Power Rankings, Week 13: Thunder back at top amid changed Top 5
OKC surges back into the lead while Detroit, Minnesota, Phoenix and Denver also rise in this week's Top 10.
It may feel like we know everything about the 30 teams listed below, but the 2025-26 season is not quite halfway done.
It is halfway done for the Hawks and Pelicans, both of whom played their 41st game on Sunday. Overall, we’ll hit the halfway point of the season when four of Friday’s six games are complete.
There are still more games to be watched and more data to be mined over the rest of the season than there have been thus far.
Plus-Minus Players of the Week
- Right Way: LaMelo Ball (CHA) was a plus-83 in four games last week.
- Wrong Way: Cody Williams (UTA) was a minus-68 in four games last week.
Teams of the Week
- Make It Last Forever: Portland (3-1) — The Blazers won seven of eight before losing to the Knicks on Sunday.
- Something Just Ain’t Right: Miami (0-3) — The Heat might be below .500 after a tough week ahead.
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East vs. West
Schedule strength through Week 12
- Toughest: 1. Sacramento, 2. Utah, 3. New Orleans
- Easiest: 1. Oklahoma City, 2. Denver, 3. Detroit
- Schedule strength = cumulative opponent record.
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Movement in the Rankings
- High jump of the week: Phoenix (+3)
- Free fall of the week: Houston (-5)
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Week 13 Team to Watch
- Oklahoma City — The Thunder have two more chances to beat the Spurs, and the first is Tuesday in Oklahoma City. They’ll then face the Rockets for the first time since they played two overtimes on opening night.
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Previously…
- The archive: NBA.com Power Rankings
OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
The league has averaged 114.7 points scored per 100 possessions and 100.6 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes this season.
NBA.com’s Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man’s opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, contact him via Bluesky.
