We are nearing the halfway point of the season, which is a perfect time to roll out an updated NBA power rankings.
There's still a lot that can change in half a year. Last January, the Grizzlies were the third-best team in the West, the Timberwolves and Pacers were struggling to stay in the playoff picture, and the Cavs looked like the team to beat in the East. But the Thunder were also separating themselves from the rest of the pack out West, proving their mettle as a championship contender.
The Thunder are still the best team in the league this season, but the gap is closing. Plenty has shifted since the last time we did this exercise. Here are the updated power rankings at the halfway mark.
NBA Power Rankings
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 31-7 (previous ranking: 1)
They're no longer on pace to smash the all-time regular season wins mark, but the Thunder are still the best team in the league. They do look mortal — they've gone 2-5 in their last seven games against opponents above.500 and are 6-6 over their past 12 games overall.
That stretch proves that they need more than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on offense to carry them, particularly on nights when they're not shooting the ball well from 3. Jalen Williams hasn't looked like one of the best sidekicks in the league this year.
Despite those weaknesses, this is still a killer team that is the title favorite. Their defense is very real and will carry them through every game. Chet Holmgren has emerged as an All-NBA player, improving dramatically on both sides of the ball.
2. Detroit Pistons 28-9 (previous ranking: 4)
Detroit is a deep team that makes life hell on its opponents. They're the No. 2 defense in the league, playing a physical brand of ball. Nobody is better at forcing misses at the rim than Isaiah Stewart. Ausar Thompson is one of the most tenacious on-ball defenders in the league. And Jalen Duren is no longer a liability.
Cade Cunningham deservedly gets the praise for carrying this offense, but Duren has had an offensive explosion of his own that should make him a lock for an All-Star appearance. That offense could use a little more outside shooting in order to create some distance between themselves and the other teams in the East who are right behind them.
3 . San Antonio Spurs 26-11 (previous ranking: 9)
The Spurs have shown that they're capable of beating anyone, including the Thunder. They're 3-0 in that season series. But they don't quite have that consistency yet. As Victor Wembanyama said after their recent loss to the Grizzlies on Monday, "The good thing is, we can match up with everybody and look anybody in the eye. The bad thing is, we look everybody in the eye."
They have been on more than off, and Wembanyama has been incredible when he's been on the court. He's back from his most recent injury and coming off the bench on a minutes restriction. That didn't stop him from scoring 30 points in 21 minutes during his return.
Despite the ups and downs, the Spurs have a legitimate chance of winning a title if Wemby can stay healthy through the playoffs.
MORE: Inside Luke Kornet's evolution away from 3-point specialist
4. Houston Rockets 22-12 (previous ranking: 4)
The Rockets continue to mash teams on the offensive glass. Kevin Durant is providing the shot-making that they were missing. He hit a clutch 3 to beat his former Suns team earlier in the month. Reed Sheppard has recovered from a rough start and is nailing 3's too. And Dorian Finney-Smith has finally come back. He's started off slow after a long break, but that gives the team another theoretical 3-and-D option.
5. New York Knicks 24-13 (previous ranking: 5)
Jalen Brunson should garner some MVP votes this season. He continues to carry the Knicks' offense. This defense does have some concerns though. Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are always going to be weak points. OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart can't cover up everything.
They've slipped a bit after their NBA Cup win, losing four in a row as of late. Those losses came without Hart, which shows how important he is as the heart of the team (and also how depth remains a problem). Boston is playing like the better team as of now, but the Knicks are more proven.
6. Denver Nuggets 25-12 (previous ranking: 2)
The Nuggets are getting some heroic performances from their young guys. Jalen Pickett scored 29 points, Peyton Watson added 24, and Zeke Nnaji had 21 off the bench in a surprising win over the Sixers on Monday. But their record should slide while they wait for Nikola Jokic to recover from a hyperextended knee that will keep him out of January's games. They're also missing his backup, Jonas Valanciunas, and Cameron Johnson for an extended period. At least Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun have returned from their minor ailments.
This team should hit another gear if they're healthy for the playoffs. They showed earlier in the season that they are very much a championship contender and the second-best team in the league at full strength.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves 24-13 (previous ranking: 8)
The Wolves are in a tight race for the No. 3 seed in the ultra-competitive West. They're a great team that continues to get terrific play from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
Rudy Gobert is quietly having another DPOY-caliber season, leading the Wolves to a No. 4 ranking on that end of the floor. He's been making some shocking highlight plays on offense too, throwing nice passes and even creating some offense for himself once in a while.
This team does still need better depth at point guard. Mike Conley continues to decline, and Rob Dillingham doesn't look ready. A minor trade could vault them into the top five the next time we do this.
8. Boston Celtics 23-13 (previous ranking: 18)
It is shocking that the Celtics are this good. Joe Mazzulla's offensive system works with whoever he has in there. Boston is still shooting a ton of 3's, and they rank No. 2 in offensive efficiency.
Jaylen Brown should get First Team All-NBA consideration for how he's managed to score efficiently and often. Boston's cobbled-together center lineup featuring Neemias Queta as a starter has held up. They've had great role player performances from unheralded guys like Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Wash, and Luka Garza. And they could be getting Jayson Tatum back for an end-of-the-season push.
