NBA Power Rankings: Week 13
Week Something (it’s been a while and I can’t remember) of the NBA Power Rankings. Guys and Gals and whoever else, I am back. I was gone for the holidays and busy. But we back!
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Last: #1
The Thunder were struggling a bit, but have bounced back and they are still the best team in the NBA. But anytime you lose to the Hornets, you are vulnerable.
2. Detroit Pistons
Last: #4
The Pistons are a bit banged up, but they are still atop of the Eastern Conference. They are just leaning on their defense. I would love for the Pistons to get another scorer at the deadline.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Last: #6
The Spurs are in a little bit of a slide after their back to back wins over the Thunder before Christmas. They do remain in second place in the West, tied with the Thunder right now. The Spurs are for real.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last: #10
The Timberwolves do this every year, they start slow and then turn it on in January. They are off to a hot start in 2026 and had a great comeback win over the Spurs.
5. New York Knicks
Last: #5
The Knicks did not show up in a big matchup with the Pistons, but they are still sitting at the 2nd seed in the East. They do have a chance to catch the Pistons, but they are getting pressure from Boston.
6. Phoenix Suns
Last: #9
I still can’t believe the Suns are this high up in my rankings, but here we are. They have the same amount of wins as the Lakers, and more wins than the Rockets, they have a legit shot as a top 6 spot.
7. Denver Nuggets
Last: #2
The Nuggets are surviving extremely well without Jokic. This was always the fear with this team, but they are 27-13 and are technically tied with the Spurs for 2nd in the West.
8. Boston Celtics
Last: #8
Do we need to have a discussion about Jaylen Brown being the best player on the Celtics? He is leading this team in what we thought would be a down season. If Tatum can come back this team is a legit title threat.
9. Houston Rockets
Last: #3
The Rockets have slipped to the 6th spot in the West. They have not been playing well, but Kevin Durant saved them the other night. I think the Rockets need a veteran point guard, but they should be fine.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
Last: #7
The Lakers are bad at playing defense. They are now exactly an even 0.0 in point differential after getting smoked by the Kings. They need to make a trade for a defensive player at the deadline or their title hopes are gone.
11. Toronto Raptors
Last: #13
Toronto is playing well to start off the new year and in 4th in the East, they would host the 76ers if the playoffs started today. Did you know the Raptors have a top 6 defense?
12. Philadelphia 76ers
Last: #15
The 76ers are in the top 6 in the East for the first time as I have been writing these power rankings in a long ass time, yes that is a technical term. They have been healthy and available and are playing some of their best basketball.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last: #NR
The Cavs are fighting to get back into the top 6, and are just half a game behind the Magic. They will be a very interesting team at the deadline, do they do anything or stand pat and hope for health and more consistent play?
14. Miami Heat
Last: #12
The Heat lost to Indiana so that is not a good look. They had a game postponed due to a wet floor and that is kind of where they are right now. I want this team to either go for it and get Giannis or blow it up.
15. Orlando Magic
Last: #11
I am going to ride and die with this team. I picked them to win the East and they are not playing like I wanted them too. They can’t seem to get on a roll, and still can’t get healthy. Just please start winning more so I don’t look like an idiot.