[ESPN] NBA实力榜：骑士与76人坚守竞争者行列

阿拉莫议事厅
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By NBA insiders | ESPN, 2025-12-17 20:00:00

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第三届NBA杯已于昨晚落下帷幕，纽约尼克斯队在拉斯维加斯击败圣安东尼奥马刺队，捧起锦标赛奖杯并领取了现金奖励。

现在，随着2025年接近尾声，常规赛将继续进行，赛季后半程的角逐也将愈发激烈。

在东部，底特律活塞队正值一波四连胜，在伤病满营的东部联盟中继续保持统治地位。然而，从现在到新年期间，预计形势将发生很大变化，因为多伦多猛龙队、波士顿凯尔特人队、奥兰多魔术队和费城76人队彼此之间仅有一个胜场的差距。

在西部，俄克拉荷马城雷霆队在NBA杯半决赛中输给马刺队，遭遇本赛季第二场失利，但他们仍以4.5个胜场的优势领先第二名的丹佛掘金队，牢牢占据联盟榜首。同时，西部附加赛区的争夺也值得关注，犹他爵士队和孟菲斯灰熊队在年终岁末之际，已悄然重返竞争行列。

在本周的实力榜中，我们的NBA内部专家们对全部30支球队进行了分析和排名，带你一览各队在假日季节来临前的实力定位。

注：球队排名基于我们的专家团（ESPN的Anthony Slater、Dave McMenamin、Jamal Collier、Kevin Pelton、Michael C. Wright、Ohm Youngmisuk、Tim Bontemps、Tim MacMahon、Vincent Goodwill和Zach Kram）对各支球队本赛季的实力定位。

往期排名: 季前赛 | 10月29日 | 11月5日 | 11月12日 | 11月19日 | 11月26日 | 12月3日 | 12月10日

跳转至球队:
老鹰 | 凯尔特人 | 篮网 | 黄蜂 | 公牛 | 骑士
独行侠 | 掘金 | 活塞 | 勇士 | 火箭 | 步行者
快船 | 湖人 | 灰熊 | 热火 | 雄鹿 | 森林狼
鹈鹕 | 尼克斯 | 雷霆 | 魔术 | 76人 | 太阳
开拓者 | 国王 | 马刺 | 猛龙 | 爵士 | 奇才

1. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 24胜2负
  • 上期排名: 1
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵快船，12月19日客战森林狼，12月22日对阵灰熊，12月23日客战马刺

在雷霆队最近的一波16连胜期间，人们有理由相信他们有机会一举拿下NBA三冠王——NBA杯冠军、常规赛胜场纪录和NBA总冠军。然而，马刺队在拉斯维加斯终结了这一可能，提醒了全联盟：尽管雷霆仍是夺冠最大热门，但他们并非不可战胜。俄克拉荷马城是一支三分手感起伏不定的球队，在半决赛输给圣安东尼奥的比赛中，他们三分球37投仅9中。但对联盟来说，这个时机恰到好处。下周雷霆将两度与马刺再次交手，其中一场还是在俄克拉荷马城上演的圣诞大战。– Anthony Slater

2. 底特律活塞

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 21胜5负
  • 上期排名: 3
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战独行侠，12月20日对阵黄蜂，12月22日客战开拓者，12月23日客战国王

“坏小子军团”距离追平队史最佳开局——2005-06赛季创造的22胜3负的战绩——仅差一场胜利。在周一晚客场对阵凯尔特人队的比赛中，凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham) 在最后12分钟独得32分中的9分，率领底特律队完成逆转。此外，他也正悄然为自己的履历添上“顶级防守者”的标签——截至周一晚，当他作为主要防守者时，对手的投篮命中率不足41%，在至少防守300次投篮的球员中高居联盟第一。有他和以赛亚·斯图尔特 (Isaiah Stewart) 坐镇后防线，活塞队的防守效率能排在联盟第二也就不足为奇了。– Vincent Goodwill

3. 丹佛掘金

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 19胜6负
  • 上期排名: 2
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵魔术，12月20日对阵火箭，12月22日对阵爵士，12月23日客战独行侠

掘金队的明星球员们正打出个人生涯最佳的赛季数据。三届MVP得主尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic) 连续第二个赛季场均三双，并在得分（场均29.8分）、助攻（联盟第一的10.8次）和有效命中率（.676）上创下生涯新高。贾马尔·穆雷 (Jamal Murray) 则正向着他的首次全明星之旅发起有力冲击，场均得分（24.9分）、投篮命中率（.501）、三分命中率（.447）、篮板（4.4个）和助攻（6.8次）均创生涯新高。丹佛队拥有NBA历史上最高效的进攻，每百回合得到124.4分，而当约基奇和穆雷同时在场时，这一数据更是飙升至129.0分。– Tim MacMahon

