The next several weeks will be busy for the NBA calendar.
First, the trading deadline is a little more than two weeks away, and any blockbuster deals could alter the balance of power within the league. Then, All-Star Game weekend is set for Feb. 15, and starters were already announced.
Yet, as several teams that started the season hot have cooled somewhat, the action on the court has continued. The most obvious example of that is the New York Knicks, who have lost nine of their last 11 games.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings after Week 12 of the 2025-26 regular season:
USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings
Note: Records and stats through Jan. 20. Parentheses show movement from last week’s rankings.
NBA Week 13 power rankings: Top 10
1. Oklahoma City Thunder, 36-8 (—)
2. Detroit Pistons, 31-10 (—)
3. San Antonio Spurs, 30-14 (—)
4. Denver Nuggets, 29-15 (—)
5. Boston Celtics, 26-16 (—)
6. Phoenix Suns, 27-17 (+2)
7. Toronto Raptors, 26-19 (+2)
8. Houston Rockets, 26-15 (+7)
9. Minnesota Timberwolves, 27-17 (-2)
10. Los Angeles Lakers, 26-16
While the Thunder won’t challenge for the best record in NBA history, and while they may drop the occasional game, it’s clear they remain a threat to repeat. Their defense is elite and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might be marching toward his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award. Speaking of MVP candidates, the Nuggets have remained competitive in the absence of Nikola Jokić, and still boast the league’s top offensive rating (122.9). With the slide the Knicks have taken, Boston is now in the No. 2 seed in the East, and there may need to be a serious conversation about what to do if and when Jayson Tatum is cleared to return from his torn Achilles.
NBA Week 13 power rankings: Nos. 11-20
11. New York Knicks, 25-18 (-5)
12. Philadelphia 76ers, 23-19 (-1)
13. Cleveland Cavaliers, 24-20 (—)
14. Golden State Warriors, 25-20 (+2)
15. Orlando Magic, 23-19 (-3)
16. Miami Heat, 23-21 (+1)
17. Portland Trail Blazers, 22-22 (+1)
18. Chicago Bulls, 21-22 (+2)
19. Los Angeles Clippers, 19-24 (+2)
20. Atlanta Hawks, 20-25 (-6)
The Knicks held a players-only meeting amid a four-game losing streak. Their offense has stagnated as the actions rely on Jalen Brunson far too much. The Warriors had been playing better recently, but don’t be surprised if they tumble down this list soon; with Jimmy Butler (torn anterior cruciate ligament) out for the season, their offense should struggle significantly. And the Trail Blazers and Clippers are a pair of teams out west who have found their rhythm.
NBA Week 13 power rankings: Nos. 21-30
21. Memphis Grizzlies, 18-23 (+1)
22. Milwaukee Bucks, 18-24 (-3)
23. Dallas Mavericks, 18-26 (+2)
24. Charlotte Hornets, 16-27 (-1)
25. Utah Jazz, 15-29 (-1)
26. Brooklyn Nets, 12-29 (+1)
27. Sacramento Kings, 12-32 (+2)
28. Indiana Pacers, 10-34 (—)
29. Washington Wizards, 10-32 (-3)
30. New Orleans Pelicans, 10-35 (—)
The Grizzlies got Ja Morant (right calf contusion) back, and he delivered, dropping 24-13-5 in a win over the Magic. Memphis, though, will need to determine if his fit on the roster is sustainable, or if it can flip him for any assets in a trade. Dallas has been something of a surprise recently, winning three consecutive, including a 17-point blowout against the Knicks. Even without Anthony Davis, No. 1 rookie Cooper Flagg continues to improve with each passing week. And the Wizards showed some promise in late December, but have since lost seven consecutive games, and are tied with the Hawks for the worst offensive rating (107.6) in January.
