NBA power rankings 2024-25: Thunder on top heading into All-Star break, Nuggets in top 5

Did the Trade Deadline Change the Balance of Power?

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and while it didn’t shake up the top of the NBC Sports NBA Power Rankings, it certainly made a few teams in the middle of the pack more formidable. As the league heads into All-Star Weekend, the focus is on how these changes might impact the second half of the season and the playoffs.

True Title Contenders

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (43-9, Last Week No. 1)
   The Thunder continue to dominate, winning six in a row and 15 of their last 16 games, with only one of those victories coming by single digits. The return of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein has added a defensive presence, particularly with Holmgren’s nine blocks in his first two games back. The Thunder’s depth and consistency make them a formidable force, and they are showing no signs of slowing down.

2. Boston Celtics (38-16, LW 2)
   The Celtics have emerged from their mid-season shooting slump, winning 6 of their last 7 games, including crucial victories over Cleveland and New York. Their 3-point shooting has returned to form, with 44.3 attempts per game and a 39.1% success rate in their last 10 games. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both All-Stars, are leading the charge, and the team looks like a serious threat to any contender.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (43-10, LW 3)
   Cleveland has a firm grip on the top seed in the East, winning 7 of their last 8 games. However, their loss to Boston is a concern, as the Celtics present real matchup challenges. The addition of De’Andre Hunter, with his wing defense, could help against Tatum or Brown. If the Cavaliers can hold onto the top seed, it will give them a significant boost in a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup with Boston.

Second Tier Contenders

1. Denver Nuggets (35-19, LW 7)
   The Nuggets have been on a roll, winning seven in a row and 15 of their last 19 games, despite injuries to Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson. Management decided to stand pat, trusting their current roster led by All-Star Nikola Jokic. With the Western Conference wide open after Oklahoma City, the Nuggets have a real shot at advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

2. Memphis Grizzlies (36-17, LW 4)
   The Grizzlies have been impressive, especially with All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. leading their defense. Their recent loss to the Thunder, where Oklahoma City dominated the boards, is a concern, but Memphis still looks like a strong contender. The team’s ability to stifle opponents and their offensive depth make them a potential Western Conference Finals team.

3. New York Knicks (35-18, LW 5)
   The Knicks are one of the best teams in the East, with two All-Star starters in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. However, Boston remains a significant matchup problem, as the Celtics’ offense can wear down the Knicks’ best players. This issue could become a second-round playoff problem, but the Knicks have the talent to overcome it.

Playoffs or Bust

1. Houston Rockets (33-20, LW 6)
   GM Raphael Stone stuck to his guns, avoiding desperate moves despite a six-game losing streak. The Rockets want to see what their current roster can do in the playoffs before making adjustments. The All-Star break comes at a good time, as Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun are dealing with injuries, though Sengun will still compete in his first All-Star Game.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (32-19, LW 9)
   The Lakers’ vibes are high, even with Luka Doncic looking rusty after his calf injury and Alex Len being a solid but not playoff-caliber center. The team’s depth, with playmakers like Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, makes them a dangerous opponent. LeBron heads to the All-Star Game, and the Lakers are poised to make a strong playoff push.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves (30-24, LW 12)
   Anthony Edwards has been on fire, averaging 38.2 points in his last five games, including 46.7% from 3-point range. The Timberwolves are in a tight race for playoff positioning, and Edwards’ recent performance gives them a boost. The team needs to capitalize on wins to secure a playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament.

Play-In Hopefuls

1. Atlanta Hawks (26-28, LW 21)
   Atlanta’s trade deadline moves were underrated, selling high on De’Andre Hunter and bringing in Georges Niang, Caris LeVert, and Terance Mann. The Hawks have won 4 of their last 5 games, turning things around after an 8-game losing streak. Trae Young, added to the All-Star roster by Adam Silver, will represent the team in San Francisco.

2. Orlando Magic (26-29, LW 19)
   The Magic’s recent 3-7 record since the return of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner is concerning. Their elite defense has slipped to 13th in the league over the last 10 games. Despite this, they are just 2.5 games out of the top six and have a soft schedule after the All-Star break. Regaining their defensive form is crucial for their playoff hopes.

3. San Antonio Spurs (23-28, LW 20)
   The De’Aaron Fox trade is a long-term move for the Spurs, but it hasn’t improved their short-term prospects. They are 2-2 in the four games Fox has played, and their chances of making the play-in seem to be fading. The Spurs are 3 games behind the No. 10 seed and face a tough schedule, including games against Boston, Phoenix, and Detroit.

Capturing the (Cooper) Flag

1. Portland Trail Blazers (23-31, LW 24)
   The Trail Blazers’ back-to-back losses to the Timberwolves and Nuggets have cooled off the excitement from their 10-1 run. Scoot Henderson’s sprained ankle is a setback, and his absence from the Rising Stars game is disappointing. The team needs to regroup and focus on their remaining schedule to keep their play-in hopes alive.

2. Brooklyn Nets (19-34, LW 26)
   The Nets’ decision to keep Cameron Johnson is surprising but understandable given his youth and potential. The team has won 5 of their last 6 games and is just 2.5 games out of the final play-in spot. With Johnson, D’Angelo Russell, and other talented players, the Nets still have a chance to make a late-season push.

3. Toronto Raptors (17-37, LW 25)
   Masai Ujiri’s love for long wings who can score led to the acquisition and extension of Brandon Ingram. However, the fit with Ingram, Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett is questionable, with a lot of midrange shooting and potential overlap. The Raptors are committed to this lineup, but the results remain to be seen.

Bottom of the Barrel

1. Utah Jazz (12-40, LW 27)
   The Jazz’s inability to trade key players like John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, and Collin Sexton is surprising. They also couldn’t move Lauri Markkanen at the deadline. The team’s future will likely depend on their performance in the lottery, and how different things look this summer remains to be seen.

2. Charlotte Hornets (13-38, LW 28)
   The Lakers’ decision to rescind the trade for Jalen Williams due to his medical situation has left the Hornets in an awkward position. Williams’ defensive impact is significant, and the Hornets are looking for ways to challenge the decision. Their focus now is on improving their defensive performance and potentially trading Williams this summer.

3. New Orleans Pelicans (12-41, LW 29)
   The Pelicans’ only bright spot is the recent play of Trey Murphy III, who has averaged 29.8 points and shot 58.1% from 3-point range in his last five games. The team has lost nine in a row and has the worst record in the Western Conference. Fans should focus on scouting potential future Pelicans in college games.

4. Washington Wizards (9-44, LW 30)
   The Wizards’ focus is on the youth movement and the lottery. Veterans like Marcus Smart and Khris Middleton can mentor young players like Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly, but the team’s record remains the worst in the league. The All-Star break provides a chance for the young players to rest and regroup.

The trade deadline has certainly added some intrigue to the NBA landscape, but the true test will come in the second half of the season and the playoffs. Teams like the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavaliers are looking strong, while others like the Rockets, Lakers, and Timberwolves have the potential to make significant moves. The play-in hopefuls and the bottom of the barrel teams will also have their moments to shine, as the league heads into the final stretch.