NBA Power Rankings: Season Performance Review

The 2024-25 NBA regular season concludes on Sunday, but the spotlight is on Wednesday`s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks (ESPN, 7:30 PM ET). Luka Doncic`s return to Dallas, after his high-profile trade to the Lakers in February, promises a charged atmosphere at the American Airlines Center.

Another significant Wednesday game features the Sacramento Kings hosting the Denver Nuggets (ESPN, 10:30 PM ET). Denver will play their first game since firing coach Michael Malone on Tuesday. This unexpected move – the second late-season NBA coaching change – casts uncertainty over one of the Western Conference`s strongest teams, led by MVP contender Nikola Jokic.

Amid these events, top playoff contenders are focused on securing their postseason berths, while teams at the bottom, like the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards, await their draft lottery fate for the No. 1 pick.

Ahead of the regular season`s final stretch, our NBA experts analyze whether each team achieved or missed their preseason expectations in this season`s final Power Rankings.

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

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1 | Jan. 8 | Jan. 15 | Jan. 22 | Jan. 29 | Feb. 5 | Feb. 12 | Feb. 26 | March 5 | March 12 | March 19 | March 26 | April 2

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS

• 2024-25 record: 65-14

• Previous ranking: 1

• Next games: @ PHX (April 9), @ UTAH (April 11), @ NO (April 13)

The Thunder secured the West`s No. 1 seed for the second consecutive year and could achieve a three-peat in 2026 with a similar roster. With 15 players under contract for next season, including lottery pick Nikola Topic, who is recovering from injury, and potentially up to three first-round picks in this year`s draft, Oklahoma City`s future looks bright. — Tim MacMahon

---

• 2024-25 record: 63-16

• Previous ranking: 2

• Next games: @ IND (April 10), @ NYK (April 11), vs. IND (April 13)

The Cavaliers had a remarkable year, achieving their second-highest win total in franchise history and their first 60-win season without LeBron James, securing the East`s No. 1 seed. Under first-year coach Kenny Atkinson, a Coach of the Year contender, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley all had All-Star caliber seasons. A deep playoff run, at least to the conference finals, is needed to validate their success. — Dave McMenamin

---

• 2024-25 record: 59-20

• Previous ranking: 3

• Next games: @ ORL (April 9), vs. CHA (April 11), vs. CHA (April 13)

Boston is ideally positioned, entering the season among the top East teams with a healthy roster and as championship favorites. While the title is not guaranteed, the Celtics have had a near-perfect season. Jayson Tatum is averaging 26.9 points per game, and Jaylen Brown is close behind with 22.5 points per game. — Tim Bontemps

---

• 2024-25 record: 52-27

• Previous ranking: 4

• Next games: @ LAC (April 9), @ LAL (April 11), vs. DEN (April 13)

The Rockets achieved their goal of reaching the postseason for the first time since 2019-20. Coach Ime Udoka is a strong Coach of the Year candidate for transforming Houston`s culture. Emphasizing defense and hustle, and adding veterans like Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet, Houston improved significantly, surpassing 50 wins. The development of young players like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson is also encouraging. Playoff performance will guide their offseason strategy, including VanVleet`s team option and potential pursuit of a big-name star. — Michael Wright

---

• 2024-25 record: 50-29

• Previous ranking: 11

• Next games: @ DET (April 10), vs. CLE (April 11), @ BKN (April 13)

By winning 50+ games for the second straight season and nearing their preseason win projection, the Knicks have largely met expectations as a top East team. However, their 0-9 record against Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City raises concerns about their competitiveness beyond the first playoff round. — Chris Herring

---

• 2024-25 record: 48-31

• Previous ranking: 6

• Next games: @ DAL (April 9), vs. HOU (April 11), @ POR (April 13)

The Lakers` season will be remembered for Rob Pelinka`s acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Mavericks, one of league history`s most surprising trades. Everything else is a bonus, including JJ Redick`s successful first year as head coach, Austin Reaves` continued growth, and LeBron James` sustained high level of play at age 40. — McMenamin

---

• 2024-25 record: 47-32

• Previous ranking: 5

• Next games: @ SAC (April 9), vs. MEM (April 11), @ HOU (April 13)

Nuggets ownership made significant changes by firing coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. These moves, made mid-season, aim to improve postseason chances amidst Nikola Jokic`s MVP-caliber year. Internal conflict between Malone and Booth over roster decisions and injuries to key players like Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray contributed to a 11-13 record since the All-Star break. Interim coach David Adelman now takes over, tasked with improving a struggling defense and supporting Jokic. — Ohm Youngmisuk

