NBA Power Rankings: Best & Worst Teams for 2025-26 Season
Top Teams Leading the Season
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to dominate the 2025-26 NBA season. As the defending champions, they remain the only undefeated team and the favorites to repeat, even without their second-best player. They aim to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Golden State Warriors accomplished this in 2017 and 2018.
Challengers to the Throne
The Denver Nuggets, led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, are the biggest threat to the Thunder. They have significantly improved their roster depth, enhancing their chances of dethroning the current champions.
Surprising Performances
- The Houston Rockets, despite losing Fred VanVleet for the remainder of the year, hold the No. 1 spot in offensive rating. Amen Thompson has stepped up as point guard, driving the team's success.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers have shown resilience without Darius Garland. When fully healthy, they remain the top contender in the Eastern Conference.
- The New York Knicks, under new coach Mike Brown, have faced early challenges but continue to rank as the second-best team in the East.
- The Los Angeles Lakers, even without LeBron James, are off to a strong start, with Luka Dončić returning to elite form in his first full season with the team.
"The Thunder are well-positioned to become the first team to win consecutive titles since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018."
"Led by the best player in the world, Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets appear to be the biggest challengers to the Thunder’s throne."
Author’s summary: The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up with the Thunder still leading, strong challenges from the Nuggets, and surprising offensive power from teams like the Rockets and Lakers despite injuries and roster changes.