NBA Power Rankings Week 20: OKC Overtakes Pistons for No. 3 While 76ers Suffer Major Setback
The NBA Playoffs are knocking on the door. And with the teams pushing hard to get themselves a spot, the A-game has been on display from many. As a result, there have been some significant changes from the previous NBA Power Rankings. With some steady showing, the Oklahoma City Thunder has gained some lost ground. On the contrary, the Philadelphia 76ers have received some shocking news. With Paul George facing a 25-game suspension, Philadelphia dropped to 18 from last week’s 13. Here are the top 10 teams for week 20.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
Much to the delight of the fans, JJ Redick’s team seems to have picked up on its form at the right time. Despite Luka Doncic receiving a swarm of criticism, the former Dallas Mavericks star has been the Lakers’ knight in shining armor. For the first time since last December, the purple and gold have won five out of six games. In what was a huge morale victory, the Lakers edged out the third-placed New York Knicks. Coming up for them will be the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Anthony Edwards posing a huge threat.
9. Houston Rockets
With Kevin Durant’s burner account controversy making the rounds, the Rockets seem to have taken a hit in their performance. Lacking consistency recently, the team has hopped between wins and losses in its last six games. Concerningly, Houston’s confidence took quite a hit when they were bruised and battered by 25 points against the San Antonio Spurs. However, with a 39-24 record, the team is fourth in the West and will look to bounce back this week.
8. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets had a mixed week. On one hand, they won consecutive games without trailing for the first time since January. However, the team also took a brutal beating at the hands of the New York Knicks, which sent them slipping to sixth in the West. Speaking of injuries, Denver was fortunate to get Aaron Gordon back after a 17-game absence. On the contrary, they also had Jamal Murray suffer an ankle sprain.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are enjoying a 40-24 run and are currently third in the West in the NBA standings. But this week brought some hiccups, as their five-game winning streak was snapped following a shock loss to the Orlando Magic this Saturday. Looking to consolidate from here on, the Timberwolves will be up against some strong opponents in the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
The big news coming from the Cavaliers is their recent acquisition of James Harden. Last week, they beat the Detroit Pistons in Donovan Mitchell’s absence. Ironically, when he returned to the court after a four-game hiatus, the Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics. Boasting a 39-25 record currently, the team would want to consolidate further.
5. New York Knicks
Last week, the New York Knicks were number 4 on the NBA power rankings. Unfortunately, losing two and winning three seems to have affected their standing. Thankfully, the team still boasts of having the league’s best defense with 103.5 points per 100 possessions. Now, trying to push harder for the playoffs, the Knicks will be up against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Utah Jazz, and the Indiana Pacers.
4. Boston Celtics
The last time the Celtics failed to clinch the title was. But this time around, Boston is looking as menacing as ever. With Jaylen Brown spitting fire, the return of Jayson Tatum will boost the team’s chances of making it through this year. Interestingly, following Tatum’s return, the team hasn’t lost a game till now. With a 43-21 record, the second-place Celtics are coming hard after the Detroit Pistons.
3. Detroit Pistons
Last week’s number 2, the Pistons, had a tough week. Throughout the season, they did not lose more than two games in a row. But the table toppers of the East have lost four consecutive games, raising the tensions within their fans. As concerns over their subpar offense gain traction, the team needs to pull its socks up fast.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Despite regaining the number 2 spot, the Thunder are looking quite on edge. Dealing with some significant injury problems, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Hartenstein have failed to make significant contributions. Thankfully, the team has still managed to win five games straight, taking their record to 50-15.
1. San Antonio Spurs
Playing like a champion team, the Spurs have only lost once since February. With a 15-1 record, the team has won almost everything thrown their way. Now, with a 47-17 win-loss record in the 2026 NBA season, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama and co. whether they can clinch the title.
NBA Power Rankings Week 20: OKC Overtakes Pistons for No. 3 While 76ers Suffer Major Setback
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