One of the biggest days on the NBA calendar, Christmas Day, is here! Heading into the beloved holiday, elite teams in the NBA are separating themselves from the pack, and certain squads are surprising — for good and bad reasons.
So who are the best of the best, and worst of the worst, as we near the end of 2025? Our special Christmas Day NBA power rankings will reveal all.
30. Washington Wizards (LW: 29)
Despite a new head coach, the Washington Wizards and prospects Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly were terrible last season. In the summer, DC shipped out Jordan Poole for an aging but still good CJ McCollum, and they also added former Bucks star Khris Middleton. It has made no difference, and DC is battling it out with the Pelicans and Kings for control of rock bottom in the standings.
They are the second-worst defensive team in the game (126.1 opponent’s PPG) and not much better on offense (112.6 PPG). The only bright spot is that Sarr is showing signs that he may actually have All-Star potential and is flirting with averaging 20 points and 10 boards a night.
29. Sacramento Kings (LW: 26)
On paper, the Sacramento Kings have a pretty good roster. They have two multi-time All-Star guards, a top-notch big man in Domantas Sabonis (when healthy), and impact veteran guards like Dennis Schroder and Malik Monk. But as some observers expected, the Kings have been a mess this season under head coach Doug Christie.
While no one expected them to be very good on defense, they are surprisingly bad on offense, despite having some high-level scorers. Entering Christmas Day, they are averaging just 112.0 PPG, which is only better than the lowly Pacers, Clippers, and Nets. That and the absence of Sabonis is why they are in a battle for the worst record in the NBA right now.
28. New Orleans Pelicans (LW: 30)
After another ugly season, the New Orleans Pelicans moved on from veteran scorers Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. Yet, despite the endless trade speculation, they held on to Zion Williamson and continue to hope he can stay healthy and lead them back to prominence. They are still waiting.
While Trey Murphy III has played well, Williamson has suited up in just half of their games as he again deals with injury issues. They are rough on defense (122.8 opponent’s PPG), but are a middle-of-the-road team on offense (115.5 PPG). It’s why they are near the bottom of the standings and our latest NBA power rankings.
27. Los Angeles Clippers (LW: 28)
The Los Angeles Clippers aimed to quiet the off-court noise after they became embroiled in a summer scandal about how they originally acquired Kawhi Leonard. They haven’t done any of that as the season descends into chaos, including banishing team great Chris Paul for calling the team out for their terrible play.
Even at 36, James Harden is still playing at an All-Star level, and Kawhi Leonard has been good when he is actually available. But there hasn’t been nearly enough after them, and the Clippers have been one of the worst scoring teams in the NBA (111.2 PPG). No wonder there are rumblings that the two future Hall of Famers could be traded.
26. Indiana Pacers (LW: 27)
The Indiana Pacers were expected to struggle mightily this year after top star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles in the Finals, and they lost Myles Turner to the Bucks in free agency. Even at their best, they were a back-15 defensive team. However, with no serious second scorer after Pascal Siakam, their vaunted offense is now rock bottom in the NBA — 109.2 PPG.
Unlike the other teams at the bottom of the standings, Indiana has a good reason for its awful season. One of the few positives to take away from this lost year is that with more opportunities, former lottery pick Bennedict Mathurin is having by far his best season and showing he must be a part of their long-term core.
25. Charlotte Hornets (LW: 24)
While LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges have been posting good numbers this season, and Kon Knueppel is looking like a serious rookie of the year candidate, it has not helped turn the Charlotte Hornets into anything more than a lottery team in 2025-26.
They aren’t good on defense (Giving up 118.8 PPG) and have not been much better on the other side of the ball (Scoring 115.4 PPG). That’s why it is no surprise that trade rumors have started to emerge in Charlotte.
24. Brooklyn Nets (LW: 25)
In June’s draft, the Brooklyn Nets had four first-round picks and chose to use all of them instead of packaging them in trades for veteran players. They also had the most available cap space in the offseason but held off on splurging in a weak free agent market. Unfortunately, the cautious approach has not delivered results in the new season.
