As the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches (Feb. 6, 3 p.m. ET), several teams across both conferences will be reevaluating their rosters over the next three weeks.
The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the top team in the Western Conference with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way. But with the rest of the West being competitive, other teams may try to acquire a superstar to boost their playoff chances. Will the Golden State Warriors make a big move to save their season? Or will the Phoenix Suns continue their pursuit of unhappy superstar Jimmy Butler?
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics remain top contenders. However, the Detroit Pistons, who struggled last season, are now in the playoff race, having lost just one game in January. The return of Paolo Banchero to the Orlando Magic will also turn heads in the East.
With 22 days left until the trade deadline, here’s a look at where all 30 teams stand in this week’s power rankings.
Note: These rankings are based on the opinions of ESPN’s panel, including Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring, and Kevin Pelton.
Cleveland Cavaliers
2024-25 record: 34-5
Previous ranking: 1
Next games: @ OKC (Jan. 16), @ MIN (Jan. 18), vs. PHX (Jan. 20)
The Cavaliers saw their 12-game winning streak end after a tough loss to the Pacers. Despite the setback, they bounced back with a win over Indiana. The next games at Oklahoma City and Minnesota will be challenging as both teams look to bounce back.
Oklahoma City Thunder
2024-25 record: 33-6
Previous ranking: 2
Next games: vs. CLE (Jan. 16), @ DAL (Jan. 17), vs. BKN (Jan. 19)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP case keeps growing as he leads the league in key stats and has played every game for the Thunder, who lead the Western Conference.
Boston Celtics
2024-25 record: 28-11
Previous ranking: 3
Next games: @ TOR (Jan. 15), vs. ORL (Jan. 17), vs. ATL (Jan. 18), @ GS (Jan. 20)
Boston has struggled recently with a 9-7 record in their last 16 games after starting 19-5. A decline in 3-point shooting has been a major factor in their struggles.
Houston Rockets
2024-25 record: 26-12
Previous ranking: 5
Next games: @ DEN (Jan. 15), @ SAC (Jan. 16), @ POR (Jan. 18), vs. DET (Jan. 20)
The Rockets have been strong against top teams, with their third victory of the season over Memphis. Jalen Green’s impressive scoring streak and Amen Thompson’s defensive plays have kept the Rockets competitive at the top of the West.
New York Knicks
2024-25 record: 26-15
Previous ranking: 4
Next games: @ PHI (Jan. 15), vs. MIN (Jan. 17), vs. ATL (Jan. 20), @ BKN (Jan. 21)
The Knicks have struggled with their 3-point shooting, ranking last in the league over the last 10 games. However, they’ve managed to win six of those games. The real challenge will be their tough schedule moving forward.
Memphis Grizzlies
2024-25 record: 25-15
Previous ranking: 6
Next games: @ SA (Jan. 15), @ SA (Jan. 17), vs. MIN (Jan. 20)
Memphis has had 97 30-point quarters this season, but they’ve allowed 121.2 points per game in January. The Grizzlies are 2-4 this month, with Ja Morant missing three of those games due to injury. Their recent loss to the Rockets saw them lose a 13-point lead, getting outscored 33-20 in the final stretch. The Grizzlies will look to finish their road trip strong in San Antonio, facing the Spurs twice, led by Victor Wembanyama.
Denver Nuggets
2024-25 record: 24-15
Previous ranking: 7
Next games: vs. HOU (Jan. 15), @ MIA (Jan. 17), @ ORL (Jan. 19), vs. PHI (Jan. 21)
The Nuggets weren’t sure how Russell Westbrook would fit in when they signed him in the offseason, but he has exceeded expectations. He has played great alongside Nikola Jokic, and since Westbrook became a starter on Dec. 27, the Nuggets have gone 7-3, which is the third-best record in the West during that period. Westbrook has been averaging 22.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in his last four games.
