Welcome NBA Fans! It has been a few weeks since my last post and it has been a ride. With January ending and now into February, we’re only days from the NBA trade deadline. We all know how ugly the Jimmy Butler situation has been in Miami and now D’Aaron Fox is another star that is going to be on the trade block. What other deals will be made? Which teams will elevate themselves into contention status? Will teams like the Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, or New Orleans Pelicans finally trade off their key pieces?
Another topic of excitement is the All-Star Game. With plenty of new players making their first appearance, it appears that the game is growing and the talent pool is more competitive than ever. Will the All-Star be worth something this year?
These rankings will also include a 2nd quarter grade which includes how each team has performed in the second quarter.
Let’s get right into it!
Next Week: February 7, 2025
Risers: Suns +10, Pacers +5, Kings, Raptors +4
Fallers: Magic -6, Hawks -5, Mavericks, Bucks -3
NBA Power Rankings Week 13-15
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 37-9 (2) +1
OFF: 116.0 (6th) DEF: 104.2(1st) NET: +11.8 (1st)
The Thunder proved to be the best team in the NBA by beating the Cavaliers by 20 in just more than a week ago. Their defense has been dominant and that’s without playing Chet Holmgren and Isiah Harnenstein at the same time. Most importantly, Shai Gillgious Alexander is playing his best basketball and is a strong favorite to win the MVP. Yep, Oklahoma City is head and shoulders above everyone in the West and is a favorite to win the whole thing.
1st Quarter Grade: A
2nd Quarter Grade: A
2. Cleveland Cavaliers 39-9(1) -1
OFF: 121.6 (1st) DEF: 111.8(8th) NET:+10.2 (2nd)
Despite a slight regression compared to the start of the year, very few believed the Cavaliers would be the dominant team in the Eastern Conference. #1 in offensive efficiency, and #2 in net rating and they are the biggest threats to Boston in the playoffs with 3 players representing in the All-Star Game. Now, they will be looked at as title contenders. Are they ready?
1st Quarter Grade: A+
2nd Quarter Grade: A
3. Houston Rockets 32-15 (4) +1
OFF: 114.4 (11th) DEF: 108.6 (4th) NET: +5.6 (6th)
Most people believed the Rockets were on the come-up and could have made the postseason with the play-in. However, who would have thought Houston would be a top 2 seed in the West? This team is still a top 5 defense and their offense has been trending in the right direction now in the top half of the league. Jalen Green is having a terrific month averaging 26.9 points on 49% shooting. The young core is developing well!
1st Quarter Grade: A
2nd Quarter Grade: A
4. Boston Celtics 34-15 (3) -1
OFF: 118.5 (3rd) DEF: 109.6 (5th) NET: +8.9 (3rd)
There shouldn’t be too much concern for the Celtics just yet. This team is still the favorites to repeat as champions but the level of consistency they bring is something to keep an eye on. The Celtics are still the team that attempts the most 3s in a game by a long shot but are only hitting them at a middle-of-the-pack rate.
1st Quarter Grade: A
2nd Quarter Grade: B
5. Memphis Grizzlies 32-16 (6) +1
OFF: 117.6 (5th) DEF:110.7 (7th) NET: +7.5 (4th)
A lot of things have gone right for the Grizzlies. They passed their win total of last year and unlike last year Memphis has been able to get wins through significant injuries. It could have been how great Taylor Jenkins has been, their improved bench which is now #2 in bench points, or the improvement of Jaren Jackson.