While new addition Michael Porter Jr. has been great thus far, and Cam Thomas has been reliable as ever as a scorer, it hasn’t mattered. The Nets simply aren’t getting enough from the rest of their young roster. However, 19-year-old rookie Egor Demin has been showing signs of promise over the last couple of weeks and giving BK fans something important to keep an eye on.
23. Utah Jazz (LW: 21)
Last year, Will Hardy and his team took another step back as the Jazz finished dead last in the 2024-25 NBA standings. It’s why hopes are not high in Salt Lake City. Especially after a season-ending injury to talented big man Walker Kessler. But a pair of players is keeping play-in hopes somewhat alive.
Lauri Markkanen and 2023 first-round pick Keyonte George have been very good this season, and that’s why Utah isn’t an easy out each night. If the reports are true and they have interest in trading for some impact veterans this season, they have upside if their top scorers can get some help. Otherwise, they will be stockpiling ping pong balls.
22. Milwaukee Bucks (LW: 19)
The Milwaukee Bucks made some big changes in the summer. They moved on from future Hall of Famer Damian Lillard, and in an attempt to keep top star Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, they made one of the boldest moves of the offseason by luring Myles Turner away from Indiana.
Unfortunately, Milwaukee has been worse. Despite Antetokounmpo’s amazing play — when he was healthy — they have fallen well below .500, and trade rumors continue to swirl around them as they must consider if they should add or blow it all up before the deadline.
21. Portland Trail Blazers (LW: 23)
The Portland Trail Blazers have a roster of respectable veterans and youngsters with high upside, including Shaedon Sharpe. However, a dark cloud was immediately placed over their season from the start when head coach Chauncey Billups was implicated in a wild poker game rigging scheme.
While it’s mostly been a struggle, the combo of Deni Avdija has offered hope that they can be a play-in team this season. While they are a solid team on offense (scoring 117.2 PPG), their defense is in the bottom five in the league (120.5 PG). It is the key issue holding them back from being a unit flirting with a .500 record.
20. Dallas Mavericks (LW: 20)
The Dallas Mavericks got off to a rough start this season as they missed Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis struggled to stay healthy. Furthermore, highly-touted No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg had a steeper learning curve in his first NBA season. It’s a major reason why GM Nico Harrison was fired in November.
However, the youngster has started to get his NBA legs under him and has played much better in recent weeks. It has also led to improved play from Dallas and some signs of life heading into the holiday season.
19. Memphis Grizzlies (LW: 18)
The Memphis Grizzlies were always going to be a bit different after firing Taylor Jenkins late last season and replacing him with assistant Tuomas Iisalo. But few expected a team with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant to struggle this much or for drama between the star guard and his coach.
Morant’s points are down significantly compared to his best seasons, and Jackson has not been as dominant as he was last year. They are two games under .500 entering Christmas Day and far from a lock to reach the playoffs this spring.
18. Chicago Bulls (LW: 22)
Late last season, the Chicago Bulls surprised many around the league by actually getting better after moving Zach LaVine. Josh Giddey flourished under head coach Billy Donovan, and Coby White had a breakout season. The big question was whether they could carry that momentum into the new season.
Early on, it looked like that just might happen. However, in recent weeks, they have fallen back to earth because of a defense that is among the worst in the NBA. Giving up 123.0 points per game. But they have been showing some life recently with back-to-back wins over the Cavs and Hawks.
17. Atlanta Hawks (LW: 13)
While the Atlanta Hawks failed to make the playoffs last season, there were positives to take from their campaign. Specifically, the emergence of youngsters Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels. In the summer, they added impact veterans Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, giving ATL a team with real upside this season.
Despite losing Trae Young for a month, ATL has played far better than many expected. Thanks almost exclusively to Johnson, who leads the team in points (23.8), rebounds (10.5), and assists (8.2). However, a recent slump has seen them fall down the standings and in our latest NBA power rankings.