4. 圣安东尼奥马刺

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 18胜7负
  • 上期排名: 8
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵奇才，12月19日客战老鹰，12月21日客战奇才，12月23日对阵雷霆

尽管在NBA杯决赛中输给了尼克斯，但在维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 缺阵期间取得9胜3负的战绩后，马刺队信心倍增。现在文班亚马回归阵中，他们对球队的前景更加乐观。文班亚马是圣安东尼奥大部分新闻的焦点，但由后卫德阿隆·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox)、斯蒂芬·卡斯尔和新秀迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper) 组成的后场三人组已被证明是所有对手的难题。– Michael C. 莱特

5. 休斯顿火箭

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 16胜7负
  • 上期排名: 4
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战鹈鹕，12月20日客战掘金，12月21日客战国王，12月23日客战快船

在周一客场不敌丹佛的比赛中，阿尔佩伦·申京 (Alperen Sengun) 成为队史第五位拿下30+三双的球员，加入了詹姆斯·哈登 (James Harden)、哈基姆·奥拉朱旺 (Hakeem Olajuwon)、拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook) 和小凯文·波特 (Kevin Porter Jr.) 的行列。接下来需要关注火箭队在关键时刻比赛中的表现。他们本赛季的七场失利中，有六场都输在了关键时刻。– 莱特

6. 纽约尼克斯

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 18胜7负
  • 上期排名: 5
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战步行者，12月19日对阵76人，12月21日对阵热火，12月23日客战森林狼

尼克斯回来了吗？嗯，他们已经稳居东部前三，一路杀入NBA杯决赛，并在一场不计入常规赛战绩的比赛中击败马刺队，捧起了锦标赛奖杯。但显而易见的是他们在防守端的进步——最值得注意的是，卡尔-安东尼·唐斯 (Karl-Anthony Towns) 作为护筐手表现出色。在半决赛战胜奥兰多魔术的比赛中，他赢得了“单场最佳防守球员”——这是尼克斯队的一项传统。“我认为他把这项挑战看作是个人的事，”约什·哈特 (Josh Hart) 谈到唐斯时说，“我认为他护筐的效率非常高。过去四五场比赛，他真的扛起了这个挑战。他一直是我们防守的关键。”– Goodwill

7. 洛杉矶湖人

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 18胜7负
  • 上期排名: 6
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战爵士，12月20日客战快船，12月23日客战太阳

湖人队在NBA杯四分之一决赛中以119-132不敌圣安东尼奥马刺队，这场失利给他们漏洞百出的防守敲响了一记警钟。主教练JJ·雷迪克 (JJ Redick) 意识到需要做出改变，在下一场比赛中重新将贾里德·范德比尔特 (Jarred Vanderbilt) 纳入轮换阵容，而后者也用7个篮板、2次抢断和1次盖帽作为回应。更不用说，在周日战胜菲尼克斯太阳的比赛中，范德比尔特还额外命中了一记底角三分。– Dave McMenamin

8. 奥兰多魔术

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 15胜11负
  • 上期排名: 10
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战掘金，12月20日客战爵士，12月22日客战勇士，12月23日客战开拓者

本赛季魔术队饱受伤病困扰，但幸运的是，保罗·班凯罗 (Paolo Banchero)、弗朗茨·瓦格纳 (Franz Wagner) 和杰伦·萨格斯 (Jalen Suggs) 的伤势都不算严重。在得知萨格斯的核磁共振结果显示为左臀挫伤且无结构性损伤后，奥兰多得到了积极的消息。萨格斯自去年三月接受膝盖关节镜手术后，状态正逐渐回暖。在对阵尼克斯的NBA杯半决赛中，他上半场就砍下26分中的25分——这是他过去五场比赛中第四次得分上20。在萨格斯缺阵期间，德斯蒙德·贝恩 (Desmond Bane) 和安东尼·布莱克 (Anthony Black) 可以负责持球，泰厄斯·琼斯 (Tyus Jones) 的上场时间或许也会增加，但萨格斯的缺席也可能为首轮秀杰斯·理查德森 (Jase Richardson) 打开一些机会，后者在对阵尼克斯的比赛中8分钟内得到9分。– Ohm Youngmisuk