1st Quarter Grade: A
2nd Quarter Grade: A
6. New York Knicks 32-16 (5) -1
OFF: 119.7 (2nd) DEF: 112.7 (13th) NET: +7.1 (5th)
Their two big acquisitions Karl Anthony-Towns and Mikal Bridges have performed and met expectations. The Knicks currently have the 2nd ranked offense in efficiency. However, for a Thibs team, New York is currently ranked 19th overall in defensive efficiency. Nevertheless, New York is one of the top teams that can beat Boston.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
2nd Quarter Grade: B
7. Denver Nuggets 29-19 (7) –
OFF:118.3 (4th) DEF: 114.2(21st) NET: +4.1(7th)
The Nuggets are currently on a 6-2 run in the past 2 weeks and their offense has found their stride throughout the season. Nikola Jokic, so far this season is on pace to be the 3rd NBA player to average a triple-double in a season. The others are Oscar Robertson and his teammate Russell Westbrook.
1st Quarter Grade: C-
2nd Quarter Grade: B
8. Los Angeles Clippers 28-20 (10) +2
OFF: 111.2 (20th) DEF: 107.6 (2nd) NET: +3.4 (8th)
The Clippers for some reason find a way to stay relevant no matter the adversity. The Clippers are staying relevant due to being #2 in defensive efficiency and the emergence of Norman Powell who looks like a possible all-star this year.
1st Quarter Grade: A-
2nd Quarter Grade: A
9. Indiana Pacers 26-20 (15) +5
OFF: 114.6 (9th) DEF:114.6 (18th) NET:+1.0(13th)
The Pacers, one of the most disappointing teams in the first quarter of the season have completely turned around their season. The Pacers are slightly behind Milwaukee for home-court advantage in the first round. Their offense isn’t quite what it was last season but their defense has been top 5 since December 7. If that isn’t an improvement, then I don’t know what is.
1st Quarter Grade: D+
2nd Quarter Grade: A-
10. Minnesota Timberwolves 27-21 (9) -1
OFF: 113.4(14th) DEF: 110.1(6th) NET:+3.2 (9th)
The Wolves have been inconsistent for most of the season, but could this 4 game-win streak be a sign that they are ready to resemble the team they were last season? In the past week, the Wolves have resembled a top 5 team in both offense and defense and top 10 in both categories the past 2 weeks. This should elevate at least to a passing grade.
1st Quarter Grade: B-
2nd Quarter Grade: C
11. Milwaukee Bucks 26-20 (8) -3
OFF: 114.2(14th) DEF: 111.8(9th) NET: +2.5 (11th)
The season for the Bucks has been an overall roller coaster. After starting the season 2-8, the Bucks rebounded and won the in-season tournament. Since then, Milwaukee has been meh. If the Bucks get into the playoffs, they will be feared because of Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and championship experience.
1st Quarter Grade: C
2nd Quarter Grade: B
12. Los Angeles Lakers 22-18 (14) +2
OFF:113.6 (13th) DEF:114.1 (20th) NET: -0.5(17th)
This is a team that has been up and down but remains 1st in the ultra-competitive Pacific Division. The Lakers had some big wins against the Warriors and Celtics and then somehow lost to the 76ers a couple of nights later. Still, if the Lakers can become more consistent then they should be able to avoid the play-in.
1st Quarter Grade: C
2nd Quarter Grade: B-
13. Phoenix Suns 25-22 (23) +10
OFF: 114.2(11th) DEF: 114.6(22nd) NET:-0.4 (16th)
When the Suns initially struggled after their 7-1 start, it was believed that Kevin Durant was the X-factor to their season. It appears this team is more flawed than anticipated. Perhaps another win-now move for Jimmy Butler could help salvage their season? What happened to that depth that was supposed to be the difference maker? At least an 8-3 record since January 11, helped this team rise back into contention.
