NBA Standings 2025: Top Teams, Bottom Performers, and Updated Play-In Tournament Picture
The 2025 NBA season has been one for the history books, with unexpected twists, breakout stars, and intense competition shaping the standings. As the regular season nears its conclusion, fans are eagerly keeping an eye on the league’s best and worst records, as well as the all-important Play-In Tournament standings. Here’s a breakdown of the season so far and what’s at stake as teams fight for playoff glory.
Top Teams Dominating the League
As of late January 2025, the league’s elite teams have separated themselves from the pack. Leading the charge are the Denver Nuggets, who have been relentless in their pursuit of a repeat championship. Behind the stellar play of reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokić and rising star Jamal Murray, the Nuggets boast the best record in the league at 38-10. Their balanced offense and unselfish ball movement make them a formidable opponent on any given night.
Close on their heels in the Eastern Conference are the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have surged to a 36-12 record, showcasing one of the league’s most potent offenses. Meanwhile, the Bucks have been powered by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose all-around dominance has propelled them to a 35-13 record.
Other top-performing teams include the Phoenix Suns, who have fully embraced their new Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, and the Philadelphia 76ers, who are thriving under new head coach Nick Nurse with Joel Embiid putting up another MVP-caliber season.
Bottom Performers: Teams Struggling to Find Their Footing
On the flip side, some teams have endured tough seasons, with rebuilding efforts and injuries taking their toll. The San Antonio Spurs, despite the promise of rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with a record of 12-35. While Wembanyama has shown flashes of brilliance, the team’s inexperience has been evident against stronger competition.
In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons continue to struggle, posting a league-worst 10-38 record. Even with Cade Cunningham healthy and producing at a high level, the Pistons have been unable to string together wins. Defensive lapses and a lack of veteran leadership have hindered their progress.
Play-In Tournament Picture: Who’s on the Bubble?
The NBA’s Play-In Tournament, introduced in 2020, has added an extra layer of excitement to the season. Teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference battle for the final playoff spots, creating high-stakes games ahead of the traditional playoffs.
In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers currently occupy the 7th and 8th seeds, respectively. Both teams have faced adversity this season, with the Warriors navigating injuries to key players and the Lakers relying on the aging duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans are clinging to the final two spots but face pressure from the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings, who remain within striking distance.
In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks are holding on to the 7th and 8th seeds, while the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets round out the top 10. The Heat, bolstered by Jimmy Butler’s late-game heroics, seem poised for a strong finish, but the young and energetic Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton, could play spoiler.
What’s at Stake?
With only a few weeks left in the regular season, every game counts. For top teams, securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs is a primary goal. For those on the bubble, the Play-In Tournament offers a second chance, but it’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario that no team wants to face if avoidable.
As fans watch the drama unfold, one thing is certain: the 2025 NBA season continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and the fight for playoff glory is just heating up. Stay tuned as the race intensifies and the road to the Finals becomes clearer.
