With the 2025–26 NBA season tipping off on Tuesday, October 21st, it’s time to take stock of where every team stands. From the title favorites to the early rebuilds, here’s how the league stacks up heading into Opening Night.
30. Brooklyn Nets
The NBA’s weakest roster entering the year. Brooklyn’s lineup is a mix of young, unproven players and veterans constantly in trade rumors like Cam Thomas and Nicolas Claxton. Expect another long year in Brooklyn.
29. Washington Wizards
The Wizards are still years away from competing. There’s intriguing youth, but no star power or direction. Another rough season ahead in D.C.
28. Utah Jazz
Utah looks like the worst team in the West. They have some young talent, but the roster is clearly incomplete and short on high-end skill.
27. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets won’t win much, but they’ll at least be entertaining. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel should make them worth watching.
26. Chicago Bulls
Perpetually stuck in the middle. Outside of youngster Matas Buzelis, there’s little reason for excitement. Maybe this is the year they finally move Nikola Vucevic.
25. Phoenix Suns
The Durant era is over, and a full rebuild begins around Devin Booker. The roster isn’t good enough yet, but at least the direction is finally clear.
24. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento’s core of DeRozan, LaVine, and Sabonis feels outdated. This group can compete but has no path to real contention.
23. Boston Celtics
Without Jayson Tatum, Boston projects as a middle-tier team. Anfernee Simons, Derrick White, and Jaylen Brown are solid, but the depth is thin.
22. New Orleans Pelicans
If Zion Williamson stays healthy, this team could surprise. Trey Murphy continues to improve, and rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen bring new energy. I am cautiously optimistic on the Pels this season.
21. Portland Trail Blazers
A deep team with one of the best defenses in the league, but they lack a true star. Expect the Blazers to be scrappy and frustrating to play against.
20. Miami Heat
The Heat are solid but stale. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro lead the way, and while adding Norman Powell helps, without a big trade this team feels stuck in the middle.
19. Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis should be good this year barring injuries. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are All-Stars, while Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey, and Santi Aldama provide quality support.
18. Indiana Pacers
Even without Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers have balance, depth, and elite coaching. They’ll remain competitive every night so don’t underestimate Indiana this season.
17. Toronto Raptors
This is my biggest sleeper. Toronto’s young core could rise fast, and a top-10 finish by year’s end wouldn’t be shocking.
16. Milwaukee Bucks
I am worried about Milwaukee this year. Outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, there isn’t much reliable talent on this roster. Bobby Portis is solid, but if he’s your third-best player, that’s a problem. Out of respect for Giannis, the Bucks sit 16th, but this season could spiral quickly.
15. Philadelphia 76ers
I like Philadelphia’s roster, but the health of Paul George and Joel Embiid will define their season. If both can stay on the floor, the Sixers could climb quickly in these rankings.
14. San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper will be must-watch TV. The Spurs are young and fearless.
13. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham is a star, but Detroit’s offseason didn’t move the needle much. Still, they’re a safe bet for the middle of the East playoff picture.
12. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers will be a good team, but not exactly threatening. The frontcourt still feels shaky, even with the addition of DeAndre Ayton. Another year of Luka Doncic and LeBron James together will be fun to watch, though.
11. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is well-built for a run. Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were smart additions, and Zaccharie Risacher could be a breakout star.
10. Dallas Mavericks
If Dallas still had Kyrie Irving, they’d be a top-five team, because everything else on this roster looks great. Prized rookie Cooper Flagg should make an immediate impact, which is exciting for Mavs fans everywhere.
9. Orlando Magic
Desmond Bane’s arrival changes everything. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic could be this year’s breakout team.
8. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are an extremely solid team. Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Ivica Zubac, Bradley Beal, and John Collins form a phenomenal starting five. All the pieces for a championship run are here, and now they just have to prove it.
7. Golden State Warriors
Time is running out in the Steph Curry era, but the Warriors remain dangerous. Experience still matters.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards is ready to take the leap. The Wolves have the talent to challenge for the West’s top seed.
5. Houston Rockets
The addition of Kevin Durant was huge for Houston. He could be the missing piece that helps this team finally break through in the West. The Rockets will be tough to beat this year.
4. New York Knicks
The Knicks are built to win now. With Indiana and Boston fading, this could finally be their year to make a Finals push.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is the East’s best team on paper. All eyes will be on how they perform in May, not November.
2. Denver Nuggets
Denver made smart upgrades around the edges this year. The Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson swap was shrewd, and veteran additions like Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas help round out a strong bench. Jokic and the Nuggets are firmly in the championship mix once again.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Coming off a dominant championship season, Oklahoma City sits atop these rankings. The Thunder should be in for another deep playoff run and have as good a chance as anyone to win the title again this year.
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