The NBA season starts tonight with preseason games going until October 21st when the regular season officially tips off.
After a crazy offseason with lots of trades, injuries, and signings, there has been a lot of shakeup in the NBA heading into this season.
With many questions surrounding numerous teams heading into this season, this could change drastically. However, if the season were to end today without seeing any basketball, this is how our rankings would look.
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Preseason NBA Power Rankings
Here is our composite list ranking all 30 NBA teams from 1-30.
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder
The reigning champs come in at our number one spot for good reason. The Thunder signed all of their core guys for the long run and show no signs of slowing down this season.
It is very possible that we could see a dynasty in the making, as we don’t know how teams will be able to stop SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren simultaneously.
#2 New York Knicks
New York deserves a champion. The people of the Big Apple always show their support, but the team just can’t get it done. As the 2025 NBA season tips off, Knicks Nation is more hopeful than ever, especially after coming so close to reaching the NBA Finals last season.
With a well-built playoff roster and Jalen Brunson emerging as one of the NBA’s biggest stars, a lethal shooter may be the final piece this team needs to finally make it all the way.
#3 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have retooled the bench and made a trade in the front court that will ultimately determine the Denver Nuggets’ fate in the Playoffs.
The Denver Nuggets traded small forward Michael Porter Jr. in exchange for Cameron Johnson and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick. The Denver Nuggets had to address a consistent third scorer behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. If Cameron Johnson struggles during crunch time, the addition of bringing back Bruce Brown, a former championship piece, will pay major dividends for the Nuggets.
Adding Tim Hardaway Jr. will give the Nuggets much-needed scoring firepower off the bench. The addition of Jones Valanciunas will serve as an excellent backup Center to keep Nikola Jokic’s minutes down during the regular season, keeping the Joker fresh for the NBA Playoffs.
#4 Houston Rockets
Credit the Houston Rockets for being aggressive after losing in the first round of the Playoffs to the Golden State Warriors, trading for Kevin Durant. The Rockets lacked shooting and a closer. Kevin Durant can do both for Houston. Giving Rockets head coach Ime Udoka such a dynamic piece in Kevin Durant. Even with point guard Fred VanVleet out for the season with an ACL tear injury but still expect the Rockets to make it to the Western Conference Finals.
#5 Los Angeles Lakers
No team matches the star power of the Lakers. Just two years ago, the idea of LeBron James and Luka Dončić playing on the same team sounded impossible. What’s even crazier is that they’re not considered the clear favorites for the title. Sure, LeBron is 40 years old, but he’s still The King.
The thing about the NBA is that teams need more than stars; they need role players to do the dirty work the stars won’t, especially on defense.
Back in the Bubble, the Lakers nailed their role-player signings, but lately, it feels like Rob Pelinka has lost that touch. Still, with their superstar duo, the Lakers remain dark horses for the NBA Championship.
#6 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers were the best team in the Eastern Conference, but injuries and a lack of experience played a huge role in their early playoff exit.
Heading into the 2025 NBA season, the Cavs are hungry for revenge. With an elite defense, the unstoppable duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, and some intriguing offseason acquisitions, Cleveland looks ready to contend again.
#7 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have been right there competing for an NBA title for the last two years now, but unfortunately, they have lost in the Western Conference Finals back-to-back seasons.
The NBA has been pushing Anthony Edwards to be the next face of the NBA when LeBron James retires, but it just looks like it probably won’t be him, unfortunately. However, Edwards makes the step up and wins his first MVP this season; there could be an argument that it could be him.
The Timberwolves have the roster to compete with anyone; it is just a matter of whether the Timberwolves can stay healthy.
#8 Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers made a key addition of shooting guard Bradley Beal, giving L.A. outside shooting. Other additions of Brook Lopez, John Collins will add front-court help with added depth. Chris Paul can help James Harden in point guard duty. The key to the Clippers is Kawhi Leonard staying healthy and James Harden staying consistent during the postseason.
