Too-Early NBA Power Rankings: OKC Holds Top Spot, Who’s No. 2?

NBA Power Rankings

by Sports Desk

The 2025 NBA offseason has been a whirlwind, and with the dust (mostly) settled post-draft and free agency, it’s time for an early look at where teams stand. Unsurprisingly, the reigning champs Oklahoma City Thunder top the list. But who’s next in line?


📌 Power Rankings Highlights

  • 1️⃣ Oklahoma City Thunder
    With MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a battle-tested and still-young roster, OKC is the early favorite to repeat.

  • 2️⃣ Houston Rockets
    The offseason’s biggest winners. Adding Kevin Durant, along with Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith, transforms the Rockets into instant contenders.

  • 3️⃣ Denver Nuggets
    Reinforced depth with key veteran additions like Bruce Brown, Cam Johnson, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Jokić remains the heartbeat.


🌟 Top 10 Teams – Snapshot

RankTeamKey Notes
1Oklahoma City ThunderDefending champs; deep, versatile core
2Houston RocketsDurant deal shifts balance of power
3Denver NuggetsSmart veteran adds keep title window open
4Minnesota TimberwolvesChemistry + defense gives them a fighting chance
5LA ClippersHealthy Harden & Kawhi; added size in Brook Lopez
6Detroit PistonsYouth movement maturing fast; Jaden Ivey returns
7Boston CelticsInjury-hit; Tatum’s absence a massive blow
8Atlanta HawksStrong free agency signings; back in contention
9Orlando MagicBig leap with Desmond Bane signing; defense improving
10Los Angeles LakersLuka Dončić-led roster reloaded with smart depth pieces

📉 Biggest Movers

🚀 RISERS

  • Rockets: Jump from playoff hopefuls to title contenders.

  • Magic: Cracked the top 10 with strategic signings and a rising young core.

⬇️ FALLERS

  • Celtics: Plummet due to Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and roster turnover.

  • Pacers: Drop hard after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury and lack of offseason traction.


🔍 Early Season Takeaways

  • 🔹 Western Conference dominance: Six of the top seven teams are from the West.

  • 🔹 Youth movement in full force: OKC, Detroit, and Orlando are thriving.

  • 🔹 Star injuries shift balance: Celtics and Pacers lose ground quickly.


📅 Next Up: Free agency dust settles and training camps begin in September. Expect movement as rosters finalize and teams make final tweaks before preseason.

You may also like