By Harshit | Nov 24, 2025
As the league accelerates toward December and the knockout stages of the 2025 NBA Cup draw closer, the separation between contenders and strugglers is becoming clearer. Injuries to stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama have tested many teams, but the ones adapting the fastest are rising in the standings. Here’s a detailed look at where things stand after Week 5.
Top of the Landscape
1. Oklahoma City Thunder — 17-1 (—)
Oklahoma City remains the NBA’s gold standard. They rank among the top teams in offensive efficiency and lead the league in defensive rating and net rating. The most impressive part: they’ve maintained dominance despite injuries to key players like Jalen Williams. Their balance and discipline on both ends make them the championship favorites.
2. Detroit Pistons — 14-2 (+1)
The Pistons have surged with a 12-game win streak and a clear identity built on efficient scoring and tough defense. The return of Jaden Ivey has added playmaking and pace, while the young core continues to exceed expectations.
3. Denver Nuggets — 12-4 (-1)
Denver continues to play at a high level on both ends, powered by Nikola Jokic’s consistency. However, the loss of Aaron Gordon for several weeks has exposed lineup gaps, especially in matchups requiring defensive versatility.
4. Los Angeles Lakers — 12-4 (+1)
Los Angeles has climbed steadily, strengthened by the recent return of LeBron James and the consistent play of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. The offense is humming, but the Lakers are still working through rotations as they reintegrate their superstar.
5. Houston Rockets — 10-4 (-1)
The Rockets remain one of the league’s top shooting teams and are thriving on the strength of elite three-point efficiency and aggressive rebounding. Their young core has matured quickly, making Houston a dark-horse threat in the West.
Middle Tier: Nos. 6–10
6. Cleveland Cavaliers — 12-6 (+2)
Even after losing Jarrett Allen to a broken finger, Cleveland has won four of five. With Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley rounding into form, the Cavaliers continue to show one of the league’s strongest defensive foundations.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves — 10-6 (+2)
Minnesota boasts a top-five offense and a resurgent Anthony Edwards. Their spacing, speed and improved ball movement have elevated them despite occasional defensive lapses.
8. San Antonio Spurs — 11-5 (-1)
The Spurs continue to develop rapidly, showing strong cohesion and consistent defensive improvement. Their young talent remains the backbone of their rise.
9. Toronto Raptors — 12-5 (+3)
Toronto is one of the season’s biggest surprises. They lead the league in assist-to-turnover ratio and play some of the cleanest basketball in the NBA. Their depth and versatility are carrying them.
10. Miami Heat — 11-6 (+7)
Miami has surged with four straight wins, dominating points in the paint and staying aggressive despite missing key contributors. Tyler Herro’s return will only boost their trajectory.
Rankings 11–15
11. Phoenix Suns — 11-6 (+3)
The revamped Suns have embraced a more aggressive defensive approach, ranking among the league’s leaders in steals. Their roster continues to settle, but the top-end talent is undeniable.
12. Atlanta Hawks — 11-7 (-2)
Atlanta remains inconsistent, alternating strong offensive performances with defensive letdowns. Until they stabilize, they remain in the middle tier.
13. New York Knicks — 9-6 (-7)
New York’s defense has regressed significantly compared to the Thibodeau era. Injuries haven’t helped, and their reliance on Jalen Brunson has grown heavier each week.
14. Orlando Magic — 10-8 (+4)
Despite losing Paolo Banchero, Orlando has remained competitive through energetic team defense and emerging young talent.
15. Golden State Warriors — 9-9 (-4)
Three straight losses and visible frustration inside the locker room signal trouble. The Warriors’ veteran core is showing signs of strain, and the defensive identity isn’t holding.
Rankings 16–20
16. Boston Celtics — 9-8 (—)
A confusing team. Boston dominates turnover battles yet cannot put together consistent performances. Their ceiling remains high, but the reliability is not there.
17. Philadelphia 76ers — 9-7 (-2)
The Sixers’ offense lacks rhythm without full stability from Joel Embiid. Their defense has been solid but not elite.
18. Milwaukee Bucks — 8-9 (-5)
Without Giannis, Milwaukee has fallen into a tailspin, losing four straight and struggling to generate offense. The roster looks stuck without its superstar.
19. Chicago Bulls — 9-7 (+1)
Chicago has improved slightly but is still searching for consistency on both ends. Their talent suggests they can rise, but the execution is not there yet.
20. Portland Trail Blazers — 7-10 (-1)
After an inspiring start amid coaching drama, Portland has dropped eight of 11. Their defense is collapsing, and the offense lacks flow.
Rankings 21–30
21. Memphis Grizzlies — 6-11 (+2)
Competitive in stretches but lacking consistency. Their young roster is not fully meshing yet.
22. Los Angeles Clippers — 5-12 (—)
Only wins in nearly three weeks came against Charlotte and Dallas. Chemistry concerns continue.
23. Dallas Mavericks — 5-13 (+1)
With Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving injured, rookie Cooper Flagg has been bright, but the Mavs’ roster is overwhelmed nightly.
24. Utah Jazz — 5-10 (-1)
Scrappy but overmatched. Still in rebuilding mode.
25. Charlotte Hornets — 4-13 (—)
Have lost nine of ten. Injuries and youth are proving too much to overcome.
26. Sacramento Kings — 4-13 (—)
Wild inconsistency: can beat Denver one night and lose by 40 the next.
27. Brooklyn Nets — 3-13 (—)
Showing more effort, and Nic Claxton logged a triple-double recently, but wins remain scarce.
28. Indiana Pacers — 2-14 (+1)
Their young pieces are promising, but the roster lacks defensive strength.
29. New Orleans Pelicans — 2-15 (-1)
A tough, injury-ridden start with no rhythm on either end.
30. Washington Wizards — 1-15 (—)
Worst net rating in the league and 14 straight losses. Deep rebuild ahead.