in the offseason because it didn’t seem like they needed to. The roster was able to get to the West Finals last season and their young players are primed for further growth in the new year. Just like the last two campaigns, their success will again hang on the health of Anthony Davis and Lebron James as the NBA icon is another year closer to 40.

Related: NBA insider explains why Lebron James is source of Los Angeles Lakers struggles: ‘Defensively he’s a nightmare’

This season has been a very mixed bag as James and Davis are playing at an All-Star level, but the secondary players that were so impactful in 2023 have not been as consistent. There is no reason to expect this team to reach anywhere close to the heights they rose to last spring in this year’s playoffs.

16. Orlando Magic (Previously: 16)

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Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic were a pleasant surprise last season. While they did not finish with a positive record, Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero was impressive for much of the season and helped to make the Magic far more competitive than they should have been against the elites of the NBA.

While they haven’t made huge leaps this season, the Magic close in on the end of the season with a good chance they will lock up a Play-In tournament spot and have a real chance to avoid the tourney and get a top-six position.

Also Read: 20 Worst NBA players of all-time

15. Indiana Pacers (Previously: 14)

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Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers had very mixed results last season. Early on they seemed headed to a return to the postseason, then injuries and poor play short-circuited all the impressive momentum they created. Much of last year’s team returned with another year of experience and chemistry.

Early in the season, they were a legit top-six team. However, after the deadline deal for Pascal Siakam Indiana has the potential to reach the conference finals in 2024. Continuing to build cohesion between Siakam and top star Tyrese Haliburton will be the top story of the final month of the season.

Related: NBA MVP race 2023-24

14. Sacramento Kings (Previously: 12)

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The Sacramento Kings were the biggest surprise in the NBA last season. They had one of the best offenses in the league and De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis turned into a dynamic duo for the team. Although they didn’t make any major changes in the summer, they are older, better, and will be expected to make far more noise in the West.

After seeming like the same team they were last year, the Kings have surprisingly all back in the top 10 and could possibly be playing the Warriors in the Play-In tournament this spring. And a one-game ouster would be bad after getting swept by Golden State last year.

Also Read: NBA trade rumors 2023-2024

13. Philadelphia 76ers (Previously: 9)

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The squad led by reigning league MVP Joel Embiid and new head coach Nick Nurse was very impressive this season. And the best part of it was that Tyrese Maxey has been playing at a superstar level in filling the void left by James Harden. They had one of the best offenses in the league and a rock-solid defense to back it up.

Unfortunately, Embiid suffering a serious knee injury has put a ceiling on this group. If he can return in March as some expect, they are a legitimate title contender. If not they could be bounced early in the playoffs.

12. Miami Heat (Previously: 13)

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The expectation and hope all summer was that the Miami Heat would add the superstar they needed in Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, the team they ousted in the postseason — the Milwaukee Bucks — swooped in and landed the seven-time All-Star. They also lost Max Strus and Gabe Vincent in NBA free agency. However, as always they have continued to chug along as a top-six squad in the East this season.

After a rough finish to January Miami has played very well in February and is slowly creeping up on a top-four spot in the East. With a trio of players scoring 20 per game, the Heat will unsurprisingly be a problem in the spring again.

Related: NBA trade tracker 2023-2024

11. Dallas Mavericks (Previously: 15)

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There was a lot of pressure on the Dallas Mavericks after a horrid showing at the end of last season. They had a whole training camp and preseason to find chemistry between superstars Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the rest of the team. Furthermore, another losing season could lead Doncic to push the trade request button.

With just a couple dozen games left in the season, the Mavs seem to be playing their best ball. Doncic and Irving have developed a rock-solid chemistry and if the future Hall-of-Famer can stay healthy they could be a hard out in the playoffs.

Related: 25 highest paid NBA players

Top 10 NBA teams in 2023-24 season

10. New Orleans Pelicans (Previously: 11)

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The New Orleans Pelicans were one of the five best units in the West with Zion Williamson. When he went down with another long-term injury, the team turned into a group fighting for a playoff spot. Can Williamson stay healthy, and can they again be a powerhouse in the West if he does? In February he and they are showing they can.

They have played well in February and are looking like one of the best in the West, however, a disappointing East Coast trip to end the month has slowed their recent momentum.

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9. Phoenix Suns (Previously: 10)

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New head coach Frank Vogel has had a very tall task in front of him as he tries to create a working situation with three superstar scorers — Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. However, it has been made harder because Beal has dealt with injuries that have made him miss most of the season.

Nevertheless, there are still high expectations for this Suns team, and if they can’t improve their position in the playoff standings and make some major noise this spring there could be heads that roll on the bench and in the front office.

Related: Frank Vogel reportedly could be one-and-done if Phoenix Suns disappoint in playoffs

8. New York Knicks (Previously: 7)

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Jalen Brunson has proven over the last two seasons he’s one of the league’s newest superstars and that the New York Knicks are a more dangerous team because of his talents last season. The organization also showed that faith when they swung a pair of blockbuster trades this season to create one of the deepest squads in the game.

