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NBA Power Rankings Rankings Right Now: Week of January 26

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1. Oklahoma City Thunder (37-10)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Oklahoma City Thunder Are No. 1?
- Power Score: 83.06
- L10: 7-3 | Point Differential: +12.9 | Quality Win Bonus: +4.0
- Top Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.2 APG)
The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the class of the NBA, sitting comfortably at number one with a staggering +12.9 point differential. They have won seven of their last ten games, including a massive 32-point road victory over Cleveland. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues his MVP-caliber campaign, averaging 35.2 points over his previous five contests, while Chet Holmgren anchors a defense that suffocates opponents.
NBA Power Rankings: Week of January 26, 2026
The NBA season has reached a fever pitch as we head into late January. The hierarchy at the top of the Western Conference remains formidable, but the Eastern Conference is seeing a resurgence from historic franchises. Our power rankings formula, which weighs overall record, recent form, point differential, and quality wins, has produced some intriguing results this week.

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to set the standard for the league, boasting a dominant point differential that suggests they are in a tier of their own. However, the biggest story might be the Detroit Pistons, who have surged to the second spot behind a blend of elite defense and the return of key stars. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers prove that recent momentum matters more than season-long mediocrity, cracking the top ten despite a losing record thanks to a blistering run of form.

Here is how the league stacks up for the week of January 26, 2026.
30. Washington Wizards (10-34)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Washington Wizards Are No. 30?

Washington occupies the basement after losing nine consecutive games. The offense has sputtered, relying on young talents like Kyshawn George to carry the scoring load.
29. Brooklyn Nets (12-32)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Brooklyn Nets Are No. 29?

The Nets have lost four straight and nine of their last ten. Michael Porter Jr. is scoring 24.9 points per game, but the team lacks the depth to compete nightly.
28. New Orleans Pelicans (12-36)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the New Orleans Pelicans Are No. 28?

New Orleans has won just three of their last ten games. Trey Murphy is scoring well (22.2 PPG), but the team struggles to get stops, allowing over 121 points per game on the season.
27. Sacramento Kings (12-35)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Sacramento Kings Are No. 27?

The Kings are on a four-game losing streak and have the worst point differential in the league at -10.2. Despite solid production from DeMar DeRozan, the defense is nonexistent.
26. Utah Jazz (15-31)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Utah Jazz Are No. 26?

Utah has lost seven of its last ten and is playing without Lauri Markkanen, who remains likely out. Keyonte George has stepped up as the primary scorer, averaging 24.2 points per game.
25. Indiana Pacers (11-35)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Indiana Pacers Are No. 25?

It has been a rough season for Indiana, which sits at the bottom of the Central Division. Pascal Siakam is a bright spot, averaging 23.8 points, but the team gives up nearly 120 points per game.
24. Milwaukee Bucks (18-26)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Milwaukee Bucks Are No. 24?

The Bucks are struggling mightily, having lost four of their last five games. Giannis Antetokounmpo is out for a few weeks, which doesn't help this grim situation. Ryan Rollins has been the leading scorer recently, highlighting the offensive void the team is currently facing.
23. Memphis Grizzlies (18-25)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Memphis Grizzlies Are No. 23?

Memphis has lost seven of its last ten games, though the recent return of Ja Morant offers hope. Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to anchor the defense with 1.5 blocks per game.
22. Orlando Magic (23-21)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Orlando Magic Are No. 22?

The Magic have lost three straight and are struggling to find rhythm. While Franz Wagner recently returned, Paolo Banchero is carrying a heavy load with 21.1 points per game.
21. Charlotte Hornets (18-28)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Charlotte Hornets Are No. 21?

Charlotte has won two straight, with LaMelo Ball and rookie Kon Knueppel providing a potent offensive punch. They recently blew out the Lakers, showing flashes of high potential.
20. Atlanta Hawks (22-25)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Atlanta Hawks Are No. 20?

Jalen Johnson has exploded, averaging 23.2 points and 10.5 rebounds to lead the Hawks' offense. The Hawks have won two straight and are fighting to stay in the play-in conversation.
19. Dallas Mavericks (19-27)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Dallas Mavs Are No. 19?

The Mavericks are showing signs of life, winning six of their last ten games. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg is impressing with 18.8 points per game, and the recent return of PJ Washington strengthens their frontcourt.
18. Miami Heat (25-22)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Miami Heat Are No. 18?

