With the NBA regular season winding down to its final two weeks, the stakes are incredibly high. Playoff berths are being secured, and the fight to avoid the play-in tournament intensifies daily. The Western Conference remains especially competitive, with tight races between teams ranked third through eighth, separated by just a few games.

Further down the standings, numerous teams are balancing the desire to finish strong with the potential to improve their draft lottery odds for a highly anticipated draft class, headlined by Duke`s standout freshman, Cooper Flagg.

As the regular season nears its conclusion, players are striving to meet award eligibility criteria and strengthen their cases for top honors like MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year.

Our NBA experts provide their insights on the current standings in our latest Power Rankings and highlight what to watch for in the remaining weeks of the season.

Note: Team rankings reflect the assessments of our panel members (ESPN`s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, and Chris Herring) regarding team performance this season.

Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have climbed to No. 5 in the Western Conference standings on the strength of a three-game winning streak.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • 2024-25 Record: 63-12
  • Previous Ranking: 1 (No Change)
  • Next Games: vs. DET (Apr. 2), @ HOU (Apr. 4), vs. LAL (Apr. 6), vs. LAL (Apr. 8)

Oklahoma City`s dominant win against the Bulls on Monday secured them the best cross-conference record in NBA history. Their 28-1 record against Eastern Conference teams this season is only marred by a loss in Cleveland. The previous best was 27-3, achieved by the 2015-16 Warriors, 2006-07 Mavericks, and 1999-2000 Lakers. — Tim MacMahon

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2024-25 Record: 60-15
  • Previous Ranking: 2 (No Change)
  • Next Games: vs. NYK (Apr. 2), @ SA (Apr. 4), vs. SAC (Apr. 6), vs. CHI (Apr. 8)

The Cavaliers have already achieved their third 60-win season in franchise history and could match their record for wins if they go 6-1 in their remaining games. However, their primary focus is securing the No. 1 seed in the East, holding a four-game lead over the Celtics, who have won 14 of their last 15. Only one of Cleveland`s final seven games is against a non-playoff team (San Antonio). — Dave McMenamin

3. Boston Celtics

  • 2024-25 Record: 56-19
  • Previous Ranking: 3 (No Change)
  • Next Games: vs. MIA (Apr. 2), vs. PHX (Apr. 4), vs. WAS (Apr. 6), @ NYK (Apr. 8)

While there`s a slim chance the Celtics could overtake the Cavaliers for the top spot in the East if they win all their remaining games, their main priority is playoff readiness. Boston is confident in their ability to compete with any team if they are healthy and at full strength. — Tim Bontemps

4. Houston Rockets

  • 2024-25 Record: 49-27
  • Previous Ranking: 4 (No Change)
  • Next Games: vs. UTAH (Apr. 2), vs. OKC (Apr. 4), @ GS (Apr. 6)

Despite missing an opportunity to be the second Western team to clinch a playoff spot, Coach Ime Udoka is more concerned with the Rockets maintaining health, consistency, and leveraging their physicality to convert defense into offense. Houston is also focused on improving their half-court offense for the playoffs and can rely on their league-leading offensive rebounding. Their upcoming schedule, against five expected Western playoff teams, provides excellent postseason preparation. — Michael Wright

5. Denver Nuggets

  • 2024-25 Record: 47-29
  • Previous Ranking: 5 (No Change)
  • Next Games: vs. SA (Apr. 2), @ GS (Apr. 4), vs. IND (Apr. 6)

The Nuggets have significant stakes in their final six games as they aim for a top-four seed in the West. Nikola Jokic remains in a tight MVP race with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and may need a strong finish to overcome his recent injury absence. However, Denver`s top priority is health, ensuring Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon are ready for the playoffs. Regardless of seeding, Denver is a threat in the West if these three are healthy. Notably, the Nuggets were the last team to defeat the West-leading Thunder. — Ohm Youngmisuk

6. Los Angeles Lakers

  • 2024-25 Record: 46-29
  • Previous Ranking: 7 (Up 1)
  • Next Games: vs. GS (Apr. 3), vs. NO (Apr. 4), @ OKC (Apr. 6), @ OKC (Apr. 8)

The Lakers have entered the postseason via the play-in tournament in three of the last four seasons. Currently fourth in the West with seven games left, LeBron James and the Lakers are determined to maintain their position and secure an automatic playoff berth. James emphasized their mission to lock in a playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament. — McMenamin

