NBA Power Rankings: Jokic Shines, Pistons Surprise, and More on Alofoke Deportes

The 2025-26 NBA regular season has been extremely interesting, from outstanding performances to disappointing starts.

Jokic and the Nuggets: A Historic Start

Nikola Jokic continues his historic career, achieving his eighth triple-double of the season against the Chicago Bulls on Monday. In addition, he leads the Denver Nuggets in points and assists in the last eight games. The Oklahoma City Thunder, rivals in the Western Conference, have dominated the standings, holding the top spot for five consecutive weeks. On the other hand, the 2025 finalists, the Indiana Pacers, have fluctuated at the bottom of the table, dealing with injuries and losing streaks.

The Pistons and Eastern Dominance

The Detroit Pistons lead the Eastern Conference with an 11-game winning streak, their best mark since 2008. The last time the Pistons had such a promising start, they reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2008. In addition to the rankings, NBA experts have selected the most important role player for each team. Which sixth man is having the biggest impact? Who can step up in the face of superstar injuries? Let’s analyze where the 30 teams are in this week’s rankings.Note: Team rankings are based on the opinion of the panel members.

Previous Rankings:

• Preseason
• October 29th
• November 5th
• November 12th

Jump to a team:

ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND | LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN | NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX | POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

Team Ranking

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Record 2025-26: 14-1 Previous ranking: 1 Upcoming games: vs. SAC (November 19), @ UTAH (November 21), vs. POR (November 23) Role Player: Isaiah Hartenstein Two NBA players have scored at least 30 points and grabbed at least 19 rebounds in the same game this season: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Hartenstein. The constantly underestimated Thunder pivot is performing even better in his second season with the franchise, averaging career highs in points (12.9), rebounds (10.9), and steals (1.5). His 62 baskets within five feet are the seventh-most in the league. His conversion rate of 84.9% is higher than that of the six players ahead of him. Hartenstein has participated in all 15 games of the Thunder’s 14-1 start. He has a player option of $28.5 million next season and has proven his worth.2. Denver NuggetsRecord 2025-26: 10-3 Previous ranking: 2 Upcoming games: @ NO (November 19), @ HOU (November 21), vs. SAC (November 22), @ MEM (November 24) Role player: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway has had the biggest impact among the veterans added by the Nuggets in the offseason to reinforce their bench. Hardaway, who signed a one-year contract for the veteran’s minimum, is averaging 11.4 points in 22.8 minutes per game, with a 47.1% success rate in 3-point shots. He has quickly formed a chemistry with Nikola Jokic, who has assisted in 18 of Hardaway’s 49 baskets. The Nuggets are scoring 129.6 points per 100 possessions when these two are on the court together.

