We are closing in on the midway point of the 2025-26 NBA season. After the first few months of the season, certain teams have clearly elevated their play while others have been unexpected disappointments.
So who are the best of the best, and worst of the worst, as we near the second half? Our updated NBA power rankings look to answer that question.
30. Indiana Pacers (LW: 26)
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 the third worst in the league (110.6 PPG).
Unlike the other teams at the bottom of the standings, Indiana has a good reason for its awful season. Nevertheless, an active 13-game losing skid is why they own the worst record in the NBA (6-31).
29. Washington Wizards (LW: 30)
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 again near the bottom of the standings.
They are the second-worst defensive team in the game (124.4 opponent’s PPG) and not much better on offense (113.4 PPG). There are rumblings that they could make a blockbuster trade for Trae Young. A deal that can’t happen any sooner.
28. New Orleans Pelicans (LW: 28)
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 and Williamson has been a star in his 15 games, they are rough on defense (123.1 opponent’s PPG), and not much better on offense (115.2 PPG). It’s why they are rock bottom in the West standings.
27. Sacramento Kings (LW: 29)
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. Scoring just 110.3 PPG, which is second worst in the league. This has been a disastrous season for the Kings, and it’s why they hope to be one of the big sellers before the deadline.
26. Brooklyn Nets (LW: 24)
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, and BK is the worst scoring team in the NBA (109.5). Yet, in recent weeks, their prospects have improved and evolved into a top 10 team on defense (114.3 PPG). Giving Nets fans hope for a better second half.
25. Charlotte Hornets (LW: 25)
While LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges have been posting good numbers this season, and Kon Knueppel is a 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 117.9 PPG) and have been just as mediocre on offense. That’s why it is no surprise that trade rumors have swirled in Charlotte. The one positive is that the combo of Knueppel and Brandon Miller is showing they can be building blocks long-term.
24. Utah Jazz (LW: 23)
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 in 2026.
Lauri Markkanen and 2023 first-round pick Keyonte George have been really good over the first half, and that’s why Utah isn’t an easy out each night. While they own one of the worst records in the league (12-23), they are one impact trade away from making a serious run at a Play-In spot.
23. Dallas Mavericks (LW: 20)
The Dallas Mavericks got off to a rough start this season as Anthony Davis struggled to stay on the court, and the absence of Kyrie Irving became blatantly apparent. Furthermore, highly-touted No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg had a steep 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 is the favorite to be the Rookie of the Year. If they can stay close to .500, Irving’s return could help an offense that is scoring just 113.5 PPG.
22. Los Angeles Clippers (LW: 27)
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 descended into chaos, including banishing team great Chris Paul for calling the team out for their terrible play.
Yet despite an awful November, LA came to life to end 2025. Even at 36, James Harden is still playing at an All-Star level, and Kawhi Leonard has been very good when he is actually available. It has offered hope that the season can be salvaged and a playoff run isn’t out of the question.
21. Milwaukee Bucks (LW: 22)
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 healthy — they are a below .500 team, and trade rumors continue to grow. However, it looks like it won’t be Antetokounmpo leaving town and instead could be the addition of another big-name player.
20. Memphis Grizzlies (LW: 19)
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 squad 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 four games under .500 and are barely hanging on to the final spot in the playoff race.
19. Atlanta Hawks (LW: 17)
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.
However, they have struggled this season with top star Trae Young on the court. It has created a boatload of trade speculation that could see him headed out of town soon, and Johnson taking over as the new face of the franchise in the second half.
18. Chicago Bulls (LW: 18)
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, they have fallen back to earth because of a defense that is among the worst in the NBA. Giving up 121.6 points per game. However, despite a 17-19 record, they are just three games out of a top-six spot in the conference.
17. Portland Trail Blazers (LW: 21)
The Portland Trail Blazers have a roster of respectable veterans and youngsters with upside, including Shaedon Sharpe. However, a dark cloud was placed over their season in week one when head coach Chauncey Billups was implicated in a wild poker game rigging scheme.
Although the team would like to have a better record, the combo of Deni Avdija and Sharpe has offered hope that they can be a play-in team this season. The biggest issue for the Blazers is a bottom-10 defense that is giving up 119.6 points a night. Fixing that must be a priority before the trade deadline.
16. Golden State Warriors (LW: 15)
Last spring, the Golden State Warriors looked like a serious dark horse to reach the Finals. However, Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury threw ice water on those aspirations. Yet, despite their potential, the Warriors have struggled to regain that level of play over the first half of the season.
After a fast start, they’ve struggled to be a .500 team as we near the midway point. Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler have questioned their defense and heart. However, statistically, they are giving up the seventh fewest points in the league (113.6 PPG). It is really their offense that has been the problem because they are bottom-10 in scoring (115.2 PPG).
