NBA insiders
Mar 26, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
In the final weeks of the 2024-25 NBA regular season, we're coming down to the wire with the race for the postseason becoming tighter in the East and West.
In the West, the Phoenix Suns and the injury-riddled Dallas Mavericks are in a battle for the 10th seed -- the last play-in spot. The Mavs hope the return of Anthony Davis following his lengthy absence with an adductor injury will give them a boost over the Suns in the standings.
In the East, the No. 6 Detroit Pistons -- one of the surprise teams of the season -- still have their sights on a higher playoff seed while the play-in race between the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic for the No. 7 spot will be one to watch.
Here's where all 30 teams stack up in this week's power rankings.
Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk and Chris Herring) think teams belong 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 | Mar. 5 | Mar. 12 | Mar. 19
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: 60-12
Previous ranking: 2
Next games: vs. MEM (Mar. 27), vs. IND (Mar. 29), vs. CHI (Mar. 31)
Third-string center Jaylin Williams has been a significant contributor to the Thunder's spectacular March (12-1). Williams has averaged 7.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists this month, primarily as a reserve. He had the first two triple-doubles of his career in the pair of games that he started, wins over the Trail Blazers and 76ers when most of the Thunder's regular starters sat. Williams joined Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Josh Giddey as the only players in Thunder history to have multiple triple-doubles in a season. -- Tim MacMahon
2024-25 record: 58-14
Previous ranking: 1
Next games: vs. SA (Mar. 27), @ DET (Mar. 28), vs. LAC (Mar. 30)
Cleveland's won this season with an egalitarian approach and a deep rotation, but make no mistake, Donovan Mitchell is the straw that stirs the drink. He reminded everyone of that in a 123-112 loss to the Suns last week -- the Cavs' fourth straight defeat -- scoring only a season-low seven points on 2-for-18 shooting. For as much talent as the Cavaliers have, Mitchell will be the guy to lead them in the playoffs, and if he's off, they're off. -- Dave McMenamin
2024-25 record: 53-19
Previous ranking: 3
Next games: @ PHX (Mar. 26), @ SA (Mar. 29), @ MEM (Mar. 31)
Boston appears to have ducked a serious injury to star Jayson Tatum despite the All-NBA forward being listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game following an ankle sprain in Monday's win in Sacramento. Tatum went down after turning his ankle on a 3-point attempt when Domantas Sabonis contested the shot, though he was able to walk off on his own. With the Celtics looking toward the postseason, they'll need all their players healthy to make another run to the Finals. -- Tim Bontemps
2024-25 record: 47-26
Previous ranking: 4
Next games: @ UTAH (Mar. 27), @ PHX (Mar. 30), @ LAL (Mar. 31)
The Rockets usually don't squander prime opportunities for victories but that wasn't the case Sunday against the Nuggets despite three-time MVP Nikola Jokic sitting out due to an ankle injury. However, Jamal Murray ran roughshod through the Rockets' defense, dropping 39 points to end Houston's nine-game winning streak. Houston coach Ime Udoka called the performance "sloppy" at a time when the Rockets are looking to tighten key areas for the postseason. Houston has established a physical, defense-first identity that Udoka needs his team to fully embrace in closing out the regular season. -- Michael Wright
2024-25 record: 45-28
Previous ranking: 5
Next games: vs. MIL (Mar. 26), vs. UTAH (Mar. 28), vs. MIN (Apr. 1)
The Nuggets opened a five-game homestand with a 10-point loss to the Bulls. But the most important issue is getting Nikola Jokic healthy for the playoffs. Jokic has missed five straight games and was doubtful to play Wednesday against the Bucks, but Michael Malone said his star could be back at some point during the homestand. Jamal Murray has scored 39 and 28 points in the past two games without Jokic. -- Ohm Youngmisuk
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)
After logging the league's second-worst defense during February, New York has gotten its act together in March, surrendering just 109.1 points per 100 possessions -- second best in the league over that span. Sure, the Knicks have faced lightweight competition lately, but that has given them a chance to work through important areas with Jalen Brunson (ankle) out and Mitchell Robinson working himself back into form.-- Chris Herring