Miami has won three of its last five, led by Norman Powell's 23.1 points per game. They are managing to stay competitive despite Tyler Herro being sidelined since mid-January.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (27-19)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Minnesota Timberwolves Are No. 17?

Minnesota is in a free fall, losing four straight games despite Anthony Edwards averaging 29.7 points. Their defense has slipped significantly, allowing nearly 118 points per game over their last five outings.
16. Philadelphia 76ers (24-20)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Philadelphia 76ers Are No. 16?

Tyrese Maxey is lighting up the scoreboard with 29.9 points per game, and Joel Embiid is dominating the paint. However, the Sixers are treading water with a 5-5 record in their last ten games and need to string together wins.
15. Los Angeles Lakers (27-17)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Los Angeles Lakers Are No. 15?

Luka Doncic is putting up MVP numbers (33.4 PPG, 8.7 APG), but the Lakers have struggled recently, going 4-6 in their last ten. The absence of Austin Reaves, who has been out since Christmas, is clearly affecting their consistency.
14. New York Knicks (27-18)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the New York Knicks Are No. 14?

The Knicks have won two straight but are just 4-6 in their last ten games. Jalen Brunson remains a star, averaging 27.9 points, while the return of Josh Hart adds grit and rebounding to the rotation.
13. Chicago Bulls (23-22)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Chicago Bulls Are No. 13?

Chicago is surging with a four-game winning streak and the recent return of Josh Giddey to the lineup. Nikola Vucevic continues to be a double-double machine, helping the Bulls secure impressive wins over Boston and Minnesota.
12. Golden State Warriors (26-21)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Golden State Warriors Are No. 12?

The Warriors are sliding, having lost two straight and four of their last ten. Stephen Curry is doing his part with 27.3 points per game, but the defense is leaking, allowing 121.8 points per game over their previous five contests.
11. Portland Trail Blazers (23-23)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Portland Trail Blazers Are No. 11?

Portland has won seven of its last ten games, fueled by the explosive scoring of Deni Avdija, who is averaging 26.0 points per game. They have logged four quality wins recently, proving they can compete with playoff-caliber teams.
10. Phoenix Suns (27-19)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Phoenix Suns Are No. 10?
- Power Score: 62.45
- L10: 6-4 | Point Differential: +2.4 | Quality Win Bonus: +3.0
- Top Player: Devin Booker (25.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.2 APG)
Phoenix rounds out the top ten, maintaining a solid pace in the Western Conference. Devin Booker is averaging 26.6 points over his last five games, guiding the offense efficiently. The recent return of Grayson Allen has provided much-needed spacing, helping the Suns secure three quality wins in their last 10 games, including victories over the Knicks and Sixers.
9. Los Angeles Clippers (21-24)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Los Angeles Clippers Are No. 9?
- Power Score: 63.17
- L10: 8-2 | Point Differential: -0.4 | Quality Win Bonus: +4.0
- Top Player: Kawhi Leonard (28.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.4 APG)
The Clippers are the hottest team in the league, not named Oklahoma City, winning eight of their last ten games to rocket up the power rankings. Despite an overall losing record, their recent form is undeniable, with quality wins over the Lakers and Raptors. Kawhi Leonard is playing at an elite level, and the recent return of Ivica Zubac has solidified their interior defense.
8. Boston Celtics (28-17)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Boston Celtics Are No. 8?
- Power Score: 65.89
- L10: 5-5 | Point Differential: +6.6 | Quality Win Bonus: +2.0
- Top Player: Jaylen Brown (29.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.9 APG)
Despite a mediocre 5-5 record over their last 10 games, the Celtics remain a threat thanks to their impressive +6.6 point differential. Jaylen Brown has been unstoppable, averaging 32.6 points in his previous five games, carrying the offense while the team searches for consistency. Boston needs to convert their statistical dominance into wins to climb back up the standings.
7. Toronto Raptors (29-19)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Toronto Raptors Are No. 7?
- Power Score: 68.03
- L10: 6-4 | Point Differential: +2.1 | Quality Win Bonus: +3.0
- Top Player: Brandon Ingram (21.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.8 APG)
Toronto is heating up at the right time, riding a three-game winning streak that includes a blowout victory over Golden State. Brandon Ingram leads a balanced attack, while Scottie Barnes fills the stat sheet with 19.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. The recent return of RJ Barrett adds another scoring punch to a lineup that is finding its rhythm offensively.
6. Houston Rockets (27-16)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Houston Rockets Are No. 6?
- Power Score: 68.68
- L10: 5-5 | Point Differential: +6.1 | Quality Win Bonus: +4.0
- Top Player: Kevin Durant (26.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.6 APG)
The Rockets hold steady with a substantial +6.1 point differential, indicating they are better than their recent 5-5 stretch suggests. Kevin Durant remains a lethal scorer, averaging 28.6 points over his last five games, while Alperen Sengun dominates the interior with 21.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per night. Houston has proven it can beat elite competition, logging recent wins over Detroit and Minnesota.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (27-20)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Cleveland Cavs Thunder Are No. 5?
- Power Score: 71.03
- L10: 7-3 | Point Differential: +2.2 | Quality Win Bonus: +4.0
- Top Player: Donovan Mitchell (29.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.8 APG)
Cleveland enters the top five riding a three-game winning streak and a strong 7-3 record in their last ten outings. Donovan Mitchell continues to be an offensive force, though the team is currently navigating the absence of Darius Garland, who hasn't played since mid-January. Evan Mobley has stepped up defensively, averaging 2.0 blocks per game, helping the Cavaliers secure four quality wins in recent weeks.
4. Denver Nuggets (31-15)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Denver Nuggets Are No. 4?
- Power Score: 71.83
- L10: 7-3 | Point Differential: +4.5 | Quality Win Bonus: +1.0
- Top Player: Nikola Jokic (29.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 11.0 APG)
The Nuggets remain a top-four team despite navigating a difficult stretch without Nikola Jokic, who has been sidelined since late December. In his absence, Jamal Murray has been spectacular, averaging 28.6 points over his last five games to keep the offense afloat. With Aaron Gordon recently returning to the lineup after a long absence, Denver is managing to tread water and maintain a winning trajectory until their MVP returns.
3. San Antonio Spurs (31-15)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the San Antonio Spurs Are No. 3?

