With the NBA regular season winding down to its final two weeks, much is still at stake. Playoff berths are being secured, but the fight to avoid the play-in tournament intensifies daily. The Western Conference remains particularly competitive, with teams ranked third through eighth separated by minimal game differences.
Near the bottom of the league, numerous teams navigate the delicate balance between ending the season strong and improving their chances in the lottery for the top draft pick, especially with a highly anticipated prospect class headlined by Duke`s standout freshman, Cooper Flagg.
As the last few games approach, players aim to meet postseason award qualifications while vying for major accolades such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year.
Our NBA experts provide their insights on the current standings in our latest Team Power Rankings and highlight key aspects to monitor in the season`s remaining weeks.
Note: Team rankings are based on assessments from our panel members (ESPN`s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, and Chris Herring) regarding each team`s performance this season.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2024-25 Record: 63-12
- Previous Ranking: 1
- Upcoming Games: vs. DET (Apr. 2), @ HOU (Apr. 4), vs. LAL (Apr. 6), vs. LAL (Apr. 8)
The Thunder`s dominant victory over the Bulls on Monday marked Oklahoma City achieving the best cross-conference record in NBA history. They hold a 28-1 record against Eastern Conference teams this season, with their only loss against Cleveland. The prior best cross-conference record was 27-3, set 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
- Upcoming Games: vs. NYK (Apr. 2), @ SA (Apr. 4), vs. SAC (Apr. 6), vs. CHI (Apr. 8)
The Cavaliers have already secured their third 60-win season in franchise history and could match their team record for wins if they go 6-1 in their remaining games. However, their primary focus is maintaining the No. 1 seed in the East, currently four games ahead of the Celtics, who have won 14 of their last 15 games. Only one of Cleveland`s final seven games is against a team not in playoff contention (San Antonio). — Dave McMenamin
3. Boston Celtics
- 2024-25 Record: 56-19
- Previous Ranking: 3
- Upcoming Games: vs. MIA (Apr. 2), vs. PHX (Apr. 4), vs. WAS (Apr. 6), @ NYK (Apr. 8)
If the Celtics win all their remaining games, they have a slight chance to overtake the Cavaliers for the top seed in the East. However, their main concern over the next few weeks is ensuring they enter the playoffs healthy. Boston is highly confident in their ability to compete with any team if they have their full roster available. — Tim Bontemps
4. Houston Rockets
- 2024-25 Record: 49-27
- Previous Ranking: 4
- Upcoming 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 focused on the Rockets maintaining health, consistency, and leveraging their physicality to consistently turn defense into offense. Houston is also working to improve their half-court offense for the playoffs and can rely on their league-leading offensive rebounding. Their upcoming schedule, featuring five expected Western playoff teams, should provide excellent postseason preparation. — Michael Wright
5. Denver Nuggets
- 2024-25 Record: 47-29
- Previous Ranking: 5
- Upcoming 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 likely needs a strong finish to compensate for his recent five-game injury absence. However, the most crucial aspect for the Nuggets is health, ensuring Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon are playoff-ready. Regardless of seeding, Denver has a chance to emerge from the West if these three stay healthy. Notably, the Nuggets were the last team to defeat the West-leading Thunder, who are currently on a 10-game win streak. — Ohm Youngmisuk
6. Los Angeles Lakers
- 2024-25 Record: 46-29
- Previous Ranking: 7
- Upcoming 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 in the No. 4 spot 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 stated, “Our mission is to lock in a playoff spot. We don`t want to play in the play-in, so we understand what`s at stake.” — McMenamin