---

• 2024-25 record: 48-31

• Previous ranking: 8

• Next games: vs. WAS (April 8), vs. CLE (April 10), vs. ORL (April 11), @ CLE (April 13)

Indiana is close to securing the East`s No. 4 seed, marking a successful season following last year`s conference finals appearance. Despite a slow start, Tyrese Haliburton`s stellar second half and likely home-court advantage in the first playoff round position the Pacers for another deep postseason run. — Jamal Collier

---

• 2024-25 record: 47-32

• Previous ranking: 12

• Next games: vs. HOU (April 9), @ SAC (April 11), @ GS (April 13)

The Clippers entered the season with low expectations due to Kawhi Leonard`s injury and roster changes. However, they retooled with young, defensive-minded players and hired Jeff Van Gundy as assistant coach, a key addition. Despite initial doubts, owner Steve Ballmer and Leonard himself predicted playoff contention, which the Clippers achieved with a top-five defense and strong seasons from veterans like James Harden and Ivica Zubac. The key question remains Leonard`s health in the playoffs. — Youngmisuk

---

• 2024-25 record: 47-32

• Previous ranking: 7

• Next games: vs. SA (April 9), @ POR (April 11), vs. LAC (April 13)

After a strong 12-3 start, the Warriors faced a slump, leading to a trade for Jimmy Butler III. This move revitalized Stephen Curry and Draymond Green and elevated role players. The Warriors now aim for a 2022-like playoff run, relying on experience and favorable matchups. Curry and Green believe in their championship chances, and with `Playoff Jimmy`, Golden State could be a dangerous opponent, especially in early rounds. — Youngmisuk

---

• 2024-25 record: 46-33

• Previous ranking: 10

• Next games: @ MEM (April 10), vs. BKN (April 11), vs. UTAH (April 13)

Despite trading Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves aimed to contend. After a slow period, a recent surge has made them look playoff-ready. They were on a five-game win streak before a loss to the Bucks but are 14-4 since March. Still fighting to avoid the play-in, Minnesota is gaining momentum at the right time for a strong postseason showing. — Collier

---

• 2024-25 record: 47-32

• Previous ranking: 9

• Next games: vs. MIN (April 10), @ DEN (April 11), vs. DAL (April 13)

Memphis` innovative offense was set for a playoff test, aiming for less predictability. However, the surprise firing of coach Taylor Jenkins shifted direction under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, focusing on optimizing Ja Morant. A 10-loss stretch in 17 games contributed to Jenkins` dismissal. GM Zach Kleiman seeks `clarity and direction`. Coaching search and a potential supermax extension for Jaren Jackson Jr. are upcoming, but Memphis is in a good financial position for roster upgrades. — Wright

---

• 2024-25 record: 45-34

• Previous ranking: 14

• Next games: vs. NO (April 10), @ DET (April 11), vs. DET (April 13)

Despite championship expectations, the Bucks have struggled against top teams and lacked consistency. After a 2-8 start and winning the NBA Cup in December, they`ve declined in the East standings, going 0-9 against the top three seeds. A strong final week, especially against the Pistons, is crucial for playoff seeding. — Collier

---

• 2024-25 record: 43-36

• Previous ranking: 13

• Next games: vs. NYK (April 10), vs. MIL (April 11), @ MIL (April 13)

Despite recent losses, Detroit has significantly exceeded expectations, surpassing their projected win total by a large margin. Cade Cunningham`s All-Star season and Most Improved Player candidacy highlight their progress. — Kevin Pelton

---

• 2024-25 record: 39-40

• Previous ranking: 18

• Next games: vs. BOS (April 9), @ IND (April 11), @ ATL (April 13)

Orlando is set to clinch a play-in spot. Injuries to key players have impacted their season, but they remain under .500 even when Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner play. Caleb Houstan`s strong 3-point shooting since the All-Star break is a positive development. — Pelton

---

• 2024-25 record: 39-40

• Previous ranking: 17

• Next games: vs. Den (April 9), vs. LAC (April 11), vs. PHX (April 13)

The Kings have secured a play-in spot but are still vying to host the 9-10 game, similar to last year. After a disappointing season start and coaching change, performance hasn`t improved significantly. A play-in loss could lead to more offseason changes. — Pelton

---

• 2024-25 record: 38-41

• Previous ranking: 16

• Next games: vs. LAL (April 9), vs. TOR (April 11), @ MEM (April 13)

The Mavericks are competing to host a play-in game, a position below preseason expectations after acquiring Anthony Davis and Max Christie in the Luka Doncic trade. Injuries, including Kyrie Irving`s season-ending injury, have taken a toll. Irving`s contract situation is also a topic of league interest. — MacMahon

