You can expect a lot of jaw-dropping plays, adrenaline-pumping moments, and, of course, some adorable fan moments, too. Are you particularly excited about any specific team or player this season?
Here are detailed rankings with explanations for each team ahead of the NBA trade deadline:
1. Boston Celtics
Best record in the league with elite depth and defense. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are unstoppable, and their supporting cast has been excellent.
2. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic is a triple-double machine, and the Nuggets are thriving offensively. If they can improve defensively, they’ll be hard to beat.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate, and the Bucks are rounding into form. Khris Middleton’s health will be crucial for their playoff run.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid is having an MVP-caliber season, and James Harden’s playmaking has been a game-changer. Philly might target shooting depth at the deadline.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
One of the toughest and deepest teams in the West. Ja Morant is a superstar, and their defense ranks among the league’s best.
6. Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant’s injury slowed their momentum, but when healthy, they can beat anyone. Kyrie Irving has been lights out recently.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell has transformed this team into a contender. They’re solid defensively and just need an upgrade at small forward.
8. Sacramento Kings
One of the season’s biggest surprises. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis have led them to one of the league’s top offenses. Playoff-bound for the first time in years.
9. Golden State Warriors
Inconsistent but still dangerous. Steph Curry is playing at an MVP level, but their defense and bench production need to improve.
10. New Orleans Pelicans
When Zion Williamson is healthy, they’re among the West’s best. Injuries have caused them to slide recently.
11. Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are leading the Heat back into contention. They might add a scorer at the deadline.
12. Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic is carrying the team, but they need another star or defensive help. They’re rumored to be aggressive at the deadline.
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are still capable of taking over games. Health remains their biggest obstacle.
14. Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker’s absence has exposed their weaknesses. They’re likely to be active at the trade deadline.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves
Slow start, but they’re improving. Rudy Gobert is fitting better, and Anthony Edwards has been a standout.
16. New York Knicks
Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson have been excellent. They’re quietly one of the league’s most competitive teams.
17. Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young and Dejounte Murray are starting to find chemistry, but their defense is inconsistent.
18. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have been better than expected, thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s breakout season. They might be sellers at the deadline.
19. Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James is still playing at an elite level, but the supporting cast isn’t good enough. They need moves at the deadline.
20. Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard is still unstoppable offensively, but their defense is holding them back.
21. Utah Jazz
Started strong but have come back down to earth. They might sell off veterans at the deadline.
22. Toronto Raptors
Biggest disappointment of the season. Rumors suggest they might trade OG Anunoby or Fred VanVleet.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having an All-Star season. The future looks bright, but they’re still a year or two away from contending.
24. Chicago Bulls
Inconsistent and underwhelming. They might blow it up and start over.
25. Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Kyle Kuzma have been solid, but they’re stuck in the middle.
26. Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero is the real deal. They’re building something exciting, but wins are still hard to come by.
27. Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball is back, but the Hornets have been disappointing all season.
28. San Antonio Spurs
Full rebuild mode. They’re focusing on player development and draft positioning.
29. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham’s injury derailed their season. Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren offer hope for the future.
30. Houston Rockets
Lots of young talent, but they’re struggling to turn it into wins. Development remains the focus.