7. Golden State Warriors
- 2024-25 Record: 44-31
- Previous Ranking: 9
- Upcoming 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` objective has been clear: secure a sixth seed or higher to avoid the play-in tournament. The Warriors aim to bypass the risk of a single-elimination scenario after a strong second half of the season, preferring a valuable week off before a first-round seven-game series. Curry mentioned earlier this season that he believes the Warriors can defeat any team in a series due to their championship pedigree. With Butler in the mix, they are confident in making a deep playoff run. — Youngmisuk
8. Indiana Pacers
- 2024-25 Record: 44-31
- Previous Ranking: 11
- Upcoming Games: vs. CHA (Apr. 2), vs. UTAH (Apr. 4), @ DEN (Apr. 6), vs. WAS (Apr. 8)
Can the Pacers maintain the No. 4 seed? They have remained hot while the injury-plagued Bucks have dropped to sixth, positioning Indiana for potential home-court advantage in the first round. The Pacers also hold a two-game lead over No. 5 Detroit and will play five of their final seven games at home leading into the playoffs, giving them an advantage in securing a top-four seed. — Jamal Collier
9. Memphis Grizzlies
- 2024-25 Record: 44-32
- Previous Ranking: 8
- Upcoming Games: @ MIA (Apr. 3), @ DET (Apr. 5), @ CHA (Apr. 8)
The Grizzlies caused a stir in the NBA by firing head coach Taylor Jenkins so close to the season`s end. It remains to be seen how Memphis will perform under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, a former Finnish professional player and coach who won the EuroCup with Paris Basketball in 2023-24 and was named coach of the year. After primarily using an offense developed by recently dismissed assistant Noah LaRoche, Memphis will aim to incorporate more of Iisalo`s pick-and-roll strategies to maximize guard Ja Morant. General manager Zach Kleiman expects “clarity of direction” moving forward, but the team is 0-3 since Jenkins` departure. — Wright
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2024-25 Record: 44-32
- Previous Ranking: 10
- Upcoming Games: @ BKN (Apr. 3), @ PHI (Apr. 5), @ MIL (Apr. 8)
Can the Timberwolves escape the play-in tournament? Minnesota, like other teams around them in the standings, wants to avoid the play-in and secure a top-six seed. Riding a three-game winning streak, the Wolves are currently No. 7 but tied in games back with the No. 6 Grizzlies (19.5). They are only half a game ahead of the No. 8 Clippers. Following a double-overtime victory against Denver, Minnesota`s schedule eases up with road games against Brooklyn and Philadelphia to end the week. — Collier
11. New York Knicks
- 2024-25 Record: 48-27
- Previous Ranking: 6
- Upcoming Games: @ CLE (Apr. 2), @ ATL (Apr. 5), vs PHX (Apr. 6), vs. BOS (Apr. 8)
The Knicks` primary focus in the final two weeks is the health of star guard Jalen Brunson, recovering from an ankle sprain. The team is also hoping for the quick return of backups Deuce McBride and Cam Payne and for Mitchell Robinson to regain form after a long absence. Brunson`s return in time for a few regular-season games to get comfortable before the playoffs – which he hopes to achieve – would be ideal. — Chris Herring
12. LA Clippers
- 2024-25 Record: 43-32
- Previous Ranking: 12
- Upcoming Games: vs. NO (Apr. 2), vs. DAL (Apr. 4), vs. DAL (Apr. 5), vs. SA (Apr. 8)
The Clippers are battling for the sixth seed to avoid the play-in tournament. However, their top priority is ensuring Kawhi Leonard`s health for the playoffs. After Leonard`s early-season absence, both he and the Clippers emphasized preventing playoff injuries like in previous seasons. They`ve been resting Leonard during back-to-backs, and fortunately, only one back-to-back remains: consecutive home games against Dallas. — Youngmisuk
13. Detroit Pistons
- 2024-25 Record: 42-33
- Previous Ranking: 14
- Upcoming Games: @ OKC (Apr. 2), @ TOR (Apr. 4), vs. MEM (Apr. 5), vs. SAC (Apr. 7)