Dallas Mavericks
2024-25 record: 22-18
Previous ranking: 11
Next games: @ NO (Jan. 15), vs. OKC (Jan. 17), @ CHA (Jan. 20)
During Kyrie Irving’s absence due to illness and a back injury, third-year guard Jaden Hardy stepped up. He averaged 15.4 points in 22.6 minutes, shooting 49.1% from the floor and 51.9% from three. The next step for Hardy’s development is to focus on consistency, according to coach Jason Kidd.
Orlando Magic
2024-25 record: 23-18
Previous ranking: 10
Next games: @ MIL (Jan. 15), @ BOS (Jan. 17), vs. DEN (Jan. 19), @ TOR (Jan. 21)
Paolo Banchero’s return from injury has been a major boost for the Magic. In his first game back against the Bucks, he scored 34 points. Although they didn’t win that game, Orlando beat the 76ers in their next game, with Banchero contributing 20 points and Cole Anthony adding 27. Banchero’s return is especially important since the team is still without Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.
Los Angeles Lakers
2024-25 record: 20-17
Previous ranking: 8
Next games: vs. MIA (Jan. 15), vs. BKN (Jan. 17), @ LAC (Jan. 19), vs. WAS (Jan. 21)
The Lakers haven’t seen the immediate returns they hoped for after acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith. They’ve gone 2-4 since the trade, and Finney-Smith had his worst performance yet in a loss to San Antonio, scoring just 4 points on 1-for-4 shooting. Additionally, the Lakers’ six-day break due to wildfires in Southern California hasn’t helped their performance.
LA Clippers
2024-25 record: 21-17
Previous ranking: 9
Next games: vs. BKN (Jan. 15), @ POR (Jan. 16), vs. LAL (Jan. 19), vs. CHI (Jan. 21)
After a slow start at their new arena, the Clippers have won 13 of their last 15 home games. Their defense has been strong, holding Miami to just 98 points in their latest win, marking their 11th game this season where they’ve held an opponent under 100 points. Kawhi Leonard has been limited to 21 minutes per game since returning, but once he gets back to full strength, the Clippers’ defense should improve even further.
Indiana Pacers
2024-25 record: 22-19
Previous ranking: 15
Next games: @ DET (Jan. 16), vs. PHI (Jan. 18)
The Pacers went on a six-game winning streak to start January, including a win over the Cavaliers, despite Tyrese Haliburton being injured. The Pacers have climbed to 5th place in the East but might need to find ways to win without Haliburton, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Milwaukee Bucks
2024-25 record: 21-17
Previous ranking: 12
Next games: vs. ORL (Jan. 15), vs. TOR (Jan. 17), vs. PHI (Jan. 19)
The Bucks have struggled against top teams, losing all eight games against Cleveland, Boston, and New York this season. After a heavy loss to the Knicks, Giannis Antetokounmpo called for the team to “get our stuff together.” Milwaukee needs to rack up wins to stay in the standings as they face the Magic next, who are just ahead of them in the standings.
Minnesota Timberwolves
2024-25 record: 21-18
Previous ranking: 18
Next games: vs. GS (Jan. 15), @ NYK (Jan. 17), vs. CLE (Jan. 18), @ MEM (Jan. 20)
Anthony Edwards had an outstanding performance on Monday, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 40 points, continuing his great run. Since Jan. 4, he is the third-highest scorer in the NBA, averaging 33.6 points. The Timberwolves need him to keep up his strong play as they face tough teams like the Warriors, Knicks, Cavaliers, and Grizzlies in the coming week.
Miami Heat
2024-25 record: 20-18
Previous ranking: 16
Next games: @ LAL (Jan. 15), vs. DEN (Jan. 17), vs. SA (Jan. 19), vs. POR (Jan. 21)
The Heat are wrapping up a six-game road trip, with their final game on Wednesday against the Lakers. The focus will be on the Heat’s next home game on Friday, where they will face the Nuggets. This will be Jimmy Butler’s first game back after serving a seven-game suspension. The situation surrounding Butler will continue to be a key story, especially if he plays and how he performs.