7. Golden State Warriors

  • 2024-25 Record: 44-31
  • Previous Ranking: 9 (Up 2)
  • Next Games: @ LAL (Apr. 3), vs. DEN (Apr. 4), vs. HOU (Apr. 6), @ PHX (Apr. 8)

Since acquiring Jimmy Butler III before the trade deadline, the Warriors` goal is clear: secure a sixth seed or higher to avoid the play-in. They aim to capitalize on their improved second half of the season by avoiding a single-elimination play-in scenario and gaining a valuable week of rest before a first-round series. Curry believes the Warriors can beat any team in a series due to their championship experience. With Butler added, they are confident in making a deep playoff run. — Youngmisuk

8. Indiana Pacers

  • 2024-25 Record: 44-31
  • Previous Ranking: 11 (Up 3)
  • Next Games: vs. CHA (Apr. 2), vs. UTAH (Apr. 4), @ DEN (Apr. 6), vs. WAS (Apr. 8)

Can the Pacers maintain the No. 4 seed? Indiana has been playing well while the injury-plagued Bucks have fallen to sixth, potentially giving the Pacers home-court advantage in the first round. They have a two-game lead over No. 5 Detroit and will play five of their final seven games at home, boosting their chances of a top-four seed. — Jamal Collier

9. Memphis Grizzlies

  • 2024-25 Record: 44-32
  • Previous Ranking: 8 (Down 1)
  • Next Games: @ MIA (Apr. 3), @ DET (Apr. 5), @ CHA (Apr. 8)

The Grizzlies surprised the NBA by firing coach Taylor Jenkins close to the season`s end. It remains to be seen how Memphis will perform under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo. After relying on an offense developed by fired assistant Noah LaRoche, Memphis will try to incorporate more of Iisalo`s pick-and-roll strategies to maximize guard Ja Morant`s impact. GM Zach Kleiman expects `clarity of direction,` but the team is 0-3 since Jenkins` departure. — Wright

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

  • 2024-25 Record: 44-32
  • Previous Ranking: 10 (No Change)
  • Next Games: @ BKN (Apr. 3), @ PHI (Apr. 5), @ MIL (Apr. 8)

Can the Timberwolves escape the play-in? Minnesota, like other teams in their vicinity in the standings, aims to avoid the play-in and secure a top-six seed. On a three-game win streak, the Wolves are currently seventh but tied with the sixth-ranked Grizzlies in games behind (19.5). They are just half a game ahead of the eighth-place Clippers. Following a double-overtime win against Denver, Minnesota`s schedule eases slightly with road games against Brooklyn and Philadelphia this week. — Collier

11. New York Knicks

  • 2024-25 Record: 48-27
  • Previous Ranking: 6 (Down 5)
  • Next Games: @ CLE (Apr. 2), @ ATL (Apr. 5), vs PHX (Apr. 6), vs. BOS (Apr. 8)

The Knicks` main focus in the final weeks is the health of star guard Jalen Brunson as he recovers from an ankle sprain. The team also hopes for the return of backups Deuce McBride and Cam Payne, and for Mitchell Robinson to regain form after his extended absence. Ideally, Brunson will return for a few regular-season games to get comfortable before the playoffs. — Chris Herring

12. LA Clippers

  • 2024-25 Record: 43-32
  • Previous Ranking: 12 (No Change)
  • Next Games: vs. NO (Apr. 2), vs. DAL (Apr. 4), vs. DAL (Apr. 5), vs. SA (Apr. 8)

The Clippers aim for the sixth seed to avoid the play-in tournament. Their top priority is ensuring Kawhi Leonard`s health for the playoffs. After Leonard`s early-season absence, the focus is on preventing playoff injuries like in the past two seasons. They`ve managed Leonard`s back-to-backs, with only one remaining, consecutive home games against Dallas. — Youngmisuk

13. Detroit Pistons

  • 2024-25 Record: 42-33
  • Previous Ranking: 14 (Up 1)
  • Next Games: @ OKC (Apr. 2), @ TOR (Apr. 4), vs. MEM (Apr. 5), vs. SAC (Apr. 7)

Close to securing a top-six spot in the East and a playoff return for the first time since 2019, the Pistons are now focused on seeding. Catching the Pacers for home-court advantage in the first round might be difficult, but Detroit aims to stay ahead of the struggling Bucks for fifth. The tiebreaker will be decided in the season`s final weekend when they play a home-and-home set. — Kevin Pelton