16. Miami Heat (LW: 16)
The Miami Heat are drama-free this year, with the Jimmy Butler drama far behind them. In the offseason, they looked to fill that scoring void when they made a trade for Clippers All-Star Norman Powell, who has been outstanding to begin his career in South Beach. Scoring 23.7 PPG.
With Tyler Herro finally back, the expectation was that a roster that was already among the best scoring teams in the league would really catch fire. However, they have slumped mightily in recent weeks. After playing well in November, they are a .500 team on Christmas Day.
15. Golden State Warriors (LW: 17)
Entering last season’s playoffs, the Golden State Warriors were seen as a serious dark horse to go all the way. However, Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury came at the worst possible time, and they were ousted early in the postseason. Yet, the Warriors have struggled to regain that strong play in the new season.
After a quick start to the season, they have struggled to be a .500 team as we head into the holiday season. Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler have questioned their defense and heart. However, statistically, they are giving up the fourth fewest points in the league (112.3 PPG). It is their offense that has surprisingly struggled, and they are bottom-10 in scoring (114.2 PPG).
14. Phoenix Suns (LW: 15)
Outside of the 76ers, the Phoenix Suns were the NBA’s biggest letdown in 2024-25. Their awful performance got coach Mike Budenholzer fired, and it is why they moved on from both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the offseason. In the deal for Durant, they got 3-and-D expert Dillon Brooks, and he has been a revelation in his first season in Phoenix.
The big changes have paid off, and Phoenix has been a pleasant surprise this year. They are on the cusp of being a top-six team in a strong Western Conference, and surprisingly, it is because of a defense that is giving up the tenth fewest points in the league (113.9 PPG). Devin Booker has looked great, and Grayson Allen is having the best season of his career.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (LW: 14)
The Cleveland Cavaliers were a dominant team in the East last season. Coach Kenny Atkinson was given one of the league’s better defenses and added the offensive efficiency they lacked. If not for Donovan Mitchell being banged up, they could have made the conference finals. However, they are becoming one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season, and for the wrong reason.
For the most part, they have been fairly healthy all season, but they have been a very inconsistent group. They head into Christmas Day with an underwhelming 17-14 record and a lot of trade rumors swirling around the team.
12. Orlando Magic (LW: 11)
The Orlando Magic dealt with major injuries to key players for large parts of last season, but battled through with their elite defense. To improve the offense, they added playmaker and three-point ace Desmond Bane in the summer.
After some early struggles and top star Paolo Banchero missing a notable amount of time, the Magic have played very well over the last few weeks. They are a problem in the East, but an injury to Franz Wagner is sure to slow down that recent hot streak.
11. Toronto Raptors (LW: 10)
Last season was a major disappointment for the Toronto Raptors. However, they played the long game and hoped that year two for head coach Darko Rajaković, and the addition of veteran scorer Brandon Ingram, could make a difference in 2025-26. They were right.
However, instead of being an elite scoring team as many expected, they have been a top team in the conference from a defense that is giving up just 111.6 PPG — third best in the NBA. Last season, they gave up the 22nd most points in the NBA. It’s why they are a top-four team in the conference on Christmas Day.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (LW: 12)
The Philadelphia 76ers were the biggest disappointment in the NBA last season as injuries to their top two players destroyed any plans to be an NBA Finals contender. The only positive from the lost campaign was that Tyrese Maxey confirmed he is a legitimate star in the league and is the new face of the franchise.
That has continued in 2025-26, and the sixth-year talent is third in the league in scoring with 31.0 PPG. Joel Embiid and Paul George have only played in 12 games apiece this season, but if they can get into a groove, the 76ers have the potential to be a serious problem in the East.
9. Boston Celtics (LW: 9)
Jayson Tatum’s season-ending injury in Game 5 of the semifinals completely altered the trajectory of the Boston Celtics this season. Plus, trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and letting Al Horford walk to cut costs, was supposed to mean that 2025-26 would be a gap year for the team. Or maybe not?