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 are 3-7 in their past 10 games and the return of LeBron James from a left groin injury and Rui Hachimura from a left knee injury haven't provided a boost yet as they both round into form. The seven losses have come by an average of 15.7 points, and things don't get any easier for L.A. as it finishes off its road trip with a back-to-back in Indiana and Chicago before a date with the Grizzlies. -- McMenamin
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)
Lately, the road has been unfriendly to the Grizzlies, who have dropped three in a row on their five-game road trip. Star guard Ja Morant missed his third consecutive contest due to a hamstring injury, and the club announced Saturday that big man Brandon Clarke will miss the rest of the season due to a high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee. Morant has played in just 43 of Memphis' 70 games due to multiple injuries, but the guard needs to find some rhythm with his teammates in Memphis' new offense ahead of the fast-approaching playoffs. -- Wright
2024-25 record: 41-31
Previous ranking: 8
Next games: @ NO (Mar. 28), @ SA (Mar. 30), @ MEM (Apr. 1)
Stephen Curry rejoined the Warriors in South Beach and went through an individual workout at the end of Monday's practice. But head coach Steve Kerr said the franchise star felt something on a certain move late in the workout, wasn't quite ready to return and wanted to give Curry a couple more days to rest. The Warriors were routed in Jimmy Butler's return to Miami, but have a chance to bounce back as they face the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. Kerr said if all goes well, the expectation is Curry can make his return then, which would give the 37-year-old a week off since he suffered a pelvic contusion Thursday against Toronto. They need a healthy and rested Curry to stay out of the play-in. -- Youngmisuk
2024-25 record: 41-32
Previous ranking: 10
Next games: vs. PHX (Mar. 28), vs. DET (Mar. 30), @ DEN (Apr. 1)
Following an eight-game winning streak, the Wolves have dropped three of their past four games to fall to No. 8 in the packed Western Conference. However, center Naz Reid continues to make a case to be a repeat winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award, scoring 20 points off the bench for the 24th time this season Monday, setting a franchise record. Minnesota will need Reid to keep up that level of production during a pair of games at home against Phoenix and Detroit before the Wolves head to Denver next week for an important contest against the Nuggets. -- Jamal Collier
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 have won five straight games and seven of their past eight to take a two-game lead over the Bucks for the No.4 seed in the East. Tyrese Haliburton continued a strong second half of the season with 11 consecutive double-doubles, the longest active streak in the league. Haliburton is on pace for the best assist-to-turnover ratio (5.46) in a season since Muggsy Bogues in 1990-91. -- Collier
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 won eight of their past 10 games with the last loss coming by two points to the Thunder on Sunday. They've managed to play some of their best basketball, and Tyronn Lue returned from a back issue for the Thunder loss. The Clippers, who also are still without top assistant Jeff Van Gundy (personal), start a late-season road trip to the East Coast that begins in New York against the Knicks. They also face the Nets, Cavs and Magic before returning home. -- Youngmisuk
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 dropped three of their past five games and are 4-6 in their past 10 contests, a rough patch that has coincided with major injury news regarding Damian Lillard, who is out indefinitely with a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf. The Bucks are 8-5 and averaging 108.5 points without Lillard this season compared to the 115.7 points when he's on the floor. -- Collier
14. Detroit Pistons
2024-25 record: 41-32
Previous ranking: 14
Next games: vs. CLE (Mar. 28), @ MIN (Mar. 30)