Power Score: 73.65

L10: 6-4 | Point Differential: +5.0 | Quality Win Bonus: +3.0

Top Player: Victor Wembanyama (24.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG)

San Antonio climbs to the third spot on the strength of a solid +5.0 point differential and quality wins against Minnesota and the Lakers. Victor Wembanyama continues his All-Star campaign, dominating on both ends of the floor with elite shot-blocking and scoring. Sophomore Stephon Castle has been a revelation, averaging 7.0 assists per game. The Spurs are playing cohesive basketball, winning four of their last five games and scoring 120.0 points per game during that stretch.
2. Detroit Pistons (33-11)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Detroit Pistons Are No. 2?
- Power Score: 82.15
- L10: 7-3 | Point Differential: +7.3 | Quality Win Bonus: +5.0
- Top Player: Cade Cunningham (25.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 9.7 APG)
Detroit has firmly established itself as a title contender, boasting five quality wins in its last ten games, including victories over Boston and Phoenix. The return of Cade Cunningham has been seamless; although his shooting efficiency has dipped slightly since coming back, his playmaking remains elite. With Jalen Duren also recently returning to the lineup to control the glass, the Pistons have the depth and star power to challenge anyone.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (37-10)
NBA Power Rankings: Why the Oklahoma City Thunder Are No. 1?
- Power Score: 83.06
- L10: 7-3 | Point Differential: +12.9 | Quality Win Bonus: +4.0
- Top Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.2 APG)
The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the class of the NBA, sitting comfortably at number one with a staggering +12.9 point differential. They have won seven of their last ten games, including a massive 32-point road victory over Cleveland. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues his MVP-caliber campaign, averaging 35.2 points over his previous five contests, while Chet Holmgren anchors a defense that suffocates opponents.
NBA Power Rankings: Week of January 26, 2026
The NBA season has reached a fever pitch as we head into late January. The hierarchy at the top of the Western Conference remains formidable, but the Eastern Conference is seeing a resurgence from historic franchises. Our power rankings formula, which weighs overall record, recent form, point differential, and quality wins, has produced some intriguing results this week.

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to set the standard for the league, boasting a dominant point differential that suggests they are in a tier of their own. However, the biggest story might be the Detroit Pistons, who have surged to the second spot behind a blend of elite defense and the return of key stars. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers prove that recent momentum matters more than season-long mediocrity, cracking the top ten despite a losing record thanks to a blistering run of form.

Here is how the league stacks up for the week of January 26, 2026.