Sacramento Kings
2024-25 record: 20-20
Previous ranking: 20
Next games: vs. HOU (Jan. 16), vs. WAS (Jan. 19)
The Kings’ seven-game winning streak under interim coach Doug Christie ended with a loss to the Bucks, but Sacramento has still been one of the hottest teams. Despite star guard De’Aaron Fox missing three games, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis stepped up in his absence, including a big win over the Celtics. Fox’s return didn’t slow them down, and they won their fourth game under Christie by six points or fewer against Chicago.
Detroit Pistons
2024-25 record: 21-19
Previous ranking: 19
Next games: vs. IND (Jan. 16), vs. PHX (Jan. 18), @ HOU (Jan. 20)
The Pistons have been on a winning streak since the start of January, with a 7-1 record so far. Their recent win against the Knicks put them one win away from matching their best month since March 2019. Cade Cunningham has been playing very well, averaging 26.5 points and 8.3 assists in January. His strong performances are helping the Pistons overcome the loss of Jaden Ivey, who is out with a fibula fracture.
Phoenix Suns
2024-25 record: 19-20
Previous ranking: 23
Next games: @ WAS (Jan. 16), @ DET (Jan. 18), @ CLE (Jan. 20)
Phoenix is on a three-game winning streak heading into Tuesday’s game in Atlanta, their longest since early November. While it’s still early to tell, the move of Bradley Beal coming off the bench seems to be helping. Beal has shot 53% in the last five games, compared to 48% as a starter, and has maintained his scoring at 17.4 points per game. Phoenix has gone 4-1 since this change.
San Antonio Spurs
2024-25 record: 19-19
Previous ranking: 14
Next games: vs. MEM (Jan. 15), vs. MEM (Jan. 17), @ MIA (Jan. 19)
The Spurs have struggled recently, losing three straight, but they managed to break that streak with a win over the Lakers. The young team showed they are learning how to finish games strong, with Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell all scoring 23 points in the win. San Antonio had a rough start due to the Southern California wildfires, but they seem to be improving as they head into their two-game series with Memphis.
Atlanta Hawks
2024-25 record: 20-19
Previous ranking: 17
Next games: @ CHI (Jan. 15), @ BOS (Jan. 18), @ NYK (Jan. 20)
Atlanta has struggled since the start of 2025, losing four games in a row after a strong finish to 2024. While Trae Young hit a buzzer-beater to defeat Utah, a win over one of the worst teams in the West doesn’t cover up the Hawks’ defensive problems. Since the new year, Atlanta has been one of the worst defensive teams in the league, something they need to fix if they want to avoid missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
Golden State Warriors
2024-25 record: 19-20
Previous ranking: 13
Next games: @ MIN (Jan. 15), vs. WAS (Jan. 18), vs. BOS (Jan. 20)
Frustration is growing in Golden State as the Warriors lost to the Raptors, who have only nine wins, without Draymond Green (illness/back), Jonathan Kuminga (ankle), Gary Payton II (calf), and Brandin Podziemski (abdomen). Coach Steve Kerr called the loss one of the most frustrating nights they’ve had, pointing out a lack of discipline and execution. He took responsibility for the loss. With the trade deadline approaching in a few weeks, Stephen Curry said the team should not panic or make any rushed moves that could hurt the future of the franchise.
Chicago Bulls
2024-25 record: 18-22
Previous ranking: 22
Next games: vs. ATL (Jan. 15), vs. CHA (Jan. 17), @ POR (Jan. 19), @ LAC (Jan. 21)
Zach LaVine is having a great season, posting career highs in field goal percentage (51.7%) and 3-point percentage (45.0%). He has scored 30 or more points in six straight games, his longest streak ever. LaVine is one of only two players this season, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo, to have a 30-point streak lasting that long.