With nine games left, the Pistons have slipped three games behind the Pacers and Bucks in the loss column for the No. 4 seed in the East and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Detroit can still realistically catch the Bucks for fifth, ensuring a more favorable matchup against Indiana rather than facing New York as the No. 6 seed. The Pistons showcased their depth Sunday, beating the Pelicans with All-Star Cade Cunningham and fellow starter Tim Hardaway Jr. sitting out due to minor injuries. -- Kevin Pelton
15. Sacramento Kings
2024-25 record: 35-37
Previous ranking: 15
Next games: vs. POR (Mar. 27), @ ORL (Mar. 29), @ IND (Mar. 31)
Seemingly locked into the ninth spot for the play-in a week ago, when they were three games up on the reeling Mavericks and iffy Suns, the Kings suddenly find themselves in a battle to maintain that spot after dropping four straight at home. Sacramento is just a half-game ahead of Dallas and tied with Phoenix, with one of the three teams headed to the lottery while the other two will square off in the 9-10 play-in game. Domantas Sabonis' return Monday should help the Kings, who went 3-6 in the nine games he missed with injuries. -- Pelton
16. Atlanta Hawks
2024-25 record: 35-37
Previous ranking: 17
Next games: @ MIA (Mar. 27), @ MIL (Mar. 30), vs. POR (Apr. 1)
It would take substantial movement at the finish line, but there is still an outside chance -- a 1.5% chance, per ESPN's Basketball Power Index-- for Atlanta to land in the top six of the East. The seventh-place Hawks -- 5½ games back of the sixth-place Pistons -- picked up two games on Detroit over their past 10 outings. The Pistons have the NBA's second toughest remaining slate for the rest of the season, whereas Atlanta's has the seventh easiest. -- Herring
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' four-game winning streak is their longest since they won seven straight in late October through early November. Kevin Durant averaged 40 points in the past two games of this streak against two East powers in Cleveland and Milwaukee. Before getting too excited about Phoenix's rise, consider the next eight games on the schedule: two against Boston, plus Oklahoma City, Houston, Minnesota, New York, Golden State and Milwaukee again. -- McMenamin
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 could be finding their footing at the right time. Back-to-back wins over the Lakers and Hornets gave Orlando its first three-game winning streak since Dec. 1. Add in the Magic's win in Cleveland, before losing at home to Houston, and there are signs of Orlando finding enough offense to complement the team's rock-solid defense. That starts with star Paolo Banchero, averaging 30 points in March while shooting 41.2% from 3 -- looking more like his strong start to the season before a severe oblique strain. -- Pelton
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, who is playing on a veteran's minimum contract during his second stint in Dallas, has played a major role in keeping the injury-ravaged Mavs postseason hopes alive. Dinwiddie averaged 23.5 points and 9.5 assists while shooting 72.7% from the floor in the Mavs' past two wins over the Pistons and Nets. He had 28 points and six assists in a March 10 win over the Spurs, the Mavs' only other victory since Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending knee injury. -- MacMahon
2024-25 record: 32-41
Previous ranking: 21
Next games: @ SAC (Mar. 27), @ NYK (Mar. 30), @ ATL (Apr. 1)
With nine games to go, the Blazers are running out of time to surpass the Mavericks and Suns for the 10th and final play-in spot in the West, but they managed to stay in the race with impressive wins at home last week over the Grizzlies and Jokic-less Nuggets. Portland's defensive uptick, led by All-Defensive contender Toumani Camara, has proved more than a product of opponent shooting. After teams made just 31% of 3s against the Blazers in February, they're at 38% in March -- yet Portland is still defending at a league-average level. -- Pelton
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 are 8-2 in their past 10 games and are averaging an NBA-best 122.5 points during that span dating to March 6. Their backcourt has been leading, with Coby White putting up three consecutive 35-point games, the longest streak of his career, and Josh Giddey averaging 22.6 points, 9.1 assists and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 54% (53% from 3) since the All-Star break. Chicago is two games behind Orlando for the No. 8 seed in the East. -- Collier
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)