Coach Joe Mazzulla continues to show why he is one of the best in the NBA right now as he has Boston among the top three teams in the East. And the major reason why is a defense that is giving up 110.0 PPG. It also helps that Jaylen Brown is playing some of the best basketball of his career.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (LW: 8)
7. Houston Rockets (LW: 6)
The Houston Rockets were one of the best stories in the NBA last season, as they evolved into an elite team in the West with strong defense and the emergence of Alperen Sengun. In the summer, the Rockets traded for Kevin Durant with the hope that the league could help their offense be as dominant as their defense.
Despite being without their floor leader, Fred VanVleet, the Rockets are one of the best scoring teams in the game (120.5 PPG) because of the rise of Amen Thompson. However, while Durant was meant to improve their offense, they haven’t lost a step on defense and are holding opponents to just 112.7 PPG. Along with the Nuggets, they are probably the biggest threat to the Thunder in the West.
6. Los Angeles Lakers (LW: 7)
There are big expectations for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. They got a full training camp with young superstar Luka Doncic, and head coach JJ Redick impressed during his rookie year. Plus, they still have one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James.
Yet, despite having Doncic and James on the roster, Austin Reaves has stolen the show this season. The undrafted star is averaging close to 30 points a game (27.3 PPG). The big question is, will their defense hold up against the elites of the NBA in the spring? They are giving up 117.4 per game, which is in the bottom third of the league.
5. Detroit Pistons (LW: 2)
The Detroit Pistons were the No. 1 feel-good story of last season as they went from being the worst team in the league to a top-six team in the conference. Well, they have now become one of the best in the NBA in year two under head coach JB Bickerstaff.
Not only are they playing elite defense — giving up just 112.3 PPG — they also have a formidable offense led by some All-NBA play from Cade Cunningham. It’s why Detroit owns the best record in the East (24-6) on Christmas Day.
4. San Antonio Spurs (LW: 5)
The assumption at the start of the season was that the San Antonio Spurs were a team primed to take a big step forward. Victor Wembanyama is back healthy from his blood clot scare — and taller. They’ll get a full season of De’Aaron Fox. Year two for ROTY Stephon Castle has a lot of promise, and they added Dylan Harper in June via the NBA Draft.
Wemby is playing like a sure-fire All-Star game starter, but one of the most impressive things about this young group is playing elite defense in recent weeks. This looks to be the start of many big seasons to come for San Antonio.
3. Denver Nuggets (LW: 4)
When you have the best player on the planet, the Denver Nuggets will always be a very competitive squad. Yet this season is different than recent years with David Adelman now overseeing things from the sidelines. So far, Adelman has maintained the high standard set by his predecessor, and Denver is the NBA leader in scoring (125.2 PPG).
A major reason why is more amazing play from Nikola Jokic, who is leading the league in rebounds and assists (!) while scoring at an elite level. However, most importantly, Jamal Murray is looking like the player who co-starred during their championship run two years ago.
2. New York Knicks (LW: 3)
After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks took the bold step of firing Tom Thibodeau in the spring despite being one of the winningest coaches in team history. That’s why there were always going to be some early bumps in the road with his replacement, Mike Brown. However, New York has started to build serious momentum and is one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
This year, the Knicks have become one of the league’s best teams on offense (120.1 PPG), and their defense remains a top-10 unit. Jalen Brunson is also playing like an MVP candidate again, and Karl-Anthony Towns has finally found his groove in the new system.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (LW: 1)
The Oklahoma City Thunder were the best team in the NBA throughout last season. Posting 68 wins with elite defense and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way. Things haven’t changed one bit in the new season, and they are on pace to prove they are even better by making a run at the Warriors’ single-season record for wins.
Not only are they the best defensive team in the league, giving up just 107.0 PPG, but their offense is posting 121.9 PPG, which is the second highest in the NBA. They are great on offense and defense. Simply put, the Thunder are a terrifying team right now.