Philadelphia 76ers
2024-25 record: 15-23
Previous ranking: 21
Next games: vs. NYK (Jan. 15), @ IND (Jan. 18), @ MIL (Jan. 19), @ DEN (Jan. 21)
The next few weeks will be very important for the 76ers’ season. They played hard against the Thunder on Tuesday but lost, missing their three All-Stars: Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. With 11 of their next 12 games against winning teams, including five back-to-backs, Philadelphia could struggle to make it into the play-in tournament, let alone the playoffs.
Portland Trail Blazers
2024-25 record: 13-26
Previous ranking: 24
Next games: vs. LAC (Jan. 16), vs. HOU (Jan. 18), vs. CHI (Jan. 19), @ MIA (Jan. 21)
Portland’s January has been up and down. After a 19-point win against the Pelicans, they lost to the Mavericks after blowing a 10-point lead late in the game. They also lost badly to the Heat in their first game of a five-game homestand. One positive for the Blazers has been forward Deni Avdija, who has been playing well, averaging 18.6 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting over 50% from the field since Dec. 21.
Brooklyn Nets
2024-25 record: 14-26
Previous ranking: 25
Next games: @ LAC (Jan. 15), @ LAL (Jan. 17), @ OKC (Jan. 19), vs. NYK (Jan. 21)
After trading away starters Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Nets are starting to perform more like many expected at the start of the season. They had a decent start, going 9-10, but now they have lost five games in a row before finally winning against Portland on Tuesday.
Utah Jazz
2024-25 record: 10-28
Previous ranking: 26
Next games: vs. BOS (Jan. 15), @ MIL (Jan. 17), vs. ORL (Jan. 21)
Rookie Isaiah Collier had a great game, scoring 23 points, getting seven rebounds, and making seven assists, including the game-winning shot in overtime against the Nets. It was his second game scoring double figures, but he has been playing consistently well as a playmaker, averaging 7.8 assists in his last five games, with at least six assists in each one.
Toronto Raptors
2024-25 record: 9-31
Previous ranking: 27
Next games: vs. BOS (Jan. 15), @ MIL (Jan. 17), vs. ORL (Jan. 21)
The Raptors’ focus for the rest of the season will be developing chemistry between Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, their two long-term key players. Although Quickley has been with the team for a year, they haven’t played much together due to injuries. The Raptors are hoping this will change over the next few months as they work on building that connection.
Charlotte Hornets
2024-25 record: 8-28
Previous ranking: 29
Next games: @ UTAH (Jan. 15), @ CHI (Jan. 17), vs. DAL (Jan. 20)
Mark Williams, who has had injury problems in his first three NBA seasons, may have had the best game of his career on Sunday, scoring 24 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in a loss to the Suns. (However, the Hornets did manage to end a 10-game losing streak by winning against Phoenix in a previous game.) Despite the losses, it’s easier to handle them during a rebuilding phase when the team can get some encouraging victories.
New Orleans Pelicans
2024-25 record: 9-32
Previous ranking: 28
Next games: vs. DAL (Jan. 15), vs. UTAH (Jan. 17), vs. UTAH (Jan. 20)
The Pelicans have won four of their last seven games but are still having one of their worst starts in team history. However, Trey Murphy III continues to stand out as a positive player. He scored 30 points in a close loss to Boston on Sunday, while Zion Williamson also made his return after a one-game suspension. Even though Herb Jones is out indefinitely with a labrum tear, New Orleans seems to be heading in a better direction with Brandon Ingram close to returning from injury.
Washington Wizards
2024-25 record: 6-32
Previous ranking: 30
Next games: vs. PHX (Jan. 16), @ GS (Jan. 18), @ SAC (Jan. 19), @ LAL (Jan. 21)
The Wizards have lost seven games in a row, including a 41-point loss to the Thunder on Sunday. They will face a tough six-game West Coast trip over the next 10 days, starting on Saturday, but it could provide valuable experience for their young players. Alexandre Sarr has posted three double-doubles this month, but he will be challenged by experienced forwards on this trip, including Draymond Green, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Davis, Lauri Markkanen, and Dereck Lively II.