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
9. Los Angeles Lakers 23-12 (previous ranking: 6)
The Lakers have boosted up their record by winning every single one of their clutch games and taking care of business against bad teams. Having Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James gives them the ultimate edge in fourth quarters. But they've gotten blown out a lot too in some bad losses. Their defense isn't good enough to take them seriously as a championship contender. JJ Redick seems like he's at the end of his rope getting his team to listen to him. They have enough talent though to score and rack up regular season wins.
10. Phoenix Suns 22-15 (previous ranking: 19)
Jordan Ott should get Coach of the Year buzz for how well the Suns are playing. Devin Booker hasn't shot the ball well from 3 this season, but he did hit a big game-winner to beat the Thunder last week. Dillon Brooks is giving the team a defensive edge that keeps them in games. Collin Gillespie has emerged as a quality starter. The Suns are overachieving by playing hard and having fun on the floor.
11. Cleveland Cavaliers 21-17 (previous ranking: 7)
How many nights can Donovan Mitchell carry these guys? Darius Garland is getting better, but he still doesn't quite look like himself. Neither does Jarrett Allen. The Cavs need those two in order to look like the regular season juggernauts that they've been the past few years. De'Andre Hunter has also been a disappointment and is out of the starting lineup.
An underdiscussed subplot to the Cavs' fall is their weakened bench. Lonzo Ball doesn't look like an NBA player any more. The spark plug scoring from Ty Jerome and Caris LeVert are missed. They need Max Strus to come back and add some depth back to the roster.
Despite the struggles and mediocre play, we know that the Cavs are capable of hitting another gear. When they finally do get healthy, it's tough to count them out in the wide-open East.
12. Philadelphia 76ers 20-15 (previous ranking: 14)
Joel Embiid is starting to look more like his old self. He had his first dunk of the season recently and is beginning to attack more inside. Paul George's return to form has given this team a boost too. But it's been the emergence of Tyrese Maxey as a top 10 player and VJ Edgecombe as one of the best rookies in this class that has the Sixers becoming an interesting team. They are hitting on the higher end of preseason expectations.
MORE: SN's latest rookie rankings
13. Orlando Magic 21-17 (previous ranking: 16)
This team can't seem to stay healthy. Franz Wagner remains out, and Jalen Suggs has been in and out of the lineup with various ailments. They need Suggs, because Tyus Jones has been one of the most disappointing free agency signings as a backup point guard. They've been sliding, losing to bad teams like the Wizards and Bulls this month.
14. Miami Heat 20-17 (previous ranking: 15)
Tyler Herro is back in the lineup and should provide a boost to one of the league's most interesting iso-heavy offenses. Norman Powell has been a godsend, getting buckets with infinite confidence. It's been the league's No. 3 defense that has carried them this year though.
15. Toronto Raptors 23-15 (previous ranking: 10)
Toronto has cobbled together a gritty defensive group, ranking No. 5 on that end of the floor. Scottie Barnes is at an All-Defensive level, they have good size, they're aggressive, and they have some tough perimeter defenders like Jamal Shead that make life hell for ballhandlers.
The offense is mediocre, but they have some good individual talent with the midrange mastery of Brandon Ingram and bully ball drives from RJ Barrett. Sandro Mamukelashvili has been the best role player that nobody has heard of. There is some decent talent on this team.
16. Golden State Warriors 20-18 (previous ranking: 11)
The Warriors have been in a funk since their strong start to the season. Steph Curry can still bring it and Jimmy Butler has been fine as a second banana, but there's not much else for them to work with.
Draymond Green's offense has become a big problem. He's not much of a threat to score, and he's been way too erratic and turnover prone with his passing decisions.
They should be getting some more help once they trade Jonathan Kuminga, who becomes eligible to be moved on Jan. 15.
David Banks-Imagn Images
17. Milwaukee Bucks 16-21 (previous ranking: 13)
The Bucks have been a decent team with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the floor, who has played like an MVP when he's been healthy. He's been overtaxed though, and he's been in and out of the lineup.
They've gotten some nice success stories with guards Ryan Rollins and AJ Green, but there isn't enough talent around him to make a serious playoff run. Could a trade be coming down the pipeline?
18. Atlanta Hawks 18-21 (previous ranking: 12)
Much of the discussion around the Hawks centered on Trae Young's defensive shortcomings as the root of Atlanta's problems. But their defense had been in free-fall even in games where he hadn't played. They haven't been the same tenacious unit as earlier in the year.
Their offense also badly needed what Young provided, particularly in the halfcourt. Jalen Johnson is a great initiator and All-Star. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has taken a huge leap as a 20 point-per-game scorer. Onyeka Okongwu is one of the biggest success stories that nobody is talking about. Behind those guys though, there isn't much scoring talent unless Kristaps Porzingis makes one of his rare appearances in the lineup. CJ McCollum will help bring some more shot creation, and Corey Kispert will add some shooting on the wing.