3. Detroit PistonsRecord 2025-26: 13-2 Previous ranking: 3 Upcoming matches: @ MIL (November 22), @ IND (November 24) Role player: Ausar Thompson Thompson doesn’t yet lead the league in steals (seventh), but when he exceeds 30 minutes, it seems he’s destined to top that list. For now, he’ll have to settle for being second in the league in deflections per 36 minutes, just behind Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson. Why is this important? Because, despite all the glory of the Pistons’ 13-2 start, they’re achieving it despite being near the bottom in 3-point attempts, and shooting around 35%. Which means there will be a premium on getting out in transition to facilitate easy opportunities, and Thompson generates that as well as anyone in the league (and is a great off-ball cutter). Since the Pistons like to use him as a backup point guard and secondary ball-handler even when Cade Cunningham is on the court, he will be quietly but vitally important to any long-term success Detroit has this season.4. Houston RocketsRecord 2025-26: 9-3 Previous ranking: 7 Upcoming games: @ CLE (November 19), vs. DEN (November 21), @ PHX (November 24) Role player: Reed Sheppard The Rockets continue their streak, winning their fourth consecutive game on Sunday, powered by a 35-point night from Kevin Durant, who could be on his way to entering the 50-40-90 club for the third time in his career. But pay attention to shooting guard Sheppard, who is shooting 47.8% from long distance this season and averaging 15.7 points in his last six games. Sheppard struggles on defense, but he will improve with more experience. Houston also believes this, considering his minutes have increased. He has played 24 minutes or more in each of his last five appearances.5. Cleveland CavaliersRecord 2025-26: 10-5 Previous rating: 4 Upcoming games: vs. HOU (November 19), vs. IND (November 21), vs. LAL (November 23), @ TOR (November 24) Role player: Lonzo Ball Take the Cavs’ victory over Milwaukee on Monday night as a snapshot of Ball’s potential impact. He didn’t shoot well, going 2-of-8 from the field and 1-of-6 from the 3-point line, but he was everywhere on the court, collecting five assists, two steals, and five rebounds. The Cavs were a +11 in his 23 minutes. Cleveland needs Ball to help initiate the offense at the guard position with Darius Garland still out after a setback with his toe injury, but Ball can also provide a different dynamic to the Cavs’ rotation in the playoffs by helping the offense operate more in transition and also being a disruptor on defense.6. New York KnicksRecord 2025-26: 8-5 Previous rating: 5 Upcoming games: @ DAL (November 19), @ ORL (November 22), @ BKN (November 24) Role player: Mikal Bridges

Is Bridges a primary scorer or someone who fills in the blanks when attention is elsewhere? Is he a lockdown defender or a good one given the right scheme and matchup? He’s had a lot of roles in Phoenix (overqualified role player) and Brooklyn (doesn’t fit as the number 1 option), but with this Knicks team he could be perfectly placed as a facilitator in Mike Brown’s new offense. His shots per game are the lowest since 2021-22 with Phoenix, but his .421 3-point percentage is right in line with his career high. And averaging nearly five assists per night is a welcome development. With Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby battling injuries, more will be put on Bridges’ shoulders to keep the Knicks afloat in a surprisingly competitive Eastern Conference.

The Knicks’ bench scored 75 points against the Heat on Friday, the most points from the bench for New York since 2019.7. Los Angeles LakersRecord 2025-26: 11-4 Previous ranking: 8 Upcoming games: @ UTAH (November 23), vs. LAC (November 25) Role player: Jake LaRavia As one of only two Lakers players who has played in each of their first 15 games, and with eight of those appearances coming off the bench, the recognition for L.A.’s super sub goes to LaRavia. Signed to a two-year, $12 million contract during free agency, the 24-year-old forward has flourished so far, averaging 10.2 points on a career-best 47.7%, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 steals. “He just knows how to play basketball,” JJ Redick said earlier this season.8. Minnesota TimberwolvesRecord 2025-26: 9-5 Previous ranking: 9 Upcoming games: vs. WAS (November 19), @ PHX (November 21), @ SAC (November 24) Role player: Rob Dillingham Minnesota moved up in the draft to select Dillingham to be their point guard of the future in 2024, but so far it has been a struggle for him, and the team continues to have a long-term hole at the position. He is shooting 39% overall, 23% from the 3-point line, and Minnesota is being outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions in his limited minutes this season.9. Atlanta HawksRecord 2025-26: 9-6 Previous ranking: 16 Upcoming matches: @ SA (November 20), @ NO (November 22), vs. CHA (November 23), @ WAS (November 25) Role player: Nickeil Alexander-Walker When the Hawks acquired Alexander-Walker, they felt they were adding much-needed two-way versatility and an exceptional role player. They have gotten that and more so far. Since Trae Young suffered a medial collateral ligament injury, Alexander-Walker has been important to coach Quin Snyder. He can play point guard and shooting guard and attacks in the drive to pressure defenses. Alexander-Walker missed a couple of games due to injury, but he has scored in double figures in every game he has played. Since Young was injured on October 29, Alexander-Walker is averaging 19.4 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds.10. Golden State WarriorsRecord 2025-26: 9-7 Previous ranking: 14 Upcoming games: @ MIA (November 19), vs. POR (November 21), vs. UTAH (November 24) Role player: Moses Moody Moody scored seven three-pointers in a great performance in the first quarter in New Orleans last weekend. It was only the twenty-second time in NBA history that a player has achieved seven three-pointers in a single quarter, and the first time this season. Moody finished the night with 8 of 12 on three-pointers and now has a career-best 45.3% from long distance, on 6.6 attempts per game. Moody tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb at the end of last regular season and said it impacted his shot in the playoffs. He only scored 33% of his three-pointers in 12 playoff games and then underwent surgery in the offseason. He and his thumb are healthy again, and that’s showing in his conversion rate.