Having nearly secured a top-six spot in the East and a direct playoff return for the first time since 2019, the Pistons are now focused on seeding for the rest of the regular season. Overcoming the Pacers for home-court advantage might be challenging as Indiana has a two-game lead and the head-to-head tiebreaker. Detroit will aim to stay ahead of the struggling Bucks for fifth place. The tiebreaker with Milwaukee will be decided in the season`s final weekend with a home-and-home series. — Kevin Pelton
14. Milwaukee Bucks
- 2024-25 Record: 41-34
- Previous Ranking: 13
- Upcoming Games: @ PHI (Apr. 3), @ MIA (Apr. 5), @ NO (Apr. 6), vs. MIN (Apr. 8)
Damian Lillard`s health is the primary concern for Milwaukee, which lost four straight before defeating the Suns and has dropped to No. 6 in the standings since Lillard`s absence. The Bucks` chances for a deep playoff run depend on Lillard`s return this season. The emerging chemistry between Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the league`s highest-scoring duo, is crucial for the Bucks in the playoffs. — Collier
15. Atlanta Hawks
- 2024-25 Record: 36-39
- Previous Ranking: 16
- Upcoming Games: @ DAL (Apr. 2), vs. NYK (Apr. 5), vs. UTAH (Apr. 6), @ ORL (Apr. 8)
Atlanta`s priority is to manage Trae Young`s workload, given his recent day-to-day status with Achilles tendonitis. Additionally, the Hawks are focused on getting backup center Clint Capela back from a hand injury should they make the playoffs. Atlanta is closely watching their two remaining games against the Magic, whom they are likely to face in the play-in 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
- Upcoming Games: vs. ATL (Apr. 2), @ LAC (Apr. 4), @ LAC (Apr. 5)
The Mavericks will at least get a preview of general manager Nico Harrison`s vision for a large and dynamic frontcourt to close out the season. Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford have returned from injury absences, and Dereck Lively II is expected back soon. Davis has averaged 14.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in four games since his return, working off rust with limited minutes. Gafford scored 17 points with 7 rebounds in 19 minutes in his return game against the Nets. — MacMahon
17. Sacramento Kings
- 2024-25 Record: 36-39
- Previous Ranking: 15
- Upcoming Games: @ WAS (Apr. 2), @ CHA (Apr. 4), @ CLE (Apr. 6), @ DET (Apr. 7)
Despite losing six of their last seven games, the Kings are still holding onto the 10th and final play-in spot in the West. Durant`s injury improves Sacramento`s playoff chances, as they are 1½ games ahead of the Suns. The head-to-head tiebreaker will be decided on the last day of the regular season when they play in Sacramento. The Kings` easier 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
- Upcoming Games: @ WAS (Apr. 3), vs. ATL (Apr. 8)
The Magic are in a seeding battle for the play-in tournament, having fallen behind the Hawks for seventh. Dropping further would eliminate the possibility of advancing with a single play-in win. Orlando and Atlanta will play twice in the last five games of the season, starting Tuesday. The Magic have gone 5-2 in their last seven games but have not gained ground on the Hawks. — Pelton
19. Chicago Bulls
- 2024-25 Record: 34-42
- Previous Ranking: 21
- Upcoming Games: vs. POR (Apr. 4), @ CHA (Apr. 6), @ CLE (Apr. 8)
Keep an eye on Josh Giddey as he enters free agency. The Bulls` recent improvement briefly raised hopes of moving up in the East play-in standings before settling back to No. 10. The main focus now is Giddey`s performance to finish the season. His strong play since the All-Star break, alongside Coby White, has given the Bulls a backcourt to build around. Giddey`s end-of-season performance, including any postseason play, is crucial to prove he has evolved from being benched in Oklahoma City during last season`s playoffs. — Collier
20. Phoenix Suns
- 2024-25 Record: 35-41
- Previous Ranking: 17
- Upcoming Games: @ BOS (Apr. 4), @ NYK (Apr. 6), vs. GS (Apr. 8)
Will Kevin Durant`s ankle sprain jeopardize the Suns` play-in tournament hopes? Before Durant`s injury in a loss to the Rockets, Phoenix had won five of six. They are 1½ games behind the No. 10 Kings, whom they face on the season`s final day. With Durant sidelined for at least a week and upcoming games against tough opponents, the Suns` season outlook appears dimming. — McMenamin