MORE: Trade grades for the Trae Young trade
19. Memphis Grizzlies 16-21 (previous ranking: 23)
Ja Morant still hasn't played in seven consecutive games since Dec. 2, 2022. When he has been available, he hasn't looked like the same guy. Zach Edey's ankle injury has also made things tough.
There have been some positives keeping the Grizzlies afloat. Jaren Jackson Jr. Has done his best to lead the team. Santi Aldama has quietly had a nice year, Cedric Coward has been exciting, and Cam Spencer has emerged as a legitimate rotation player.
20. Los Angeles Clippers 13-23 (previous ranking: 21)
The Clippers have been playing much better as of late. Kawhi Leonard has turned back the clock this year, averaging 28 points per game. James Harden has added in another 26 per game. But the other veterans who were supposed to be the glue guys around those two haven't shown up. Brook Lopez and Bogdan Bogdanovic have given them almost nothing.
21. Portland Trail Blazers 18-20 (previous ranking: 20)
Deni Avdija is No. 7 in All-Star fan voting after the second round of returns. His solid two-way play should get him in the game as a reserve. Donovan Clingan has expanded his game nicely in Year Two, breaking out a 3-point shot to go along with his towering rim defense and league-leading 4.6 offensive rebounds per game.
This team needs a point guard though to start clicking on offense. Scoot Henderson still has yet to play as he recovers from a hamstring tear.
22. Chicago Bulls 17-20 (previous ranking: 17)
The Bulls have been a tough team to figure out. They started red-hot, then looked like one of the worst teams in the league through December. They broke out of that slump by winning eight of 11, then went back into another tailspin.
That losing should continue as Josh Giddey is out for an extended period with a hamstring injury. Their fast-paced offense doesn't function as well without him, and they need to outscore teams to win. The absence does give more opportunity to Matas Buzelis, who's having the best stretch of his season. He's giving Bulls fans something to look forward to with his improved shot creation and athletic finishes at the rim.
23. Dallas Mavericks 14-23 (previous ranking: 25)
The Mavs don't have enough playmaking or shooting to get out of this bottom tier of teams. They rank 29th in 3-pointers made. Anthony Davis' trade status has dominated their season, and they would be wise to get some more shooters if they do move him in order to make Cooper Flagg's life easier.
Max Christie has been the one exception. He hasn't gotten quite enough attention for the season he's having as a knockdown shooter and cutter.
Speaking of Flagg, his season has been up-and-down. He's starting to hit a rookie wall, but he has made up for some tough shooting nights with good assist numbers.
24. Utah Jazz 12-24 (previous ranking: 22)
The Jazz are a respectable team when Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George play together, getting outscored by 2.5 points per 100 possessions. They are a disaster when both sit, getting outscored by 14.6 points per 100 possessions. George has emerged as an elite NBA scorer, although his defense does need work. So does the team as a whole — they're by far the worst defense in the league over the past month.
25. Charlotte Hornets 13-24 (previous ranking: 24)
Don't underestimate the Hornets. They beat some quality teams in December, including the Raptors, Cavs, Magic, and a blowout win against the Thunder.
LaMelo Ball is starting to shoot the ball better, Brandon Miller is progressing well, and Kon Knueppel looks like a star in the making. They're a fun team that plays hard, but they need to defend better in order to get out of the bottom of the standings.
26. Washington Wizards 10-26 (previous ranking: 29)
The Wizards aren't quite as bad as their record suggests. They've won seven of their last 12 games, including impressive victories against the Raptors, Grizzlies, Bucks, and Magic. A team meeting in early December sparked more cohesive play, as did Cam Whitmore's demotion from the rotation. Bub Carrington has finally started shooting the ball well, Justin Champagnie is looking like one of the best value contracts in the league. Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr look like a good core to build around. All of their lives should get easier with the addition of Young, who gives them a badly-needed lead initiator.
27. Brooklyn Nets 11-23 (previous ranking: 30)
Jordi Fernandez has the Nets playing above their weight yet again. This was supposed to be the worst team in the league on paper, but they're feisty and defending well. They were the league's top defense in December. Michael Porter Jr. Looks too good to trade. He's been thriving as a lead option, and he's passing the ball better than he ever did in Denver.
28. New Orleans Pelicans 8-31 (previous ranking: 28)
It's been a season of streaks for the Pelicans. They started the year a miserable 3-22, shockingly rattled off five wins in a row, then followed that up with another nine consecutive losses.
It's not all bad for New Orleans. Trey Murphy looks like a player worth building around, as do their rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Herb Jones, another part of that core, needs to rediscover his 3-point stroke again.
29. Sacramento Kings 8-29 (previous ranking: 26)
The fit is horrible in Sacramento, and most of the roster is available for the right price. They're the league's worst offense despite having some talented individual scorers. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan continue to be efficient with their offense, but neither can defend. Domantas Sabonis will be out several more weeks with his knee injury. This is another lost season for the Kings.
30. Indiana Pacers 6-31 (previous ranking: 27)
Injuries have ravaged this Pacers roster, but they still shouldn't be quite this bad. The flurry of losses have been driven in part by the lack of development of young players like Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker, who were supposed to take a big step forward with more opportunity this year. They should have a quick recovery next season when Tyrese Haliburton comes back, but there's not much to take from this year.