14. Milwaukee Bucks

  • 2024-25 Record: 41-34
  • Previous Ranking: 13 (Down 1)
  • Next Games: @ PHI (Apr. 3), @ MIA (Apr. 5), @ NO (Apr. 6), vs. MIN (Apr. 8)

Damian Lillard`s health is the key concern for Milwaukee, which had a four-game losing streak before a win against the Suns and has dropped to sixth due to Lillard`s absence. Their postseason hopes hinge on Lillard`s return this season. The developing chemistry between Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the league`s top-scoring duo, is crucial for the Bucks in the playoffs. — Collier

15. Atlanta Hawks

  • 2024-25 Record: 36-39
  • Previous Ranking: 16 (Up 1)
  • Next Games: @ DAL (Apr. 2), vs. NYK (Apr. 5), vs. UTAH (Apr. 6), @ ORL (Apr. 8)

Atlanta prioritizes managing Trae Young`s workload, as he deals with Achilles tendonitis. They also focus on getting Clint Capela back from a hand injury for the playoffs. The Hawks are closely watching their two remaining games against the Magic, their likely play-in opponent for the No. 7 seed. These teams have been closely matched in the standings all season. — Herring

16. Dallas Mavericks

  • 2024-25 Record: 37-39
  • Previous Ranking: 19 (Up 3)
  • Next Games: vs. ATL (Apr. 2), @ LAC (Apr. 4), @ LAC (Apr. 5)

The Mavericks will finally see GM Nico Harrison`s vision of a big, dynamic frontcourt with the return of Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II from injuries. Davis and Gafford have returned recently, and Lively is expected back soon. They are working to regain form while managing minutes restrictions. — MacMahon

17. Sacramento Kings

  • 2024-25 Record: 36-39
  • Previous Ranking: 15 (Down 2)
  • Next Games: @ WAS (Apr. 2), @ CHA (Apr. 4), @ CLE (Apr. 6), @ DET (Apr. 7)

Despite losing six of their last seven, the Kings hold the final play-in spot in the West. Durant`s injury improves Sacramento`s playoff chances, as they are 1.5 games ahead of the Suns. The head-to-head tiebreaker against the Suns is still in play on the season`s final day. Sacramento`s favorable schedule makes them favorites to reach the play-in in 85% of simulations. — Pelton

18. Orlando Magic

  • 2024-25 Record: 37-40
  • Previous Ranking: 18 (No Change)
  • Next Games: @ WAS (Apr. 3), vs. ATL (Apr. 8)

The Magic are in a play-in seeding battle, having dropped behind the Hawks to seventh. Falling further would eliminate the chance of advancing with a single play-in win. Orlando and Atlanta will play twice in their final five games. The Magic are 5-2 in their last seven but haven`t gained ground on the Hawks. — Pelton

19. Chicago Bulls

  • 2024-25 Record: 34-42
  • Previous Ranking: 21 (Up 2)
  • Next Games: vs. POR (Apr. 4), @ CHA (Apr. 6), @ CLE (Apr. 8)

Keep an eye on Josh Giddey entering free agency. The Bulls` recent improvement briefly raised hopes of moving up in the play-in standings before settling back to 10th. The focus is on Giddey`s performance down the stretch. His impressive play since the All-Star break, alongside Coby White, has given the Bulls a backcourt to build on. Giddey`s finish, including any postseason play, will be crucial in proving his growth from last season`s playoffs. — Collier

20. Phoenix Suns

  • 2024-25 Record: 35-41
  • Previous Ranking: 17 (Down 3)
  • Next Games: @ BOS (Apr. 4), @ NYK (Apr. 6), vs. GS (Apr. 8)

Will Kevin Durant`s ankle sprain derail the Suns` play-in hopes? Before Durant`s injury, the Suns had won five of six. They are 1.5 games behind the 10th-place Kings, whom they face on the season`s last day. With Durant sidelined for at least a week and facing a tough schedule, Phoenix`s playoff chances appear to be dimming. — McMenamin

21. Miami Heat

  • 2024-25 Record: 34-41
  • Previous Ranking: 23 (Up 2)
  • Next Games: @ BOS (Apr. 2), vs. MEM (Apr. 3), vs. MIL (Apr. 5), vs. PHI (Apr. 7)

After a 10-game losing streak followed by a five-game winning streak, Miami has a chance to re-enter the 7-8 play-in game. Making the playoffs is crucial for Miami to avoid losing future draft picks. — Bontemps

22. Portland Trail Blazers

  • 2024-25 Record: 33-43
  • Previous Ranking: 20 (Down 2)
  • Next Games: @ TOR (Apr. 3), @ CHI (Apr. 4), vs. SA (Apr. 6)