21. Miami Heat
- 2024-25 Record: 34-41
- Previous Ranking: 23
- Upcoming 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 given themselves a chance to reach the 7-8 play-in game. Making the playoffs is crucial for Miami to avoid losing future unprotected draft picks. — Bontemps
22. Portland Trail Blazers
- 2024-25 Record: 33-43
- Previous Ranking: 20
- Upcoming Games: @ TOR (Apr. 3), @ CHI (Apr. 4), vs. SA (Apr. 6)
A four-game losing streak has likely ended the Blazers` play-in tournament hopes. They are 3½ games behind the Kings and would need to pass the Suns to reach No. 10. Portland might soon shift focus to maximizing their lottery position. The Blazers and Spurs are likely to be eighth and ninth in the lottery order, to be determined, and they play each other on Sunday. — Pelton
23. New Orleans Pelicans
- 2024-25 Record: 21-54
- Previous Ranking: 27
- Upcoming 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 injuries derailing their season, the Pelicans need to focus on the draft and roster construction to address gaps for next season. — Wright
24. San Antonio Spurs
- 2024-25 Record: 31-44
- Previous Ranking: 22
- Upcoming 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 to make it a reality. Four of their remaining eight opponents have records above .500, and they end the season with five road games. Despite missing key players, the Spurs are evaluating young talent. Stephon Castle`s Rookie of the Year caliber season is worth watching. — Wright
25. Toronto Raptors
- 2024-25 Record: 28-48
- Previous Ranking: 25
- Upcoming Games: vs. POR (Apr. 3), vs. DET (Apr. 4), @ BKN (Apr. 6)
While Toronto won`t see Brandon Ingram with this team before season`s end, they are evaluating Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley together, who have rarely played together due to injuries. After playoff elimination, the Raptors can use their final games to assess this duo`s potential for the future. — Bontemps
26. Brooklyn Nets
- 2024-25 Record: 25-51
- Previous Ranking: 24
- Upcoming Games: vs. MIN (Apr. 3), vs. TOR (Apr. 6), vs. NO (Apr. 8)
Even as Brooklyn aims to improve their lottery odds, first-year coach Jordi Fernandez is maximizing the current group`s potential. The Nets recently won consecutive games for the first time since the All-Star break. — Herring
27. Philadelphia 76ers
- 2024-25 Record: 23-53
- Previous Ranking: 26
- Upcoming Games: vs. MIL (Apr. 3), vs. MIN (Apr. 5), @ MIA (Apr. 7)
After Brooklyn`s recent wins, Philadelphia now holds a `lead` over the Nets for fifth in the NBA draft lottery standings—a crucial position as their pick needs to be in the top six to avoid going to the Thunder. Finishing fifth gives Philadelphia a nearly two-thirds chance of keeping the pick, which is their main focus for the next week and a half. — Bontemps
28. Charlotte Hornets
- 2024-25 Record: 19-56
- Previous Ranking: 28
- Upcoming 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 league standings for top lottery odds alongside the Jazz and Wizards. With LaMelo Ball out for the season and a two-game lead over the Pelicans in the standings, the Hornets are likely to finish at the bottom as desired. — Herring
29. Washington Wizards
- 2024-25 Record: 16-59
- Previous Ranking: 30
- Upcoming Games: vs. SAC (Apr. 2), vs. ORL (Apr. 3), @ BOS (Apr. 6), @ IND (Apr. 8)
With seven games left, the Wizards must ensure the best lottery odds in a potentially strong draft. Approaching 60 losses and tied with Utah for the worst record, with Charlotte close behind, the Wizards want to secure 14% odds for the top pick. While developing young players like Alex Sarr is important, maintaining top lottery odds is crucial. — Youngmisuk
30. Utah Jazz
- 2024-25 Record: 16-60
- Previous Ranking: 29
- Upcoming Games: @ HOU (Apr. 2), @ IND (Apr. 4), @ ATL (Apr. 6)
Rookie Isaiah Collier broke one of John Stockton`s assist records. Collier now has 419 assists this season, surpassing Stockton`s rookie franchise record of 415. The No. 29 draft pick needs 15,388 more assists to break Stockton`s NBA career record. — MacMahon