Latest NBA Power Rankings: Bucks and Clippers in Focus

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

• 2024-25 Record: 56-12
• Previous Rank: 1
• Next Games: @ SAC (Mar. 19), @ PHX (Mar. 21), @ UTAH (Mar. 23), @ POR (Mar. 25)

A recent loss ended Cleveland`s 16-game winning streak, but they maintain a comfortable lead in the Eastern Conference. They are expected to prioritize player health as the playoffs approach.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

• 2024-25 Record: 56-12
• Previous Rank: 2
• Next Games: vs. PHI (Mar. 19), vs. CHA (Mar. 21), @ LAC (Mar. 23), @ SAC (Mar. 25)

Oklahoma City has been dominant recently, winning 10 of 11 games and boasting a league-leading offense during that stretch, even with some key players missing games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level.

3. Boston Celtics

• 2024-25 Record: 50-19
• Previous Rank: 3
• Next Games: @ UTAH (Mar. 21), @ POR (Mar. 23), @ SAC (Mar. 24)

Payton Pritchard has set a new NBA record for 3-pointers made by a reserve in a season. His consistent performance off the bench makes him a strong Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

4. Houston Rockets

• 2024-25 Record: 44-25
• Previous Rank: 9
• Next Games: @ ORL (Mar. 19), @ MIA (Mar. 21), vs. DEN (Mar. 23), vs. ATL (Mar. 25)

The Rockets are on a seven-game winning streak, highlighted by a dramatic comeback win. Young players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green are stepping up, but the coach acknowledges inconsistency against weaker teams.

5. Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 Record: 44-25
• Previous Rank: 4
• Next Games: @ LAL (Mar. 19), @ POR (Mar. 21), @ HOU (Mar. 23), vs. CHI (Mar. 24)

After inconsistent performances, including a loss to a rebuilding team, the Nuggets bounced back with a win against the Warriors, despite injuries to key players. Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook led the charge.

6. Memphis Grizzlies

• 2024-25 Record: 43-26
• Previous Rank: 6
• Next Games: @ POR (Mar. 19), @ LAC (Mar. 21), @ UTAH (Mar. 25)

Ja Morant is dealing with injuries, but the Grizzlies` offense has been potent, scoring 120+ points in five straight games. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are performing well.

7. New York Knicks

• 2024-25 Record: 43-24
• Previous Rank: 7
• Next Games: @ SA (MAR. 19), @ CHA (Mar. 20), vs. WAS (Mar. 22), vs. DAL (Mar. 25)

The Knicks had a dramatic West Coast trip with ups and downs. With an easier schedule ahead and Brunson injured, there`s less pressure for a quick return.

8. Golden State Warriors

• 2024-25 Record: 40-29
• Previous Rank: 8
• Next Games: vs. TOR (Mar. 20), @ ATL (Mar. 22), @ MIA (Mar. 25)

The Warriors recently suffered a loss after a strong run. Stephen Curry`s fatigue and a back issue are concerns as they face a tough upcoming schedule and road trip.

9. Los Angeles Lakers

• 2024-25 Record: 42-25
• Previous Rank: 5
• Next Games: vs. DEN (Mar. 19), vs. MIL (Mar. 20), vs. CHI (Mar. 22), @ ORL (Mar. 24)

Austin Reaves is playing exceptionally well, averaging impressive stats over a recent stretch of games, earning high praise from teammates.

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

• 2024-25 Record: 40-30
• Previous Rank: 11
• Next Games: vs. NO (Mar. 19), vs. NO (Mar. 21), @ IND (Mar. 24)

The Timberwolves` winning streak ended, but they are playing well and have a favorable schedule ahead, positioning them for more wins and playoff seeding.

11. Milwaukee Bucks

• 2024-25 Record: 38-30
• Previous Rank: 10
• Next Games: @ LAL (Mar. 20), @ SAC (Mar. 22), @ PHX (Mar. 24)

The Bucks are embarking on a long West Coast road trip, facing challenges with injuries, including center Jericho Sims being sidelined.

12. Indiana Pacers

• 2024-25 Record: 38-29
• Previous Rank: 12
• Next Games: vs. DAL (Mar. 19), vs. BKN (Mar. 20), vs. BKN (Mar. 22), vs. MIN (Mar. 24)

The Pacers and Bucks might be headed for a playoff matchup again. While Indiana had success against Milwaukee last season, they`ve struggled more this season, making home-court advantage important.

13. LA Clippers

• 2024-25 Record: 39-30
• Previous Rank: 13
• Next Games: vs. MEM (Mar. 21), vs. OKC (Mar. 23)

After a losing streak, the Clippers have turned things around and are winning again, including a notable win against the Cavaliers. A tough upcoming schedule will test their playoff positioning. The return of key players is a boost.

14. Detroit Pistons

• 2024-25 Record: 38-31
• Previous Rank: 14
• Next Games: @ MIA (Mar. 19), @ DAL (Mar. 21), vs. NO (Mar. 23), vs. SA (Mar. 25)

A loss to the Wizards could hurt the Pistons` playoff seeding hopes. They are in the mix for home-court advantage in the first round and bounced back from a loss with a big win against the Pelicans.

15. Sacramento Kings

• 2024-25 Record: 34-33
• Previous Rank: 15
• Next Games: vs. CLE (Mar. 19), vs. CHI (Mar. 20), vs. MIL (Mar. 22), vs. BOS (Mar. 24), vs. OKC (Mar. 25)

Domantas Sabonis suffered multiple injuries in a recent game, impacting his availability and awards eligibility. The Kings managed to end a losing streak despite his absence.