Here’s the NBA Power Rankings Table ahead of the trade deadline:
Rank | Team | Key Storyline |
---|---|---|
1 | Boston Celtics | Best team in the league with elite depth and defense. |
2 | Denver Nuggets | Jokic leading MVP race; improving defensively is key. |
3 | Milwaukee Bucks | Giannis dominates; Khris Middleton’s health crucial. |
4 | Philadelphia 76ers | Embiid unstoppable; looking to boost bench depth. |
5 | Memphis Grizzlies | Physical, deep, but could use veteran leadership. |
6 | Brooklyn Nets | Contenders if healthy; KD’s injury a concern. |
7 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Strong defense; Mitchell’s presence elevates them. |
8 | Sacramento Kings | Best offense in years; playoff-bound at last. |
9 | Golden State Warriors | Curry is brilliant, but defense remains an issue. |
10 | New Orleans Pelicans | Zion’s health is the key to their playoff hopes. |
11 | Miami Heat | Butler and Adebayo grinding out wins. |
12 | Dallas Mavericks | Luka needs help; team seeking second star. |
13 | Los Angeles Clippers | Health is key for Kawhi and PG. |
14 | Phoenix Suns | Booker’s absence is hurting their chances. |
15 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Slowly improving, but Gobert’s fit still unclear. |
16 | New York Knicks | Brunson has transformed the team’s offense. |
17 | Atlanta Hawks | Defense inconsistent, but Trae and Dejounte show promise. |
18 | Indiana Pacers | Surprising season, but they’ve cooled off lately. |
19 | Los Angeles Lakers | LeBron is incredible, but the roster needs upgrades. |
20 | Portland Trail Blazers | Lillard’s offense is great, but defense struggles. |
21 | Utah Jazz | Early success fading; could be sellers at deadline. |
22 | Toronto Raptors | Major decisions ahead; Anunoby and VanVleet in trade talks. |
23 | Oklahoma City Thunder | SGA playing at All-Star level; future is promising. |
24 | Chicago Bulls | Inconsistent; may blow up the roster. |
25 | Washington Wizards | Stuck in mediocrity; Kuzma a potential trade piece. |
26 | Orlando Magic | Young and talented; Paolo Banchero leading the way. |
27 | Charlotte Hornets | LaMelo is back, but season is slipping away. |
28 | San Antonio Spurs | Focused on rebuilding and draft. |
29 | Detroit Pistons | Cade’s injury hurt them; Ivey showing promise. |
30 | Houston Rockets | Full rebuild mode with young talent developing. |
Here’s a streamlined and more casual version of the schedule with a bit of an American touch:
Wednesday, February 5, 2025:
- Cleveland Cavaliers @ Detroit Pistons – 4:00 PM PST
- Milwaukee Bucks @ Charlotte Hornets – 4:00 PM PST
- San Antonio Spurs @ Atlanta Hawks – 4:00 PM PST
- Memphis Grizzlies @ Toronto Raptors – 4:30 PM PST
- Miami Heat @ Philadelphia 76ers – 4:30 PM PST
- Washington Wizards @ Brooklyn Nets – 4:30 PM PST
- Chicago Bulls @ Minnesota Timberwolves – 5:00 PM PST
- Golden State Warriors @ Utah Jazz – 6:00 PM PST
- New Orleans Pelicans @ Denver Nuggets – 6:00 PM PST
- Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 6:30 PM PST
- Orlando Magic @ Sacramento Kings – 7:00 PM PST
Thursday, February 6, 2025:
- Dallas Mavericks @ Boston Celtics – 4:30 PM PST
- Houston Rockets @ Minnesota Timberwolves – 5:00 PM PST
- Orlando Magic @ Denver Nuggets – 6:00 PM PST
- Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7:00 PM PST
- Sacramento Kings @ Portland Trail Blazers – 7:00 PM PST
- Indiana Pacers @ LA Clippers – 7:30 PM PST
Friday, February 7, 2025:
- Cleveland Cavaliers @ Washington Wizards – 4:00 PM PST
- San Antonio Spurs @ Charlotte Hornets – 4:00 PM PST
- Miami Heat @ Brooklyn Nets – 4:30 PM PST
Saturday, February 8
- Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks – 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT
Sunday, February 9
- Philadelphia 76ers @ Milwaukee Bucks – 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT
Saturday, February 22
- Los Angeles Lakers @ Denver Nuggets – 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT
Sunday, February 23
- New York Knicks @ Boston Celtics – 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
- Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors – 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT
Saturday, March 1
- Golden State Warriors @ Philadelphia 76ers – 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT
Sunday, March 2
- Denver Nuggets @ Boston Celtics – 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
Saturday, March 8
- Los Angeles Lakers @ Boston Celtics – 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT
Sunday, March 9
- Denver Nuggets @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
- Phoenix Suns @ Dallas Mavericks – 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT
Saturday, March 15
- New York Knicks @ Golden State Warriors – 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT
Sunday, March 16
- Philadelphia 76ers @ Dallas Mavericks – 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
- Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers – 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT
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