11. San Antonio Spurs

Record 2025-26: 10-4 Previous ranking: 6 Upcoming games: vs. ATL (November 20), @ PHX (November 23), @ POR (November 26) Role player: Luke Kornet The Spurs snapped a two-game losing streak at the Frost Bank Center on Sunday, defeating the Kings without Victor Wembanyama (calf). San Antonio sought out backup center Kornet during the offseason specifically to prevent the Spurs from falling apart on both ends during the minutes Wembanyama isn’t on the court. So far, so good for Kornet, who missed seven games earlier this season due to an ankle injury. Kornet has missed just two of his last 20 shots in the last five games. But most importantly, he’s providing elite rim protection.

12. Toronto Raptors

Record 2025-26: 9-5 Previous ranking: 17 Upcoming games: @ PHI (November 19), vs. WAS (November 21), vs. BKN (November 23), vs. CLE (November 24) Role player: Sandro Mamukelashvili In his first season in Toronto, Mamukelashvili has emerged as one of the best backup big men in the league. Mamukelashvili is a stretch-big capable, sinking 45% of his 3-point attempts, and the Raptors have a net rating of +13.8 when he is on the court. That is the second-best margin on the team, only behind the net rating of +17.3 for fellow backup Gradey Dick.13. Philadelphia 76ersRecord 2025-26: 8-5 Previous ranking: 13 Upcoming games: vs. TOR (November 19), @ MIL (November 20), vs. MIA (November 23), vs. ORL (November 25) Role player: Quentin Grimes Grimes is not only the most important bench player for the 76ers, but he is a strong candidate, during the first month of the season, to win the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Grimes has picked up right where he left off after coming from the Mavericks at last season’s trade deadline, averaging 16.8 points and hitting 40% of his three-pointers while attempting more than six per game.14. Phoenix SunsRecord 2025-26: 9-6 Previous ranking: 19 Upcoming games: vs. MIN (November 21), vs. SA (November 23), vs. HOU (November 24) Role player: Collin Gillespie A third-year veteran, Gillespie has made a name for himself this season as a reliable backup point guard for first-year coach Jordan Ott. Gillespie is averaging career-best numbers across the board with 9.9 points, 5.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. And he played in all 14 games during the Suns’ surprising 9-6 start.

15. Miami Heat

Record 2025-26: 8-6 Previous ranking: 10 Upcoming games: vs. GS (November 19), @ CHI (November 21), @ PHI (November 23), vs. DAL (November 24) Role player: Jaime Jaquez Jr. Like the Heat’s major turnaround from a massively disappointing season last year, Jaquez has bounced back in a big way and is thriving in the Heat’s new fast-paced offense. Last season, Jaquez averaged 8.6 points, down from the 11.9 points he averaged as a rookie. In 14 games off the bench this season, Jaquez is playing his game downhill, averaging 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 52.8% shooting. He’s an early candidate for Sixth Man of the Year and has given the Heat a huge boost with Tyler Herro out.16. Milwaukee BucksRecord 2025-26: 8-7 Previous ranking: 11 Upcoming matches: vs. PHI (November 20), vs. DET (November 22), vs. POR (November 24) Role player: Kyle Kuzma Kuzma’s role with the Bucks became even more critical with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will miss one or two weeks after leaving Monday’s game with a left groin injury. After a shaky start to his career with the Bucks after last season’s trade deadline, Kuzma has been better this year, mainly as a substitute. He is shooting 49.6% from the field, reducing the three-pointers and punishing opponents inside the arc (60% on 2-point shots) while the Bucks spread the floor with 3-point threats. But with Antetokounmpo out of action, Milwaukee will look for answers on how to generate offense, which will likely mean more opportunities for Kuzma.