1st Quarter Grade: B-
2nd Quarter Grade: D-
14. Dallas Mavericks 23-20 (11) -3
OFF: 115.2 (8th) DEF: 112.4(12th) NET: +2.9 (10th)
The second half has been a bit brutal for Dallas as the Mavericks have struggled with injuries. So grading them in the 2nd quarter needs to be graded fairly. Luka Doncic has been out since Christmas and now Derrick Lively has been ruled out for 4 weeks. A positive from the past 2 weeks was beating the top-seeded Thunder not once but twice.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
2nd Quarter Grade: B-
15. Sacramento Kings 24-23 (19) +4
OFF: 115.5 (7th) DEF: 113.2 (17th) NET: +2.0 (12th)
This team has been very inconsistent in the past couple of weeks with now the honeymoon phase of a new coach being over. The Kings, now have to deal with recent trade rumors of De’Aaron Fox and a defense that has regressed in the past few weeks from being decent for most of the season.
1st Quarter Grade: C
2nd Quarter Grade: C+
16. Detroit Pistons 22-21 (16) –
OFF: 111.8 (18th) DEF:112.9 (14th) NET: -1.2 (18th*)
This is a no-brainer. The Pistons have no doubt been one of the more pleasant surprises in the NBA this year. Another positive from this week was Cade Cunningham making his all-star game this year. If the playoffs were to start today, they would be the 6th seed. What a turnaround, no matter how the season ends compared to last year.
1st Quarter Grade: B
2nd Quarter Grade: A
17. Miami Heat 23-23 (13) -4
OFF: 111.9 (16th) DEF: 111.9 (10th) NET: +0.2 (14th)
It appears that the Jimmy Butler situation has gone from bad to worse and it appears the relationship is far beyond repair. Miami, despite being 1st in their division has been very average. At least the good news is that Tyler Herro has made his first NBA All-Star appearance. This appears to be a hanging of the guard in South Beach.
1st Quarter Grade: C
2nd Quarter Grade: C-
18. Orlando Magic 24-25 (12) -6
OFF: 107.1 (29th) DEF: 108.5 (3rd) NET: -1.4 (20th)
Orlando has been a very impressive team for the fact that most of their stars have been out for most of the season. However, things have slipped in the past few weeks and their offense has been a major problem. Dead last in total points, field goal %, and 3% percentage and 29th in offensive efficiency. Even their defense has been below average-recently.
1st Quarter Grade: A
2nd Quarter Grade: B
19. Golden State Warriors 24-24 (18) -1
OFF: 111.7 (19th) DEF: 112.0(11th) NET: -0.3 (15th)
There was once a time when the Warriors were 12-3 and looked like they could be contending for another title. Now, Golden State is currently around 500 and expected to fight for a spot in the play-in. The Warriors might have to accept the path of contending with the pieces they have around Steph Curry because they might be closer to a rebuild than a title.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
2nd Quarter Grade: D
20. San Antonio Spurs 21-24 (22) +2
OFF: 112.5 (15th)` DEF: 113.9(19th) NET: -1.2(18th*)
The Spurs have been a respectable team for the most part and will pass their win total last year in the next week or so. However, San Antonio is overly reliant on their 21-year-old superstar. Luckily, This team is still in the mix but has the 9th toughest remaining schedule.
1st Quarter Grade: B
2nd Quarter Grade: C
21. Philadelphia 76ers 19-28 (20) -1
OFF: 111.1(21st) DEF: 114.7(23rd) NET:-3.5 (23rd)
As soon as you believe the 76ers were going to make a run and possibly be in the mix for the playoffs, they come back to their losing ways that involve a 6-game losing streak and then follow up with 3 out of 4. Maybe it might be time to punt the season and focus on next year or should they sneak in with the play-in? The home-court advantage in the postseason is likely out of the question.
1st Quarter Grade: F
2nd Quarter Grade: C-
22. Chicago Bulls 21-28 (21) -1
OFF: 111.9(17th) DEF: 115.2 (24th) NET:-3.3 (22nd)
I am a firm believer that the Chicago Bulls are wasting their time until they decide to begin their rebuild. They aren’t going to be any better than a play-in team at best. Until the Bulls finally decide to trade off players like Zach Lavine, Nikola Vucevic, or Lonzo Ball, they won’t get anything higher than a D+.
