We are one month away from the start of the 2025-26 NBA regular season and finishing the group stage of the third edition of the NBA Cup this week. The [Detroit Pistons](/nba/team/_/name/det/detroit-pistons) continue to dominate in the early weeks, leading the Eastern Conference with a 2.5-game lead over the [Toronto Raptors](/nba/team/_/name/tor/toronto-raptors), two teams that have gained momentum after less favorable seasons. While the East is shaping up to be a very competitive conference, the West remains a battle, except for the [Oklahoma City Thunder](/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder), the only team with a single loss this season. The [Los Angeles Lakers](/nba/team/_/name/lal/los-angeles-lakers) have also climbed positions, winning their last four games and celebrating the return of superstar LeBron James. Our NBA experts analyze this week’s rankings, including the status of star injuries and which teams are already thinking about the 2026 draft. Note: Team rankings are based on the opinion of our panel members.
Previous Rankings:
- Preseason
- October 29th
- November 5th
- November 12th
- November 19th
Team Ranking:
1. [Oklahoma City Thunder](/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
Record 2025-26: 17-1 The Thunder have had an impressive start to the season, highlighting their dominance with a point differential of +16.9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 32.2 points, has been key to their success.2. [Detroit Pistons](/nba/team/_/name/det/detroit-pistons)Record 2025-26: 15-2 The Pistons have shown significant improvement on both sides of the court, establishing themselves as a high-level team. The return of Jaden Ivey and the good performance of Cade Cunningham are key factors.3. [Denver Nuggets](/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets)Record 2025-26: 13-4 Peyton Watson will have the opportunity to prove his worth as a starter due to the injuries of other players. His performance, especially his 3-point shooting ability, could be crucial for his future.4. [Houston Rockets](/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets)
Record 2025-26: 11-4 Amen Thompson has tied his season-high, while Alperen Sengun has maintained a consistent streak of points, rebounds, and assists. The Rockets are facing a series of away games.5. [Los Angeles Lakers](/nba/team/_/name/lal/los-angeles-lakers)Record 2025-26: 13-4Despite their struggles with 3-point shots, LeBron James is optimistic about the Lakers’ ability to improve in this area.
6. [Cleveland Cavaliers](/nba/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-cavaliers)
Record 2025-26: 12-7 Donovan Mitchell, named Player of the Week, is leading the Cavaliers, while Darius Garland recovers from an injury. Mitchell is focused on winning a championship.7. [Toronto Raptors](/nba/team/_/name/tor/toronto-raptors)
Record 2025-26: 13-5 The Raptors have had a winning streak, including important victories against the Cavaliers.8. [Miami Heat](/nba/team/_/name/mia/miami-heat)Record 2025-26: 12-6 The return of Tyler Herro has boosted the Heat, who have won several consecutive games.9. [New York Knicks](/nba/team/_/name/ny/new-york-knicks)
Record 2025-26: 10-6 The Knicks have received a reprieve with the quick recovery of Jalen Brunson and the good performance of Karl-Anthony Towns.10. [Minnesota Timberwolves](/nba/team/_/name/min/minnesota-timberwolves)
Record 2025-26: 10-7 The Timberwolves have suffered some unexpected losses, which could affect their position in the conference.11. [Atlanta Hawks](/nba/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-hawks)
Record 2025-26: 11-8 The Hawks have exceeded expectations, but face significant challenges in the coming weeks.12. [San Antonio Spurs](/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)Record 2025-26: 11-5 The Spurs, without Victor Wembanyama, have achieved home victories. Wembanyama and Stephon Castle are expected to be reevaluated soon.13. [Phoenix Suns](/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)
Record 2025-26: 11-7 The Suns have performed well, partly thanks to Dillon Brooks, who is having an outstanding season.14. [Orlando Magic](/nba/team/_/name/orl/orlando-magic)
Record 2025-26: 11-8 Orlando showed potential despite the absences of key players, and Jett Howard and Jase Richardson stood out in a recent game.15. [Golden State Warriors](/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)Record 2025-26: 10-9 The Warriors face a complicated week with injuries in their squad. Al Horford and Jonathan Kuminga are out due to injury and Draymond Green is dealing with a foot injury.16. [Boston Celtics](/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics)Record 2025-26: 9-8 The Celtics are competing and Jaylen Brown is having a season with high numbers.17. [Philadelphia 76ers](/nba/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-76ers)
Record 2025-26: 9-8 Joel Embiid has been out with a knee injury, but is expected to return soon.18. [Chicago Bulls](/nba/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bulls)
Record 2025-26: 9-8 The Bulls have performed inconsistently after a good start, with defensive problems in recent games.19. [Portland Trail Blazers](/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers)
Record 2025-26: 8-10 Despite the absences due to injury, the Blazers are close to advancing in the NBA Cup, driven by Caleb Love’s performance.20. [Milwaukee Bucks](/nba/team/_/name/mil/milwaukee-bucks)
Record 2025-26: 8-10 The Bucks have lost several consecutive games, including games without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could return soon. Antetokounmpo was listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game in Miami.
