NBA Power Rankings: New York Knicks Surge into the Top 5 Following Trade Deadline Moves

NBA Trading Deadline Overview

As the NBA trading deadline passes, certain franchises are positioning themselves strategically for the latter part of the 2025-26 season. With the All-Star break looming, teams are seizing the opportunity to recharge before diving back into competition. Notably, teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Charlotte Hornets have made significant trades ahead of the deadline, raising expectations about their prospects moving forward.

Power Rankings – Week 15

In the latest power rankings by USA TODAY Sports for Week 15, the standings reflect these changes:

1. Detroit Pistons, 38-13 (no change)
2. Oklahoma City Thunder, 40-13 (no change)
3. San Antonio Spurs, 36-16 (+1)
4. New York Knicks, 34-19 (+5)
5. Boston Celtics, 34-19 (no change)
6. Denver Nuggets, 34-19 (-3)
7. Houston Rockets, 32-19 (no change)
8. Los Angeles Lakers, 32-19 (no change)
9. Cleveland Cavaliers, 32-21 (+1)
10. Toronto Raptors, 32-22 (-4)

Team Performances

Recent performance has shown the Oklahoma City Thunder is experiencing challenges, particularly with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander facing an injury that has sidelined him. The Thunder’s record shows a dip with five losses in their last eight outings, two of those occurring without the star player. Conversely, the Knicks have powered through impressive victories over strong opponents, including the Raptors and Celtics, despite a setback against the Pistons, highlighting Detroit’s enduring dominance.

Following their bold acquisition of James Harden, the Cavaliers are under pressure to validate their aggressive strategy. They have been on a winning streak, earning eight wins in their last nine matches, though their opponents have not posed significant threats.

Continued Rankings

Here’s how the rankings continue from 11 to 20:

1. Minnesota Timberwolves, 32-22 (+1)
2. Phoenix Suns, 31-22 (+1)
3. Philadelphia 76ers, 30-22 (+1)
4. Golden State Warriors, 28-25 (-3)
5. Orlando Magic, 27-24 (+4)
6. Los Angeles Clippers, 25-27 (+2)
7. Miami Heat, 28-26 (-2)
8. Charlotte Hornets, 25-28 (+4)
9. Atlanta Hawks, 26-28 (+1)
10. Portland Trail Blazers, 25-28 (-3)

Despite encountering setbacks, the Timberwolves climbed one position due to weaker performances from teams below them. However, their defensive struggles have been alarming, as indicated by their low ranking in defensive efficiency. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference has seen dynamic shifts, especially with the remarkable nine-game winning streak of the Hornets, who lead the league in offensive efficiency during this run.

Final Rankings

The final rankings for teams place the following in positions 21 through 30:

1. Chicago Bulls, 24-29 (-5)
2. Milwaukee Bucks, 21-29 (+2)
3. Memphis Grizzlies, 20-31 (no change)
4. Dallas Mavericks, 19-33 (-3)
5. Utah Jazz, 16-37 (no change)
6. New Orleans Pelicans, 14-40 (no change)
7. Brooklyn Nets, 14-37 (no change)
8. Washington Wizards, 14-38 (+2)
9. Indiana Pacers, 13-40 (-1)
10. Sacramento Kings, 12-42 (-1)

The Dallas Mavericks are facing transitions, highlighted by their trade of Anthony Davis, accelerating their rebuilding phase. The Bucks managed to stay competitive with clever moves during the trade deadline and the addition of Cam Thomas may enhance their scoring capacity, though the effectiveness of this strategy hinges on Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s return. Meanwhile, the Kings find themselves in dire straits, struggling with a 12-game losing streak and significant uncertainty surrounding their future direction as a franchise.