16. Orlando Magic

• 2024-25 Record: 32-37
• Previous Rank: 19
• Next Games: vs. HOU (Mar. 19), @ WAS (Mar. 21), vs. LAL (Mar. 24), @ CHA (Mar. 25)

The Magic`s win against the Cavaliers highlighted their potential. They are likely headed for the play-in tournament but can still improve their seeding to potentially advance further.

17. Atlanta Hawks

• 2024-25 Record: 33-36
• Previous Rank: 17
• Next Games: vs. GS (Mar. 22), vs. PHI (Mar. 23), @ HOU (Mar. 25)

Dyson Daniels is on track to lead the NBA in steals this season. The Hawks` defense needs to improve as they approach the play-in tournament and potential matchups against top offensive teams.

18. Phoenix Suns

• 2024-25 Record: 32-37
• Previous Rank: 16
• Next Games: vs. CHI (Mar. 19), vs. CLE (Mar. 21), vs. MIL (Mar. 24)

The Suns have been inconsistent recently and are hoping to make the play-in tournament. They are trailing for the final play-in spot with a challenging schedule ahead.

19. Dallas Mavericks

• 2024-25 Record: 33-36
• Previous Rank: 18
• Next Games: @ IND (Mar. 19), vs. DET (Mar. 21), @ BKN (Mar. 24), @ NYK (Mar. 25)

P.J. Washington returned from injury with a strong performance, but the Mavericks are dealing with numerous injuries to key players as they fight for a play-in spot.

20. Miami Heat

• 2024-25 Record: 29-39
• Previous Rank: 20
• Next Games: vs. DET (Mar. 19), vs. HOU (Mar. 21), vs. CHA (Mar. 23), vs. GS (Mar. 25)

The Heat are on a long losing streak, their worst under coach Erik Spoelstra, and have fallen in the play-in standings due to poor fourth-quarter performances.

21. Portland Trail Blazers

• 2024-25 Record: 30-39
• Previous Rank: 21
• Next Games: vs. MEM (Mar. 19), vs. DEN (Mar. 21), vs. BOS (Mar. 23), vs. CLE (Mar. 25)

The Trail Blazers are still in play-in contention and may need to upset some top teams during their current homestand to stay in the mix.

22. Chicago Bulls

• 2024-25 Record: 29-39
• Previous Rank: 23
• Next Games: @ PHX (Mar. 19), @ SAC (Mar. 20), @ LAL (Mar. 22), @ DEN (Mar. 24)

The Bulls have moved up in the Eastern Conference standings and are now in a position to potentially host a play-in game, shifting their focus from draft positioning to playoff contention.

23. San Antonio Spurs

• 2024-25 Record: 28-39
• Previous Rank: 22
• Next Games: vs. NYK (Mar. 19), vs. PHI (Mar. 21), @ TOR (Mar. 23), @ DET (Mar. 25)

With key players shut down for the season, rookie Stephon Castle is getting more attention and playing well. The Spurs are focused on developing young players and experimenting with lineups.

24. Toronto Raptors

• 2024-25 Record: 24-45
• Previous Rank: 26
• Next Games: @ GS (Mar. 20), vs. SA (Mar. 23), @ WAS (Mar. 24)

The Raptors are improving their record, potentially impacting their draft lottery odds as they develop their young core.

25. Philadelphia 76ers

• 2024-25 Record: 23-45
• Previous Rank: 24
• Next Games: @ OKC (Mar. 19), @ SA (Mar. 21), @ ATL (Mar. 23), @ NO (Mar. 24)

With playoff hopes gone, Quentin Grimes has been a standout for the 76ers, scoring consistently, including a recent 46-point game.

26. Brooklyn Nets

• 2024-25 Record: 23-46
• Previous Rank: 25
• Next Games: @ IND (Mar. 20), @ IND (Mar. 22), vs. DAL (Mar. 24)

Cam Thomas is expected to miss the rest of the season due to injury. He believes he has proven himself as a key player for the Nets when given significant playing time.

27. New Orleans Pelicans

• 2024-25 Record: 18-51
• Previous Rank: 27
• Next Games: @ MIN (Mar. 19), @ MIN (Mar. 21), @ DET (Mar. 23), vs. PHI (Mar. 24)

The Pelicans have suffered another key injury, highlighting their injury-plagued season. Zion Williamson has been performing well despite team struggles and injury issues.

28. Charlotte Hornets

• 2024-25 Record: 17-51
• Previous Rank: 28
• Next Games: vs. NYK (Mar. 20), @ OKC (Mar. 21), @ MIA (Mar. 23), vs. ORL (Mar. 25)

The Hornets are in a lottery battle to secure better draft odds. They are competing with other teams for a top-three worst record in the league.

29. Washington Wizards

• 2024-25 Record: 15-52
• Previous Rank: 30
• Next Games: @ UTAH (Mar. 19), vs. ORL (Mar. 21), @ NYK (Mar. 22), vs. TOR (Mar. 24)

The Wizards have been playing better recently, winning several games in March. However, a game against the Jazz will highlight their lottery positioning as both teams are near the bottom of the league.

30. Utah Jazz

• 2024-25 Record: 15-52
• Previous Rank: 29
• Next Games: vs. WAS (Mar. 19), vs. BOS (Mar. 21), vs. CLE (Mar. 23), vs. MEM (Mar. 25)

The Jazz are focusing on player development, with center Walker Kessler expanding his game to include 3-point shooting.