#9 Golden State Warriors
As long as Stephen Curry plays for the Warriors, they will always be title contenders — it’s that simple. Jimmy Butler looks locked in, and while Curry may not have many dances left, there’s still room for a fifth championship.
Jonathan Kuminga is the X-factor, and the Warriors must rely on him more moving forward. Another key will be keeping their stars healthy and fresh as the playoffs approach.
#10 Orlando Magic
Call it magic, call it true… the Magic is back in Orlando, and next season is shaping up to be a good one. Who’s the No. 1 guy — Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner? Honestly, it’s hard to tell, but maybe that’s a good thing.
With a well-rounded roster, the Magic are a sneaky option to make a deep run in an Eastern Conference that looks weaker than ever.
#11 Boston Celtics
With Jayson Tatum out with an Achilles injury. It will be tough for the Celtics to replace their leading scorer. How will Jaylen Brown handle needing to carry the load? The departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford will make it more of a task for the Celtics to find baskets during crunch times of games. Anfernee Simons is a new addition and will need to add scoring to the backcourt. Look for the Celtics to take a step back with so many departures during the offseason and the Tatum injury.
#12 Detroit Pistons
One of the surprising teams from last season was the Detroit Pistons. Cade Cunningham is a star in the making and really put himself out there last season, being named to his first All-Star game and All-NBA 3rd team.
The Detroit Pistons finally have a great team surrounding their star and look to make it past the first round of the playoffs this season. Detroit has a lot to prove this year, and they just might do it.
#13 San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama’s time is now! I honestly can’t wait to see his full potential. Being a 21-year-old phenom isn’t easy, so what better way to reset than spending time in China living like a monk?
It’s a shame that Gregg Popovich won’t be around to fully develop Wemby, but having Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in his ear is still a pretty great consolation.
#14 Dallas Mavericks
Nico Harrison was the least popular person in maybe all of Dallas after they traded away their star guard, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. However, his job was saved after the Mavericks got the first pick miraculously in the Draft Lottery, where they ultimately took Duke star Cooper Flagg.
There will be some growing pains, but the Mavericks roster is good enough to make the playoffs in 2026. Kyrie Irving will be back at some point this season, and a healthy Anthony Davis is one of the best in all of the NBA.
#15 Memphis Grizzlies
There’s one huge question surrounding the city of Memphis: ‘What the hell is Ja Morant doing?’ We’ve seen that the Grizzlies can be dangerous in the playoffs, but inconsistency and a reckless Ja Morant have capped their incredible talent.
Memphis needs to take serious action and ask themselves whether Ja Morant is the right player to build around moving forward.
#16 Indiana Pacers
The unfortunate injury to Tyrese Haliburton really did a number on the Pacers this year. Haliburton is supposed to miss the entire season with a torn Achilles, and long-time Center Myles Turner left for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Lucky for the Pacers, they will still have All-Star Pascal Siakam and three great guards who have all of the tools to be great NBA players for a long time. Watch out for either Bennedict Mathurin or Andrew Nembhard to step up this year.
#17 Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks, like the Indiana Pacers, lost one of their top guys in Damian Lillard in the playoffs last season and recently signed back with the Portland Trail Blazers. They did, however, steal the Pacers’ big man, Myles Turner, in free agency.
The Bucks won’t necessarily be competing for a Championship this season, unless Giannis Antetokounmpo gets his 3rd MVP this year. The Bucks will have an interesting lineup going into this season, with most of their scoring coming from their two big men.
#18 Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young has to find a way out — this team is done. The Atlanta Hawks haven’t won a championship with their star point guard, and that may be on them. Adding Kristaps Porziņģis doesn’t seem enough to turn the season around.
With a roster lacking another superstar, it might be time for the Hawks to trade ‘Ice Trae’ and start a rebuild as soon as possible.