---

• 2024-25 record: 37-42

• Previous ranking: 15

• Next games: @ BKN (April 10), @ PHI (April 11), vs. ORL (April 13)

Despite some high points, including reaching the NBA Cup semifinals, the Hawks are back in the play-in for the fourth straight year, performing close to preseason expectations. — Chris Herring

---

• 2024-25 record: 36-43

• Previous ranking: 21

• Next games: @ CHI (April 9), @ NO (April 11), vs. WAS (April 13)

After Jimmy Butler drama and trading him to Golden State, Miami is in the play-in for the third consecutive postseason. The team needs to find ways to improve beyond this position next season. — Bontemps

---

• 2024-25 record: 36-43

• Previous ranking: 19

• Next games: vs. MIA (April 9), vs. WAS (April 11), @ PHI (April 13)

Despite being in transition, the Bulls are in the play-in for the third year in a row. While not a playoff threat, late-season performances from Josh Giddey and Coby White offer a glimpse of the future, though the team`s long-term ceiling remains limited without a star player. — Collier

---

• 2024-25 record: 35-44

• Previous ranking: 20

• Next games: vs. OKC (April 9), vs. SA (April 11), @ SAC (April 13)

Phoenix has had a disastrous season, failing to meet expectations. After firing two coaches and struggling with a third, a seven-game losing streak has nearly eliminated their play-in chances. The organization`s future direction and Kevin Durant`s plans are uncertain. — McMenamin

---

• 2024-25 record: 35-44

• Previous ranking: 22

• Next games: @ UTAH (April 9), vs. GS (April 11), vs. LAL (April 13)

Portland is out of play-in contention. Their performance this season and the development of young players led to GM Joe Cronin`s contract extension. Coach Chauncey Billups` option for 2025-26 is still undecided. — Pelton

---

• 2024-25 record: 32-47

• Previous ranking: 24

• Next games: @ GS (April 9), @ PHX (April 11), vs. TOR (April 13)

San Antonio aimed to build winning habits during Victor Wembanyama`s rookie season, but Gregg Popovich`s health issues and injuries to key players derailed these plans. Despite acquiring De`Aaron Fox, his limited games with Wembanyama and Popovich`s uncertain return add to the team`s challenges. — Wright

---

• 2024-25 record: 29-50

• Previous ranking: 25

• Next games: vs. CHA (April 9), @ DAL (April 11), @ SA (April 13)

Injuries hindered Toronto`s play-in chances, but a high lottery position offers a chance to rebound next season, especially with Brandon Ingram`s expected return. Their long-term potential depends on their upcoming draft pick. — Bontemps

---

• 2024-25 record: 26-53

• Previous ranking: 26

• Next games: vs. ATL (April 10), @ MIN (April 11), vs. NYK (April 13)

Brooklyn surpassed low preseason expectations. Despite rebuilding and trading players, coach Jordi Fernandez kept the team competitive. Now focused on the lottery, the Nets look to add to their young roster. — Chris Herring

---

• 2024-25 record: 23-56

• Previous ranking: 27

• Next games: @ WAS (April 9), vs. ATL (April 11), vs. CHI (April 13)

Philadelphia`s season has been a disaster. A championship-aspiring team is out of playoff contention, struggling so much they might even keep their draft pick. — Bontemps

---

• 2024-25 record: 21-58

• Previous ranking: 23

• Next games: @ MIL (April 10), vs. MIA (April 11), vs. OKC (April 13)

Injuries plagued New Orleans all season, derailing their campaign. Key players were sidelined, and the team never got to see their intended trio play together. This season is considered lost as they focus on recovery and the upcoming draft, where they might make a high pick. — Wright

---

• 2024-25 record: 19-60

• Previous ranking: 28

• Next games: @ TOR (April 9), @ BOS (April 11), @ BOS (April 13)

Charlotte`s injury-filled season is another forgettable one, falling significantly short of preseason expectations. Questions arise about LaMelo Ball`s future as the franchise cornerstone. — Herring

---

• 2024-25 record: 17-62

• Previous ranking: 29

• Next games: vs. PHI (April 9), @ CHI (April 11), @ MIA (April 13)

Washington entered the season focused on developing young talent and securing a high draft pick. Another 60-loss season is painful, but a top lottery pick would ease the pain and accelerate their rebuilding process. — Youngmisuk

---

• 2024-25 record: 16-63

• Previous ranking: 30

• Next games: vs. POR (April 9), vs. OKC (April 11), @ MIN (April 13)

Utah is hoping for a high draft pick in the lottery, needing a franchise-changing player. They will reconsider trading veterans in the offseason as they focus on long-term development. — MacMahon