NBA Power Rankings: Post-All-Star Break Assessment
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches its latter half, it’s that time again for our bi-weekly assessment of all 30 teams, detailing their standings in a manner you won’t soon forget. We dive into these rankings just moments after the All-Star break, having surpassed the critical 50-game threshold, with several teams nearing the 60-game mark. Hence, it is fitting to invoke the “40-20 rule” pioneered by the legendary Phil Jackson.
Understanding the 40-20 Rule
So, what exactly is this rule? According to Jackson, true title contenders achieve at least 40 wins before facing their 20th loss. In the modern NBA landscape, only a handful of teams—the 1994-95 Houston Rockets, 2003-04 Detroit Pistons, 2005-06 Miami Heat, and 2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks—have managed to capture a championship while failing to hit this benchmark.
Currently, only the Oklahoma City Thunder (42-14) and the Detroit Pistons (40-13) meet Jackson’s criteria as legitimate contenders, with the San Antonio Spurs (38-16) likely to follow shortly. The Boston Celtics (35-19), riding a five-game winning streak, may also stake some claim to this elite status. In contrast, teams like the Denver Nuggets (35-20), Houston Rockets (33-20), and New York Knicks (35-20) find themselves outside this exclusive circle, having all lost their 20th game prior to securing 40 wins.
Power Rankings
- Sacramento Kings (12-44): Head coach Doug Christie seems to have the backing of GM Scott Perry, who expressed confidence in seeing improvement under Christie’s leadership despite the team’s struggles.
- Washington Wizards (14-39): Anthony Davis’ injuries have sidelined him for the season. Coach Brian Keefe remains vague about Davis’ future, while Trae Young also remains absent due to leg injuries as the Wizards press on.
- Brooklyn Nets (15-38): After some trade activity, the Nets have welcomed players like Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji into their fold. Coach Jordi Fernández is optimistic about their contributions moving forward.
- Utah Jazz (18-38): With their top-eight protected pick owed to the Thunder, the Jazz seem to be intentionally losing games. Coach Will Hardy has benched key players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen during crucial moments to maintain a competitive position.
- Indiana Pacers (15-40): The Pacers refuse to surrender this season entirely, pulling off a surprising win against the Knicks. Coach Rick Carlisle highlights the significance of this victory amidst a challenging season.
- New Orleans Pelicans (15-41): Coach James Borrego is trying to maintain morale despite a rough season, praising the team’s persistence through tough losses. With their draft pick already traded, the team lacks incentive to tank.
- Memphis Grizzlies (20-33): The Grizzlies undergo a significant restructuring, having traded away key players for future draft picks, signaling a shift in organizational focus away from star player Ja Morant.
- Dallas Mavericks (19-35): Rookie Cooper Flagg speaks about his adjustments amidst turmoil at the Mavs, aiming to learn from the team’s ups and downs.
- Milwaukee Bucks (23-30): Following the trade deadline, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains in Milwaukee, despite swirling rumors of potential changes. He communicates his intent to stay while the franchise may pause trade discussions until summer.
- Chicago Bulls (24-31): After a trade that shifted several young players for picks, the Bulls face an uncertain future. Coach Billy Donovan acknowledges the challenges ahead and the need for strategic direction.