15. Miami Heat (LW: 16)
The Miami Heat are drama-free this year, with Jimmy Butler playing out West. In the offseason, they looked to fill that scoring void when they made a trade for Clippers All-Star Norman Powell, who has been really to begin his career in South Beach. Scoring 24.3 PPG.
His performance is why the Heat are a top-three scoring team (120.8). But, for a team long known for good defense, that side of the ball has regressed badly in 2025-26. This year, they are 19th in the league in opponent scoring. Last season, Miami was seventh best in the league and gave up just 110.0 PPG.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers (LW: 13)
Last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers were the East’s best team during the regular 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, it has been a different story in 2025-26, and the Cavs are turning into one of the league’s biggest disappointments this season. For the most part, they have been fairly healthy, but they have been a very inconsistent group. While they have a top 10 offense because of Mitchell’s brilliance, their defense is now average at best, which is why they own a 21-17 record.
13. Orlando Magic (LW: 12)
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 offensive side of the ball, they added playmaker and three-point ace Desmond Bane in the summer. However, they have not evolved into the force they aimed to be on that side of the ball.
It has created a unique situation where some analysts are speculating whether Orlando is a better team without top star Paolo Banchero. They played well when he missed much of November. But they have been a .500 team since his return.
12. Philadelphia 76ers (LW: 10)
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 half of the team’s games, but they are starting to make an impact. It’s why Philly is flirting with being a top-four team in the East.
11. Toronto Raptors (LW: 11)
Last season was a 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 lead to far better results in the 2025-26 season. They were right.
However, instead of being an elite scoring team as many expected, they evolved into one of the league’s top units on defense, giving up just 112.3 PPG, which is fifth best in the NBA. Last season, they gave up the 22nd most points in the NBA. It’s why the group led by Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett is currently a top-four squad in the East.
10. Phoenix Suns (LW: 14)
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 during his first season in the desert.
Phoenix is 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 sixth fewest points in the league (112.8PPG). Devin Booker has looked great, and they could be even better if the big acquisition in the Durant trade, Jalen Green, played more than two games this season.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (LW: 8)
Although it took longer than many expected, the Minnesota Timberwolves maintained their place as a top team out West last season. Unfortunately, the eventual champion Thunder ended their campaign in the conference finals for a second straight year. Nevertheless, expectations remain high for the Wolves.
Unlike last year, Julius Randle has played like an All-Star from the start, and he and Anthony Edwards have the team averaging 119.6 PPG. Yet, while their defense is still good, it is not as formidable as years past. It’s a key reason why they are at the back of the top six in the conference.
8. New York Knicks (LW: 2)
After coming up short in the East Finals, the New York Knicks took the bold step of firing head coach Tom Thibodeau and replacing him with veteran coach Mike Brown. While it took some time to learn the new system, New York looked great in December and won the Emirates Cup.
This year, the Knicks have been one of the league’s better teams on offense. scoring 120.5 PPG. Jalen Brunson is also playing like an MVP candidate again. However, the defense that was once a strength has shown holes this season, including giving up 130 or more to the Spurs and 76ers in recent losses.
7. 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 110.5 PPG, and Jaylen Brown is elevating his game to a level where he is a serious MVP candidate as we near the midway point.
6. Los Angeles Lakers (LW: 6)
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, still playing at a very high level.
Yet, despite having Doncic and James on the roster, Austin Reaves has made them a problem offensively by averaging 26.6 PPG. The big question is, will their defense hold up against the elites of the NBA in the spring? They are giving up 117.3 per game and have looked bad at times against opponents.
5. Denver Nuggets (LW: 3)
When you have the best player on the planet, the Denver Nuggets will always be a very competitive squad. Yet this season has different from recent years with David Adelman now overseeing things from the sidelines. So far, he has maintained the high standard set by his predecessor, and Denver is the NBA leader in scoring (124.3 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, a recent knee injury means he will be sidelined for weeks. Jamal Murray, who has been having a very good season, will have to lead, hold the line, and avoid Denver falling in the standings without the superstar.
4. Houston Rockets (LW: 7)
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 legend 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 (120.0 PPG) because of the rise of Amen Thompson. However, most importantly, they haven’t lost a step on defense. Holding opponents to just 111.1PPG, which is the third best in the NBA. Along with the Spurs, they are probably the biggest threat to the Thunder in the West.
3. Detroit Pistons (LW: 5)
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 group 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 112.1 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 (27-9) right now
2. San Antonio Spurs (LW: 4)
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.
So far, they have been one of the league’s best. Wemby is playing like a sure-fire All-Star game starter. Fox has been the scorer they needed, and they continue to show they are a young team quickly getting better.
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 have been the cream of the NBA crop for almost all of the current season.
Similar to last season, OKC remains an elite group on defense, giving up just 107.6 PPG. But their offense has been nearly as dominant, posting 121.9 PPG — which is the second highest in the NBA. Yet, their hot streak to begin the season has cooled off, and they’ve gone 6-6 in their last 12, including a blowout loss to the lowly Hornets.