San Antonio faces a steep climb toward legitimate contention for a berth in the play-in tournament. But the Spurs will continue to fight. San Antonio held Toronto to just 40 first-half points in a 123-89 drubbing Sunday to capture its second three-game winning streak of the season with one more road game out East against the Cavaliers. Veteran Chris Paul played in his 70th game of the campaign, becoming the first player in his 20th season or later to play in each of his team's first 70 outings in league history. -- Wright
23. Miami Heat
2024-25 record: 31-41
Previous ranking: 20
Next games: vs. ATL (Mar. 27), @ PHI (Mar. 29), @ WAS (Mar. 31)
Miami finally snapped its 10-game losing streak Sunday behind a 42-point explosion from Andrew Wiggins, backing up what had been his best game in Miami when he scored 30 in the last loss of the streak against the Rockets on Friday. More remarkable than Miami dropping those 10 games in a row, however, was the fact that even after doing so it remains firmly ensconced in a spot for the play-in tournament in the East. -- Bontemps
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)
For much of the season, Brooklyn's candle wouldn't burn out, no matter how many times someone tried to extinguish the flame. However, those attempts -- trading Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, waiving Ben Simmons and losing leading scorer Cam Thomas to a season-ending injury -- seem to have finally caught up with the lottery-bound Nets, who have gone 2-11 in March after a better than expected 21-38 start. -- Herring
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)
Toronto has kept pace with the 76ers and Nets in the race in the lottery standings. But playing against one of the easiest schedules in the league has caused the Raptors to enter Wednesday's game against Brooklyn with a 5-5 record in their past 10 games -- and, if the Raptors lose that against the Nets, they will have little chance of falling behind either of those teams over the next couple of weeks. -- Bontemps
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)
In a season full of disappointments, rookie Justin Edwards has been a bright spot playing for his hometown team. Edwards is averaging 14 points and shooting 37.5% from 3 in the month of March. Most importantly, he has taken advantage of the extra opportunities of playing time and touches with all of the injuries the 76ers are dealing with. -- Bontemps
2024-25 record: 20-53
Previous ranking: 27
Next games: vs. GS (Mar. 28), vs. CHA (Mar. 30)
The Pelicans received more tough news on the injury front when Zion Williamson suffered a low back contusion that forced him out of the past two games of a three-game road trip. Surprise rookie Yves Missi is also dealing with hip soreness that kept him out of Sunday's loss at Detroit. That marked the third time in franchise history New Orleans suffered a defeat in a game in which it hit 55% from the field and 50% from 3. It's time for New Orleans to start looking ahead to the future and roster-building options. -- Wright
2024-25 record: 18-54
Previous ranking: 28
Next games: @ TOR (Mar. 28), @ NO (Mar. 30), vs. UTAH (Mar. 31)
It's been a highly challenging second half of the season-- and on some level, a highly challenging season overall -- for Charlotte point guard LaMelo Ball. After shooting a hair under 42% from the field before the All-Star break, the 23-year-old has shot just 35.3% since. His 40.1% field goal percentage and 33.6% 3-point percentage for the season are career lows, even as his league-high 36% usage rate is the highest it's ever been. -- Herring
29. Utah Jazz
2024-25 record: 16-57
Previous ranking: 30
Next games: vs. HOU (Mar. 27), @ DEN (Mar. 28), @ CHA (Mar. 31)
Utah has committed at least 20 turnovers in 22 games this season. That is the most such games by any team in a season since the 2018-19 Hawks, according to ESPN Research. The Jazz lead the league with 17.6 turnovers per game (1.5 more than any other team) and 22.1 points allowed off of turnovers (1.8 more than any team). -- MacMahon
2024-25 record: 15-56
Previous ranking: 29
Next games: @ PHI (Mar. 26), vs. IND (Mar. 27), vs. BKN (Mar. 29), vs. MIA (Mar. 31)
Washington has lost five straight entering Wednesday's game at Philadelphia. However, for the Wizards, what matters is getting young players like Alex Sarr experience down the stretch. Sarr is averaging 19.7 points in seven games, including a career-high 34-point outing in a win over Denver. It will be encouraging to see Sarr finish his rookie season strong with momentum heading into his first offseason. -- Youngmisuk
