NBA power rankings: Surging Rockets face sliding Celtics, Grizzlies longest win streak

Posted by author January 26, 2025 NBA

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The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t won since Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Memphis Grizzlies are rolling and the Los Angeles Lakers took it to the defending NBA champions.

Here’s The Arizona Republic’s latest NBA power rankings with movement in the top 10.

Keep resting in Power, Kobe Bean Bryant.

You’ll never be forgotten.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (36-8)

Last week: No. 1 in rankings.

The Thunder split their four games since beating Cleveland in a rematch of the league’s top two teams. They’ll likely get back on track Sunday at Portland after a rare home loss to Dallas in the second of a back-to-back. OKC is 20-3 at home.

2(T). Cleveland Cavaliers (36-9)

Last week: No. 2 in rankings.

The Cavs have dropped three straight games since defeating Phoenix, 118-92, on MLK Day. Two of those losses came against the Houston Rockets. The Cavs allowed 132 points in falling to Philadelphia and 135 in their second setback against the Rockets. Can’t outscore everybody.

2(T). Houston Rockets (30-14)

Last week: No. 3 in rankings.

The Rockets could have jumped the Cavs in the rankings considering they beat them twice last week, but that loss to Detroit is a bad look. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun are Houston’s 1-2 punch, but Amen Thompson is a talent. He went for 23 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, two blocks and a steal in 41 minutes of Houston’s 135-131 victory Saturday at Cleveland.

4. Memphis Grizzlies (31-15)

Last week: No. 5 in rankings.

The Grizzlies are averaging 128.8 points in their six-game winning streak as they’re coming off a 125-103 triumph over Utah. Jaren Jackson Jr. has led Memphis in scoring in three of those six wins. Memphis takes its show on the road Monday against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Oh, that should be fun.

5. Boston Celtics (32-14)

Last week: No. 4 in rankings.

They have the NBA’s best starting five with Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup. All five starters scored between 17 and 23 points in Saturday’s win over Dallas. Still jacking up 3s with 52 attempts against the Mavs (made 20). Huge rematch on Monday against Houston. Took the Rockets down, 109-86, on Jan. 3 in Houston. Championship measuring stick matchup for the Rockets.

Teams 6-10

New York Knicks (30-16) – Started a five-game homestand with a 143-120 beatdown of Sacramento. Up next? Ja Morant and the Grizzlies.

Denver Nuggets (28-17) – Minnesota snapped its five-game win streak, but the Nuggets are 8-2 in their last 10 games.

Los Angeles Lakers (25-18) – Huge win over the defending NBA champion Celtics. Anthony Davis is averaging 29.6 points and 12.3 rebounds during their three-game win streak.

Los Angeles Clippers (26-19) – Don’t think James Harden can still get major buckets? He put up 40 in Saturday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks (25-18) – They’re 8-2 in their last 10 games. Milwaukee continues its four-game road trip Monday at Utah.

Dropped out 6-10 – Indiana Pacers (25-20).

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

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