#19 Miami Heat
With significant injuries to the Miami Heat backcourt, Tyler Hero underwent surgery on his ankle during the offseason. With Terry Rozier (hamstring strain) and Davion Mitchell (calf soreness), the Heat will lean on Nikola Jovic in a point forward role until the Heat backcourt can get healthy. Newly acquired small forward Andrew Wiggins will be key to seeing if the Heat can stay in the middle of the Eastern Conference and possibly make a Playoff appearance.
#20 Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid is one of the best players in the NBA, but he can’t seem to stay healthy. The star of the Philadelphia 76ers remains an enigma that the team hasn’t been able to solve. With a rising Quentin Grimes and a Tyrese Maxey who has cemented himself as a superstar, the Sixers have plenty of talent around him.
Philadelphia will always be at risk of losing the season if Embiid gets injured, but when the big man is healthy, the entire league must watch out.
#21 Chicago Bulls
One of the more underrated signings in the NBA this past offseason was the Bulls’ re-signing of Josh Giddey back to the roster.
The Bulls’ backcourt is one of the more underrated in all of the NBA, with Giddey and Cody White. Both have shown that they can compete in important games for their franchise. The Bulls are a Center away from being a true playoff team.
#22 Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are in the midst of a rebuild. The addition of Brandon Ingram should help in the front court. The Raptors have length and players who can play positionless basketball. The key will be if the Raptors buy in defensively to head coach Darko Rajakovic’s scheme. The Raptors would be happy with improvement and a possible play-in berth for the Playoffs.
#23 Sacramento Kings
The departure of star point guard De’Aaron Fox puts the Kings in an instant rebuild. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine will handle the scoring duties along with Domantas Sabonis. Look for Sacramento to be sellers at the trade deadline with a new General Manager and head coach.
#24 Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker were a disaster, and I really can’t understand why. The experiment is over, and Phoenix is entering the season looking at a quick rebuild.
Devin Booker is essentially back to square one, and it may be time for him to consider a new home. The guy is a killer. This feels like a filler episode for a Phoenix Suns team that needs major changes, and fast.
#25 New Orleans Pelicans
With a sneaky healthy roster, the Pelicans could shock some teams going into this season.
Dejounte Murray, when healthy, has shown that he has the capabilities of being one of the best guards in all of the NBA. After being injured for most of last season, expect him to come up big this season.
Of course, and this is a big if because we have not seen it, Zion Williamson is the player to watch for the Pelicans this year. In his recent press conference for media day, Williamson looked to be the healthiest he has ever been. We expect him to have a big year this season as he hasn’t lived up to his potential yet.
One player that we want to highlight is Herb Jones. Jones is arguably the best defender in all of the NBA, as he can guard pretty much anybody. We wouldn’t be shocked if he wins the DPOY this season.
#26 Portland Trail Blazers
Can Scoot Henderson be the guy in Portland? A feel-good story with Damian Lillard returning to Portland, but with the subtraction of DeAndre Ayton and Anfernee Simons. The Blazers will be lucky to make the play-in tournament.
#27 Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are by far one of the youngest teams in all of the NBA, as they had four 1st-round picks in the NBA Draft in 2025.
They went out and traded Michael Porter Jr this offseason, who will be a great scorer for the Nets as they desperately need it. Nic Claxton is also one of the best defensive Centers in all of the NBA. We would not be surprised if the Nets make a playoff push this year.
#28 Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball’s inconsistency and Miles Bridges’ off-court drama highlight a Charlotte Hornets team that needs to get organized and start acting like a real NBA franchise.
With such a limited roster, there’s not much to expect this season in terms of NBA games.
#29 Utah Jazz
The Jazz are rebuilding, or it may always feel that way. The Jazz are in a rebuild and could be sellers before the trade deadline. Lauri Markkanen is a trade asset. The bottom of the Western Conference is where the Jazz will hover.
#30 Washington Wizards
There are not many great things to say about this team other than they are young and they could eventually be good.
Alex Sarr showed signs of being a good player in the NBA, but unfortunately, not good enough for the Wizards to be a threat to make the playoffs in the East this year.