1st Quarter Grade: C+
2nd Quarter Grade: D
23. Portland Trail Blazers 19-29 (24) +1
OFF: 109.7 (25th) DEF:115.7(26th) NET: -6.3 (26th)
You have to give the Blazers credit. They have been practically a .500 basketball since the start of 2025. Portland still is a bottom 5 in nearly most metrics but this a team that can beat you on a random night if you play too lightly. Oh, and Scott Henderson has looked promising in the past 2 weeks. Maybe they to win and say forget the draft odds?
1st Quarter Grade: C-
2nd Quarter Grade: B-
24. Atlanta Hawks 22-26 (19) -5
OFF: 111.0 (24th) DEF: 113.1(16th) NET: -3.2 (21st)
If you take away the past few weeks, Atlanta would have received an above-average grade. However, in the past 3 weeks, the Hawks are 0-6 and are currently on a 7-game-losing streak including 2 losses to Toronto. To add insult to injury, Jalen Johnson will be out the rest of the season with shoulder surgery.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
2nd Quarter Grade: C-
25. Toronto Raptors 15-33 (29) +4
OFF: 110.1 (23rd) DEF: 115.4(25th) NET: -5.4(25th)
If it weren’t for the wins against the Celtics and Warriors, the grade would have been lower. However, the Raptors have made some improvements lately and have gotten more out of their young players outside of Scottie Barnes and RJ Barret. Unfortunately, Raptors fans have only seen 9 games out of Immanuel Quickley.
1st Quarter Grade: B-
2nd Quarter Grade: C
26. Charlotte Hornets 12-33 (28) +2
OFF: 108.0 (28th) DEF: 113.1 (15th) NET:-5.1 (24th)
The Hornets were supposed to be contending for a spot in the play-in and now look stuck in quicksand in a deep rebuild. There are some nice pieces but are they good enough to be significant progress? You have to start feeling bad for LaMelo at this point. The man didn’t even make the All-Star game because of injuries and how bad his team is.
1st Quarter Grade: C
2nd Quarter Grade: D
27. New Orleans Pelicans 12-37 (27) –
OFF: 109.5 (26th) DEF: 117.8 (28th) NET:-8.3 (29th)
Injuries have been a real downer for this squad. Now, they lost DeJounte Murray to a season-ending Achilles injury. When fully healthy, they are at least a play-in team. At least Trey Murphy III has been a bright spot in NOLA and could be in their long-term plans. At least the Pelicans are getting more wins lately but that shouldn’t be the goal now.
1st Quarter Grade: F
2nd Quarter Grade: D+
28. Brooklyn Nets 15-33 (25) -3
OFF: 108.6(27th) DEF: 115.8(28th) NET: -7.3(27th)
Well since January 1, the Nets are currently 2-10. This includes a 59-point loss to the LA Clippers. Yep, the Nets are pumping up the gas on tanking and this team might not even reach 20 wins. It’s all about seeing who’s worth it for the future.
1st Quarter Grade: B+
2nd Quarter Grade: B+
29. Utah Jazz 10-36 (26) –
OFF: 110.9 (22nd) DEF: 118.7 (29th*) NET: -7.8(28th)
Well, the Jazz are currently on pace for a 22-win season well below their last couple of years. The good news, the draft odds haven’t looked better as they are tied for the best odds at the 1st pick. Expect Utah to trade off some veterans and give more reps to guys like Keyonte George, Walter Kessler, and Isaiah Collier who have had great individual seasons.
1st Quarter Grade: D-
2nd Quarter Grade: C-
30. Washington Wizards 6-41 (30) –
OFF: 104.1(30th) DEF: 118.7 (29th*) NET: -15.2(30th)
16 straight losses. They are the only team remaining that has yet to reach double wins and are 4.5 games back of the second-worst team in the NBA. Yep, this is the worst team in NBA no question.
1st Quarter Grade: F
2nd Quarter Grade: D-
Main Image: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
