As the 2024-25 NBA regular season nears its end, the playoff races in both the Eastern and Western Conferences are heating up.

In the West, the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks are competing for the final play-in tournament spot. The Mavericks are hoping for a lift from Anthony Davis`s return after injury.

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

Here`s a look at the latest Power Rankings, evaluating all 30 NBA teams.

Rankings are determined by a panel of ESPN experts.

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)

Jaylin Williams has become a key player for the Thunder in March, contributing significantly to their strong performance. He`s been productive as a reserve and achieved his first career triple-doubles recently, joining a select group in Thunder history.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

2024-25 Record: 58-14
Previous Ranking: 1
Next Games: vs. SA (Mar. 27), @ DET (Mar. 28), vs. LAC (Mar. 30)

Donovan Mitchell remains crucial for the Cavaliers. His performance is pivotal to the team`s success, as highlighted by a recent game where his low scoring impacted the team`s overall performance.

3. Boston Celtics

2024-25 Record: 53-19
Previous Ranking: 3
Next Games: @ PHX (Mar. 26), @ SA (Mar. 29), @ MEM (Mar. 31)

The Celtics are hoping Jayson Tatum avoided a serious ankle injury. His health is vital for their postseason aspirations as they aim for another Finals run.

4. Houston Rockets

2024-25 Record: 47-26
Previous Ranking: 4
Next Games: @ UTAH (Mar. 27), @ PHX (Mar. 30), @ LAL (Mar. 31)

The Rockets recently lost to the Nuggets despite Nikola Jokic being out, ending their winning streak. Coach Ime Udoka stressed the need for the team to refine their performance as they approach the postseason.

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 are focused on getting Nikola Jokic back to full health for the playoffs. Jamal Murray has been performing well offensively in Jokic`s absence.

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)

The Knicks have improved defensively in March after struggling in February. They`ve used recent games to refine their play with Jalen Brunson returning from injury and Mitchell Robinson regaining form.

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 have been struggling recently, despite the return of LeBron James and Rui Hachimura from injuries. They are looking to improve as they continue their road trip.

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 are facing challenges on the road and with injuries, including Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke. Morant needs to reintegrate into the team`s offense as playoffs approach.

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 is nearing his return for the Warriors, which is crucial for their playoff positioning. The team needs him healthy to avoid the play-in tournament.

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

2024-25 Record: 41-32
Previous Ranking: 10
Next Games: vs. PHX (Mar. 28), vs. DET (Mar. 30), @ DEN (Apr. 1)

The Timberwolves have slipped in the standings after a recent downturn. Naz Reid continues to be a strong Sixth Man of the Year candidate, providing consistent scoring off the bench.

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 are on a winning streak and improving their playoff seeding in the East. Tyrese Haliburton`s consistent double-doubles and assist numbers are key to their success.

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 been playing well recently, despite some coaching absences. They are embarking on a road trip on the East Coast.

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 been struggling, coinciding with Damian Lillard`s injury. Their offense has been less effective without him.

14. Detroit Pistons

2024-25 Record: 41-32
Previous Ranking: 14
Next Games: vs. CLE (Mar. 28), @ MIN (Mar. 30)

The Pistons are aiming for a higher playoff seed in the East. They`ve shown depth, winning games even with key players sidelined.

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 are in a tighter battle for a play-in spot after recent losses. Domantas Sabonis`s return should help stabilize the team.

16. Atlanta Hawks

2024-25 Record: 35-37
Previous Ranking: 17
Next Games: @ MIA (Mar. 27), @ MIL (Mar. 30), vs. POR (Apr. 1)

The Hawks still have a small chance to climb into the top six in the East. Their schedule is relatively easier compared to some competitors.

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 are on a winning streak, their longest in months. Kevin Durant has been scoring at a high level, but their upcoming schedule is challenging.

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 are showing signs of improvement, especially offensively, led by Paolo Banchero`s strong play in March.

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 for the Mavericks, especially with injuries impacting the team. He`s played a key role in their recent wins.

20. Portland Trail Blazers

2024-25 Record: 32-41
Previous Ranking: 21
Next Games: @ SAC (Mar. 27), @ NYK (Mar. 30), @ ATL (Apr. 1)

The Trail Blazers are trying to make a push for the play-in tournament. Their improved defense has been a significant factor in recent games.

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 have been playing well offensively in their recent games. Coby White and Josh Giddey have been leading their strong offensive performances.

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)

The Spurs are continuing to compete and develop, achieving a recent winning streak. Chris Paul has reached a milestone in his veteran season.

23. Miami Heat

2024-25 Record: 31-41
Previous Ranking: 20
Next Games: vs. ATL (Mar. 27), @ PHI (Mar. 29), @ WAS (Mar. 31)

The Miami Heat recently ended a long losing streak. Despite their struggles, they remain in a play-in tournament position in the East.

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)

The Nets have struggled in March after a decent start to the season. Recent trades and injuries seem to have impacted their performance.

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)

The Raptors are in a similar position in the lottery standings as the 76ers and Nets. Their recent performance has been average despite an easier schedule.

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)

Justin Edwards has been a positive development for the struggling 76ers. The rookie is taking advantage of increased playing time and performing well.