NBA power rankings: Mid January

We are roughly halfway through the 2025–26 NBA season, and the standings are beginning to take shape. Injuries, underperformance and other factors have started to push some teams out of the playoff picture, while others have used momentum, health and consistency to surge forward.

With the league settling into its midseason rhythm, these are the current power rankings. (All statistics and team records are as of the conclusion of the games on Jan. 13.)

10. Houston Rockets

This spot was a close call between the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns, but the Rockets hold the edge. Houston is 3–0 against Phoenix this season and has a significantly better point differential, giving them the tiebreaker.

Houston’s dynamic trio of Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson has propelled the Rockets to the second-best point differential in the league at +7.1 per game. The three combine for 66.6 points, 21.9 rebounds and 16.2 assists per game, giving Houston a potent scoring and playmaking core.

9. Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers are the bounce-back story of the season. After finishing with the fifth-worst record in the NBA in 2024–25, they sit fifth in the Eastern Conference at 22–16 and have been heating up.

Philadelphia has six players averaging double figures in scoring, with strong depth across the roster. Tyrese Maxey has led the way, averaging 30.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Joel Embiid and rookie VJ Edgecombe have also contributed consistently, helping the Sixers remain firmly in the playoff race.

8. Boston Celtics

After Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in last year’s playoffs, many expected the Celtics to struggle without their star. Yet Boston hasn’t skipped a beat. The Celtics are 24–15, good for third in the Eastern Conference, and Jaylen Brown has emerged as a true No. 1 option, averaging 29.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5 assists per game.

Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have also delivered strong seasons, and the team shows no signs of slowing down as it pushes toward the playoffs.

7. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating a bumpy season behind superstar Luka Dončić, who leads the team with 33.4 points and 8.8 assists per game while also chipping in 7.9 rebounds. DeAndre Ayton anchors the interior with 8.8 rebounds per game, and Austin Reeves has been shooting the lights out with a 36.5 3P% on 26.6 PPG.

Despite flashes of dominance, Los Angeles has struggled with consistency and depth, resulting in uneven stretches. They’ll need stronger all‑around contributions to solidify their spot in the upper tier of the Western Conference playoff picture.

6. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have gone from the top of the league to questioning their position quickly after three-time MVP Nikola Jokic suffered a knee injury on Dec. 30. Despite the setback, Denver has fought through adversity, going 5–3 in Jokic’s absence.

That resilience was on full display on Jan. 5, when the Nuggets beat a mostly healthy 76ers team 125–124 in overtime while missing seven of their top eight scorers. Every player on the roster has stepped up at some point, helping Denver remain competitive with or without their star center.

5. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are standing strong in the East with a record of 25–14 and lead the Atlantic Division. New York scores 119.5 points per game with a +4.6 scoring margin, ranking among the league’s better offensive teams while playing solid overall basketball.

Guard Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks with 28.9 points and 6.3 assists per game, and center Karl-Anthony Towns adds 11.4 rebounds and 21.6 points per night, giving New York a dynamic 1-2 punch. They look to finally get over the hump after their loss in last year's Eastern Conference Finals.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves have carved out a strong spot in the Western Conference with balanced scoring and tough defense. Minnesota averages about 120.3 points per game, led by Anthony Edwards at 28.9 points and 1.3 steals, while Rudy Gobert anchors the interior with 11.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Julius Randle contributes 22.2 points and 5.7 assists, and Jaden McDaniels adds steady production. Minnesota has performed well on both ends of the floor.

3. Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are currently the top team in the Eastern Conference, sitting at 28–10 and 3.5 games ahead of the Knicks. Detroit leads the East with a +6.6 point differential and ranks second in the conference in points allowed per game, giving them a strong two-way identity.

Cade Cunningham has been the engine of the team, averaging 26.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while Isaiah Stewart anchors the defense with 2.1 blocks per contest. After going 14–68 in the 2023–24 season, the Pistons have completed one of the fastest rebuilds in recent sports history.

2. San Antonio Spurs

What team has handed the league’s No. 1 team three of its seven losses? The San Antonio Spurs. San Antonio’s roster is loaded with guard talent, as De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and rookie Dylan Harper have all distinguished themselves as key contributors and matchup problems on a nightly basis.

Yet San Antonio’s biggest advantage remains the most glaring mismatch in the league: Victor Wembanyama. The 7-foot-4 center is averaging 24 points, 11 rebounds and three assists while adding 2.7 blocks per game, and the Spurs appear poised to challenge anyone in the Western Conference as the season progresses.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

It is nearly impossible to keep the Oklahoma City Thunder out of the top spot. Despite going 10–5 since Dec. 18, they remain the only team in the league with fewer than 10 losses, and they own the NBA’s best point differential at +13.2.

OKC is also 20–2 at home and ranks in the top two in scoring and defense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is at the center of their success, averaging 31.9 points, 6.4 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game this season, continuing his MVP-caliber play as the Thunder chase the best record in the league.

Jack Dobbins is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jwd5889@psu.edu.