Story by
NBA power rankings: Pistons unseat Thunder as new No. 1 team
- Story by
- NBA power rankings: Pistons unseat Thunder as new No. 1 team
It's the time of the season when NBA teams are taking stock and figuring out if they need to go all-in.
With the NBA trade deadline a little more than a week away, contenders are going to assess the market and see if there are capitalistic chances to strengthen any deficiencies on their roster.
Advertisement
And with that, there's a new No. 1 on our weekly power rankings, as the Oklahoma City Thunder have shown some weakness recently, going 13-9 since Dec. 13, after they had blasted off to a 24-1 record to start the season.
Here are USA TODAY Sports ' NBA power rankings after Week 13 of the 2025-26 regular season:
USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings
Note: Records and stats through Jan. 25. Parentheses show movement from last week's rankings .
NBA Week 14 power rankings: Top 10
1. Detroit Pistons , 33-11 (+1)
2. Oklahoma City Thunder , 37-10 (-1)
3. Denver Nuggets , 31-15 (+1)
4. San Antonio Spurs , 31-15 (-1)
Advertisement
5. Boston Celtics , 28-17 (—)
6. Toronto Raptors , 29-19 (+1)
7. Houston Rockets , 27-16 (+1)
8. Los Angeles Lakers , 27-17 (+2)
9. New York Knicks , 27-18 (+2)
10. Cleveland Cavaliers , 27-20 (+3)
The battle for the top spot here is extremely close. The Thunder have one fewer loss and four more victories than the Pistons, but Oklahoma City has shown recent vulnerabilities, losing consecutive home games for the first time since Nov. 3 … of 2023! The Pistons, meanwhile, have won eight of their last 10 and have posted the NBA's top defensive rating (101.7) over that span. The Raptors are proving they're no fluke with Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram starring in key recent wins over the Thunder and Warriors, though it's guard Immanuel Quickley who has shined most, earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors. And the Cavaliers have shaken off their slow start to slowly climb up the standings.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) blocks a shot attempt from Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) during a game on Jan 23, 2026.
NBA Week 14 power rankings: Nos. 11-20
11. Golden State Warriors , 26-21 (+3)
Advertisement
12. Minnesota Timberwolves , 27-19 (-3)
13. Phoenix Suns , 27-19 (-7)
14. Philadelphia 76ers , 24-20 (-2)
15. Miami Heat , 25-22 (+1)
16. Chicago Bulls , 23-22 (+2)
17. Portland Trail Blazers , 23-23 (—)
18. Los Angeles Clippers , 21-24 (+1)
19. Orlando Magic , 23-21 (-4)
20. Atlanta Hawks , 22-25 (—)
Despite the injury to Jimmy Butler , the Warriors pulled off a massive win against a struggling Timberwolves squad that has lost five consecutive games. Over those last five, Minnesota ranks 26th in offensive rating (107.8), which is well below its season average (116.6; seventh). The Suns had been rolling but a sprained ankle to star Devin Booker has derailed their momentum a touch – though Booker shouldn't be out long. The Clippers are surging and have gone 15-3 since Dec. 20, forcing a fan to eat his words — literally .
Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard (3) launches for a breakaway basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during a game on Jan. 25, 2026.
NBA Week 14 power rankings: Nos. 21-30
21. Dallas Mavericks , 19-27 (+2)
Advertisement
22. Charlotte Hornets , 18-28 (+2)
23. Memphis Grizzlies , 18-25 (-2)
24. Milwaukee Bucks , 18-26 (-2)
25. Utah Jazz , 15-31 (—)
26. New Orleans Pelicans , 12-36 (+4)
27. Brooklyn Nets , 12-32 (—)
28. Indiana Pacers , 11-35 (—)
29. Sacramento Kings , 12-35 (-2)
30. Washington Wizards , 10-34 (-1)
Despite injuries, the Mavericks have been stellar; Cooper Flagg (ankle) avoided a significant absence, and he's improving with each passing week. With Giannis Antetokounmpo now set to miss at least a month and his future with Milwaukee uncertain, this is quickly becoming a lost season for the Bucks, who almost certainly won't be buyers at the deadline. The Kings have lost five consecutive games and are a strong candidate to sell during the trading window. Two young teams headed in a problematic direction are the Jazz (-13.0) and Nets (-13.9), who have the worst net ratings in January.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA power rankings: Detroit Pistons surge to top as Thunder falter