Unfortunately, injuries to Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson have derailed the momentum they had built to begin the year. If they can get two of those three back before the playoffs this is a fascinating team to watch in the spring because they have real potential to go the NBA Finals in 2024.

Related: New York Knicks make blockbuster trade in wake of worrying OG Anunoby injury news

7. Milwaukee Bucks (Previously: 8)

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After a shocking first-round elimination from the 2023 NBA playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks made some major changes. They switched head coaches and made the biggest trade of the offseason when they acquired superstar guard Damian Lillard. However, the reign of Adrian Griffin lasted just half of the season before they decided to bring in a more proven coach in Doc Rivers.

Related: Get Affordable Live Sports On Paramount Plus. Including NFL, CFB, NBA, Golf, Boxing, Soccer and More.

After some early bumps in the road over the first couple of weeks under Rivers, the Bucks have started to build some solid momentum recently. If they can become a unified force they will move up in our next NBA power rankings update.

6. Los Angeles Clippers (Previously: 3)

For the first time in a while, both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have remained relatively healthy for much of a season together in LA. The big issue will always be how long does that last. Many were skeptical about how well this group of Leonard, George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook would be together, but they have shown this season they are an elite group that is a problem for any team in the league.

Related: 20 best NBA players of all time

5. Denver Nuggets (Previously: 5)

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The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA title by taking out the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals. Superstar Nikola Jokic showed that he is much more than a regular-season monster as he dominated in the playoffs. However, what was key was the continued rise of Jamal Murray into a legitimate star and the rest of the roster showing they were a championship group as well.

Denver has dealt with injuries, including to Murray, this season and it has pushed them down the Western Conference standings a tad. Nevertheless, when healthy they remain a title contender and stalwart at the top of the West.

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4. Cleveland Cavaliers (Previously: 6)

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The Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the best teams in the East last season. Superstar guard Donovan Mitchell fit right in with the rest of the team and they also had one of the better defenses in the NBA. However, being good isn’t the goal this season, it will be about finding out if they can be a Finals contender.

Well, over the last 30 games the Cavaliers have been one of the best teams in the league, and like the Knicks they are a deep squad whose pieces fit well together. No matter who they play the Cavs can beat any team in the league on any given night.

Also Read: 10 best centers in the NBA

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (Previously: 2)

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After a breakout performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have become one of the fastest-rising teams in the NBA. Without a doubt, SGA has played a huge role in that, but the rise of Chet Holmgren and the strong play of their other young players has been an impressive development this season.

Before the deadline, they surprisingly made a trade for oft-injured swingman Gordon Hayward. They have the talent to go far this spring, but proving they are mentally strong enough to do it will be the big test in the coming months.

Also Read: 2024 NFL Draft picks by team

2. Minnesota Timberwolves (Previously: 4)

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The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the best stories in the NBA this season. While there was a lot of doubt about whether this group was for real after a red-hot star, they have maintained their strong play all season and have done so with an outstanding defense.

An elite-level defense matched with a true young superstar in Anthony Edwards is why Minnesota has been at the top of the West standings all season.

Also Read: 10 best second-round picks in NBA Draft history

1. Boston Celtics (Previously: 1)

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The Boston Celtics were one of the top teams in our NBA power rankings throughout last season. They should stay there for much of the new year after adding Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to an already strong roster led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

As the Cs enter the new year, it is just like the last year. They are one of the very best teams in the East, have a strong offensive unit, and are backed by a top-three defense. It is a winning combo that makes them a favorite to reach the finals, again.

Which team is best in NBA?

Heading into the new season, the Denver Nuggets were seen by many as the best team in the NBA. However, the Boston Celtics have been the top team all season in the league and are primed for a return to the NBA Finals this spring.

Which NBA team has the brightest future?

Considering how good they were last year, there are many around the league who believe the Sacramento Kings have the brightest future in the NBA. Stars Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox are not even in their prime and they were still one of the best teams in the league in 2022-2023.

Another squad many see a huge upside in is the San Antonio Spurs due to the addition of super-prospect Victor Wembanyama. The French phenom is the most hyped youngster since Lebron James and is quickly showing his immense potential in his rookie season.

Who is the greatest team in NBA history?

Picking the greatest NBA team of all time is very subjective. However, if there were two popular options, it would be the Michael Jordan-led Bulls team from 1995-96 that won 73.

Another top choice would be the Warriors squad from 2015-16 which also won 73 games.

Who will be the best NBA players in 2025?

As the sport transitions away from aging legends like Lebron James and Kevin Durant, there is a new generation of superstars right around the corner. That is why the best NBA players in 2025 will likely be Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama.

Who has the best longevity in NBA?

While Vince Carter and Udonis Haslem were some of the longest-tenured players in league history, when it comes to competing at a high level no player in NBA history has had better longevity than Lakers star Lebron James.

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