17. Orlando Magic

Record 2025-26: 8-7 Previous ranking: 20 Upcoming games: vs. LAL (November 20), vs. NYK (November 22), @ BOS (November 23), @ PHI (November 25) Role player: Anthony Black Black’s stats may not always jump off the page, but his play on both sides of the court is valuable to the Magic. When Black is active and defending, he can help change a game, such as when he had 13 points, four assists, four rebounds and four steals in a 123-110 win over Boston on Nov. 7, and a season-high 21 points on Tuesday against the Warriors. His versatility is a big asset for Jamahl Mosley, especially when Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero were out due to groin injuries and Black stepped in and started in the overtime loss to Houston, finishing with 18 points, four assists, three rebounds, a block and a steal in 36 minutes. Black’s minutes could fluctuate, but Orlando needs his versatility and defensive energy to compete this season.18. Boston CelticsRecord 2025-26: 8-7 Previous ranking: 18 Upcoming games: vs. BKN (November 21), vs. ORL (November 23) Role player: Neemias Queta It’s not exactly a household name, but the numbers say Queta has had a big impact on the Celtics this season, with Boston sporting an elite defensive rating of 99.7 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the court and 122 points per 100 possessions when he’s off. Part of that, however, is math: teams are shooting 32% from the 3-point line when Queta is on the court and 38% when he’s off.

19. Chicago Bulls

Record 2025-26: 7-6 Previous ranking: 12 Upcoming games: @ POR (November 19), vs. MIA (November 21), vs. WAS (November 22), @ NO (November 24) Role player: Ayo Dosunmu The Bulls snapped a five-game losing streak on Monday with a surprising victory over the Denver Nuggets thanks to an impressive 66-point performance from their bench, led by Dosunmu’s 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting and five assists. Chicago has come back down to earth after their promising start, but their bench has become one of the team’s strengths. The Bulls’ substitutes lead the NBA with 48.1 points per game, and Dosunmu leads the way with a career-best 15.7 points per game on 55% shooting and 46.5% from the 3-point line.20. Portland Trail BlazersRecord 2025-26: 6-8 Previous ranking: 15 Upcoming games: vs. CHI (November 19), @ GS (November 21), @ OKC (November 23), @ MIL (November 24) Role player: Jerami Grant

Before this season, Grant last came off the bench for the Nuggets in the bubble more than five years ago. After accepting a reserve role, Grant is competing for the Sixth Man award. His 17.7 points per game off the bench led all players with at least five appearances. Grant continued to produce with 26 points in his first start of the season on Sunday in place of the injured Jrue Holiday, but he was missed with the second unit. Portland’s remaining substitutes combined for only 15 points in a defeat that capped a 1-4 road trip.

21. Utah JazzRecord 2025-26: 5-9 Previous ranking: 26 Upcoming games: vs. OKC (November 21), vs. LAL (November 23), @ GS (November 24) Role player: Isaiah Collier Collier, a second-year guard whose season debut was delayed by a hamstring strain, is making a significant impact in a sixth-man role. Collier, who started the second half of his rookie year, averaged 11.3 points and 8.3 assists while shooting 63.6% from the field in his first four games off the bench this season. Collier has limitations due to an unstable jump shot, but he is a dynamic athlete with a knack for playmaking, breaking John Stockton’s franchise record for assists by a rookie last season (446).22. LA ClippersRecord 2025-26: 4-10 Previous ranking: 22 Upcoming matches: @ ORL (