A four-game losing streak likely eliminates the Blazers` play-in hopes. They are 3.5 games behind the Kings and need to pass the Suns to reach No. 10. Portland may shift focus to lottery positioning soon. The Blazers and Spurs are likely to be eighth and ninth in the lottery. — Pelton

23. New Orleans Pelicans

  • 2024-25 Record: 21-54
  • Previous Ranking: 27 (Up 4)
  • Next Games: @ LAC (Apr. 2), @ LAL (Apr. 4), vs. MIL (Apr. 6), @ BKN (Apr. 8)

Injury woes continue for New Orleans, with Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum ruled out for the season. Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, and Herbert Jones may also miss part of next season due to injuries. With their season derailed by injuries, the Pelicans need to focus on the draft and roster construction for next season. — Wright

24. San Antonio Spurs

  • 2024-25 Record: 31-44
  • Previous Ranking: 22 (Down 2)
  • Next Games: @ DEN (Apr. 2), vs. CLE (Apr. 6), @ POR (Apr. 6), @ LAC (Apr. 8)

San Antonio needs a miracle to reach the play-in, but they will fight hard. Four of their remaining eight opponents have records above .500, and they have five road games to close the season. Despite missing Wembanyama and Fox, young players are auditioning for roles. Watch if Stephon Castle solidifies his Rookie of the Year campaign. — Wright

25. Toronto Raptors

  • 2024-25 Record: 28-48
  • Previous Ranking: 25 (No Change)
  • Next Games: vs. POR (Apr. 3), vs. DET (Apr. 4), @ BKN (Apr. 6)

While Toronto won`t see Brandon Ingram play this season, they are evaluating Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley together, who have rarely played together due to injuries since Quickley`s arrival. Eliminated from postseason contention, the Raptors can use their remaining games to assess this duo`s potential. — Bontemps

26. Brooklyn Nets

  • 2024-25 Record: 25-51
  • Previous Ranking: 24 (Down 2)
  • Next Games: vs. MIN (Apr. 3), vs. TOR (Apr. 6), vs. NO (Apr. 8)

Even as Brooklyn is close to the tanking Sixers for the fifth-worst record and lottery odds, first-year coach Jordi Fernandez is maximizing this group. The Nets recently had their first back-to-back wins since the All-Star break. — Herring

27. Philadelphia 76ers

  • 2024-25 Record: 23-53
  • Previous Ranking: 26 (Down 1)
  • Next Games: vs. MIL (Apr. 3), vs. MIN (Apr. 5), @ MIA (Apr. 7)

Brooklyn`s recent wins have put Philadelphia in a `lead` for the fifth spot in the draft lottery, crucial for keeping their pick, which needs to be in the top six. Finishing fifth gives them a better chance of retaining the pick. This is Philadelphia`s main focus for the next week and a half. — Bontemps

28. Charlotte Hornets

  • 2024-25 Record: 19-56
  • Previous Ranking: 28 (No Change)
  • Next Games: @ IND (Apr. 2), vs. SAC (Apr. 4), vs. CHI (Apr. 6), vs. MEM (Apr. 8)

Charlotte aims to remain in the bottom three of the standings for top lottery odds, alongside the Jazz and Wizards. With LaMelo Ball out for the season and being two games worse than the Pelicans, the Hornets are likely to finish where they intend: at the bottom. — Herring

29. Washington Wizards

  • 2024-25 Record: 16-59
  • Previous Ranking: 30 (Up 1)
  • Next Games: vs. SAC (Apr. 2), vs. ORL (Apr. 3), @ BOS (Apr. 6), @ IND (Apr. 8)

With seven games left, the Wizards must secure the best lottery odds in a strong draft. Approaching 60 losses, they are tied with Utah for the worst record, with Charlotte close behind. The bottom three get 14% odds for the top pick. While developing youngsters like Alex Sarr is important, maintaining the highest odds for the No. 1 pick is crucial. — Youngmisuk

30. Utah Jazz

  • 2024-25 Record: 16-60
  • Previous Ranking: 29 (Up 1)
  • Next Games: @ HOU (Apr. 2), @ IND (Apr. 4), @ ATL (Apr. 6)

Rookie Isaiah Collier broke John Stockton`s franchise rookie assist record. Collier now has 419 assists this season, surpassing Stockton`s 415. The No. 29 draft pick needs 15,388 more assists to break Stockton`s NBA career record. — MacMahon