The first ESPN Power Rankings of December place the Oklahoma City Thunder firmly at the top, while the Los Angeles Lakers ride a 5-1 stretch to tighten the Western Conference race. The rundown—compiled by a 10-member ESPN panel—tracks all 30 clubs as regular-season play overlaps with the knockout stage of the 2025 NBA Cup.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 21-1 | Previous rank: 1
Jalen Williams returned from a right-wrist injury and produced an all-around line of 16 points, eight boards, five assists and three blocks against Portland. His outside shooting volume will be monitored as he regains rhythm.
Upcoming: vs. DAL (Dec 5), @ UTA (Dec 7)
2. Detroit Pistons
Record: 17-4 | Previous rank: 2
Cade Cunningham (East Player of the Month) and coach J.B. Bickerstaff (Coach of the Month) headline Detroit’s recognition. Isaiah Stewart has inserted himself into the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, allowing opponents just 44 percent shooting at the rim.
Upcoming: @ MIL (Dec 3), vs. POR (Dec 5), vs. MIL (Dec 6)
3. Houston Rockets
Record: 13-5 | Previous rank: 4
Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun each scored 30 in Monday’s loss at Utah, marking Houston’s third 30-point tandem performance this season. The Rockets have won eight of their last ten.
Upcoming: vs. SAC (Dec 3), vs. PHX (Dec 5), @ DAL (Dec 6)
4. Denver Nuggets
Record: 14-6 | Previous rank: 3
Injuries to Aaron Gordon (Grade 2 hamstring) and Christian Braun have cratered Denver’s defense to a league-worst 127.3 points allowed per 100 possessions over the last five games. Gordon is expected to miss four-to-six weeks.
Upcoming: @ IND (Dec 3), @ ATL (Dec 5), @ CHA (Dec 7)
5. New York Knicks
Record: 13-7 | Previous rank: 9
New York has taken five of seven behind expanded pick-and-rolls for Jalen Brunson (29.3 ppg over five games) and spacing for Karl-Anthony Towns. OG Anunoby is doing on-court work but has no set return date.
Upcoming: vs. CHA (Dec 3), vs. UTA (Dec 5), vs. ORL (Dec 7), @ TOR (Dec 9)
6. Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 15-5 | Previous rank: 5
Monday’s 125-108 defeat in Phoenix dropped L.A. to 4-4 against teams at .500 or better. A four-game trip through Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia and San Antonio should clarify the club’s ceiling.
Upcoming: @ TOR (Dec 4), @ BOS (Dec 5), @ PHI (Dec 7)
7. Miami Heat
Record: 14-7 | Previous rank: 8
The Heat have won seven of eight as Tyler Herro averages 24.7 points since returning Nov. 24, hitting 13 threes over his past three outings.
Upcoming: @ DAL (Dec 3), @ ORL (Dec 5), vs. SAC (Dec 6), @ ORL (Dec 9)
8. San Antonio Spurs
Record: 14-6 | Previous rank: 12
Victor Wembanyama (calf) and Stephon Castle (hip) are back practicing, but De’Aaron Fox has carried the load with at least 25 points in seven of eight games.
Upcoming: @ ORL (Dec 3), @ CLE (Dec 5), @ NO (Dec 8)
9. Orlando Magic
Record: 13-8 | Previous rank: 14
Orlando is 7-2 without Paolo Banchero (groin) and has taken nine of eleven, sparked by Desmond Bane’s recent scoring outbursts.
Upcoming: vs. SA (Dec 3), vs. MIA (Dec 5), @ NYK (Dec 7), vs. MIA (Dec 9)
10. Toronto Raptors
Record: 15-7 | Previous rank: 7
An early nine-game winning streak has cooled with two losses in three nights. RJ Barrett’s right-knee injury has exposed Toronto’s depth.
Upcoming: vs. LAL (Dec 4), vs. CHA (Dec 5), vs. BOS (Dec 7), vs. NYK (Dec 9)
11–30
11. Minnesota Timberwolves – 13-8; first wins over winning teams after 0-7 start.
12. Atlanta Hawks – 13-9; gritty results despite absences for Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers – 13-9; Donovan Mitchell says victories should be “expected.”
14. Phoenix Suns – 13-9; Collin Gillespie emerging as a Most Improved Player candidate.
15. Boston Celtics – 12-9; staying competitive during Jayson Tatum’s Achilles rehab year.
16. Golden State Warriors – 11-11; offense free-falls without injured Stephen Curry.
17. Philadelphia 76ers – 11-9; Joel Embiid remains day-to-day with knee issues.
18. Chicago Bulls – 9-11; a 6-1 opening has dissolved into a 3-10 skid.
19. Milwaukee Bucks – 9-13; eight losses in nine despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return.
20. Memphis Grizzlies – 9-13; bench averages a league-best 48.4 points; Ja Morant still out.
21. Portland Trail Blazers – 8-13; Deni Avdija posts 31-19-10 but misses shot at NBA Cup bracket.
22. Dallas Mavericks – 7-15; two-way rookie Ryan Nembhard shines with 28-point, 10-assist gem in Denver.
23. Utah Jazz – 7-13; Keyonte George jumps to 22.8 points and 6.9 assists a night.
24. Charlotte Hornets – 6-15; break seven-game skid with consecutive wins over Bulls and Raptors.
25. LA Clippers – 5-16; 14 losses in 16 games precede four-game trip.
26. Sacramento Kings – 5-16; difficult slate includes eight combined meetings with Denver and Minnesota by Dec. 8.
27. Indiana Pacers – 4-17; 3-4 over the last seven behind center Jay Huff’s shooting.
28. Brooklyn Nets – 4-16; rookie Noah Clowney scores 18 in win at Charlotte.
29. New Orleans Pelicans – 3-19; Zion Williamson sidelined by Grade 2 adductor strain.
30. Washington Wizards – 3-17; Khris Middleton averaging 10.1 points, buyout talk growing.
The rankings reflect panel projections through Dec. 2 as clubs juggle regular-season schedules and the upcoming NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Source: ESPN
