NBA Power Rankings: OKC Hits 54 Wins as Spurs Snap 50-Victory Drought

The Oklahoma City Thunder hold the top spot in the NBA Power Rankings with a 54-15 record while the Spurs reach 50 wins for the first time since 2017.

The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings with a 54-15 record, securing one of only two guaranteed postseason spots alongside the San Antonio Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama remain central to the MVP race, yet roster depth defines the current standings. In Oklahoma City, second-year guard Jared McCain has averaged 11.4 bench points while shooting 43.8% from 3-point range across 17 games since being acquired from Philadelphia for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-rounders. His production fueled a recent nine-game winning streak for the injury-riddled Western Conference leaders, who next face Brooklyn on March 18.

San Antonio occupies the second slot with a 51-18 record, marking their first 50-win campaign since the 2016-17 season. Rookie Dylan Harper, the second overall pick in the 2025 draft, has been a catalyst for this turnaround despite missing the last two contests with a bruised right calf. Before this injury, Harper helped the Spurs win 18 of their previous 20 games. The team previously maintained a streak of at least 50 victories every year between 1999-2000 and 2016-17, a standard they have now reclaimed heading into a March 19 matchup against Phoenix.

Eastern Conference Contenders and Defensive Anchors

The Detroit Pistons sit at fourth in the rankings with a 49-19 record but face frontcourt challenges as Isaiah Stewart deals with a left calf strain. Stewart, the league's premier rim protector, will be sidelined for at least one week following a prior seven-game suspension. Detroit remains cautious with his workload after he was restricted to 19 minutes during a pivotal Game 1 against the Knicks in the previous postseason. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks hold a 45-25 record, relying heavily on Mitchell Robinson’s interior presence. Robinson recently logged a season-high 31 minutes against the Pacers, recording 22 rebounds, nine of which were offensive. He currently averages 4.4 offensive boards per game, a metric that frequently generates perimeter scoring opportunities.

In Boston, the 45-23 Celtics have integrated 25-year-old Baylor Scheierman into Joe Mazzulla’s rotation. After seeing minimal floor time last year, Scheierman is converting 38% of his shots from beyond the arc. The Cleveland Cavaliers, ranked eighth with a 42-27 record, have benefited from Jaylon Tyson’s efficiency. Tyson ranks third in the NBA in 3-point accuracy, hitting 45.7% on 4.5 attempts per game. This shooting has allowed him to serve as a vital connector for stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, specifically as a screener in pick-and-roll sets.

Western Conference Depth and Trade Impact

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen Jake LaRavia appear in every contest this season under coach JJ Redick. Despite a 1-for-14 shooting slump from deep in March, LaRavia maintains averages of 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals. In Denver, the 42-27 Nuggets have utilized Tim Hardaway Jr. on a veteran’s minimum contract. The 34-year-old guard is tied for 13th in the league with 188 made 3-pointers, shooting 41.0% from distance while contributing 13.9 points in 27.2 minutes per game.

Minnesota holds a 42-27 record, bolstered by Bones Hyland’s 38.5% shooting from deep. Hyland’s role is expected to expand with Anthony Edwards sidelined due to right knee inflammation. In Houston, the 41-26 Rockets are navigating offensive hurdles despite Reed Sheppard’s contributions as a sharpshooting sixth man. During a recent loss to the Lakers, Kevin Durant noted the defensive pressure he faced as Houston managed only 35 second-half points, finishing the period with 17 turnovers against just 14 made field goals.

Rising Stars and Statistical Leaders

Orlando’s Tristan da Silva has emerged as a starter in 12 of 15 games since the All-Star break, averaging 12.9 points and 5.6 rebounds on 50% shooting. The Magic’s lineup featuring da Silva, Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter is currently a plus-15.9 points per 100 possessions. In Miami, second-round pick Pelle Larsson recently scored a career-high 28 points against Milwaukee. Larsson has started 45 games, averaging 12.6 points on 51.3% shooting while leading the Heat in charges taken.

Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker has seen his scoring average jump from 9.4 to 20.3 points per game this season. He recently recorded a career-high 41 points against the Magic, hitting nine 3-pointers to help the Hawks secure a 10-game winning streak. In Portland, Donovan Clingan ranks third in the NBA with 11.6 rebounds per game. Clingan is one of only eight players currently averaging a double-double. For the 33-35 Golden State Warriors, Kristaps Porzingis is returning from injury restrictions, scoring 30 points in 26 minutes during a recent victory over Washington. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after finding rhythm following his latest health setbacks.