9. 明尼苏达森林狼

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 17胜9负
  • 上期排名: 9
  • 未来赛程: 12月17日对阵灰熊，12月19日对阵雷霆，12月21日对阵雄鹿，12月23日对阵尼克斯

过去几天，明尼苏达在没有安东尼·爱德华兹 (Anthony Edwards) 的情况下赢下了几场比赛，但他们在对阵顶级强队时的表现依然令人担忧——尤其是在目前西部顶尖球队实力如此强劲的情况下。本赛季，森林狼在对阵胜率五成及以上球队时仅取得2胜8负的战绩，在此类对决中，只有孟菲斯灰熊和新奥尔良鹈鹕在西部球队中的胜场数比他们更少。– Tim Bontemps

10. 波士顿凯尔特人

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 15胜11负
  • 上期排名: 7
  • 未来赛程: 12月19日对阵热火，12月20日客战猛龙，12月22日对阵步行者

尽管凯尔特人近来状态有所下滑，包括周一主场输给底特律，但杰伦·布朗 (Jaylen Brown) 的赛季表现依旧出色，场均得分（29.3分）、篮板（6.2个）、助攻（4.9次）和投篮命中率（50%）均创下生涯新高。在杰森·塔图姆 (Jayson Tatum) 因跟腱撕裂持续缺阵，以及克里斯塔普斯·波尔津吉斯 (Kristaps Porzingis)、朱·霍勒迪 (Jrue Holiday)、艾尔·霍福德 (Al Horford) 和卢克·科内特 (Luke Kornet) 在波士顿繁忙的休赛期后均已离队的情况下，他正承担起更重的进攻责任，引领着凯尔特人队前行。– Bontemps

11. 费城76人

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 14胜11负
  • 上期排名: 16
  • 未来赛程: 12月19日客战尼克斯，12月20日对阵独行侠，12月23日对阵篮网

虽然费城队因泰瑞斯·马克西 (Tyrese Maxey) 生病在过去两场比赛中缺少了他，但他们在周五战胜印第安纳步行者的比赛中迎来了乔尔·恩比德 (Joel Embiid) 爆砍39分的表现，以及周日不敌亚特兰大老鹰的比赛中保罗·乔治 (Paul George) 得到的35分。76人队现在是、未来也仍将是马克西的球队。但如果恩比德和乔治能够作为二三当家持续稳定地贡献输出，费城在东部的上限将会更高一些。– Bontemps

12. 迈阿密热火

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 14胜12负
  • 上期排名: 11
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战篮网，12月19日客战凯尔特人，12月21日客战尼克斯，12月23日对阵猛龙

泰勒·希罗 (Tyler Herro) 在过去四场比赛中缺席了三场，热火队曾经风驰电掣的进攻陷入了停滞，主教练埃里克·斯波尔斯特拉 (Erik Spoelstra) 现在面临着在周四客场对阵布鲁克林篮网时终结五连败的艰巨任务。在这波连败期间，迈阿密队的进攻场均仅得到105.6分，并在周一输给多伦多猛龙的比赛中创下赛季新低的96分。客场对阵篮网的比赛将开启一段艰难的赛程，迈阿密接下来的五场比赛中有四场是客场，对手包括波士顿、纽约和亚特兰大。– Youngmisuk

13. 多伦多猛龙

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 16胜11负
  • 上期排名: 12
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战雄鹿，12月20日对阵凯尔特人，12月21日客战篮网，12月23日客战热火

由于NBA杯的赛程安排，猛龙队在过去一周只打了一场比赛，但他们击败热火队，取得了一场关键胜利，止住了四连败的颓势。不过对多伦多来说，最重要的进展莫过于RJ·巴雷特 (RJ Barrett) 即将开始“回归赛场的训练活动”的消息。在他因膝伤倒下前，猛龙队的战绩是12胜5负，而在他缺阵期间，球队战绩仅为4胜6负。– Zach Kram

14. 克利夫兰骑士

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 15胜12负
  • 上期排名: 13
  • 未来赛程: 12月17日客战公牛，12月19日对阵公牛，12月22日对阵黄蜂，12月23日对阵鹈鹕

多诺万·米切尔 (Donovan Mitchell) 在周日输给夏洛特黄蜂后完美总结了骑士队近期的挣扎表现：“要我我也会嘘我们。”克利夫兰上赛季开局取得15胜0负的战绩，并轻松锁定东部头号种子，这大大提高了人们的期望，但本赛季的球队至今一直受到伤病和状态不稳的困扰。骑士队在过去七场比赛中胜负交替，目前排名已跌出东部前六。本周他们将有机会扭转颓势，对手分别是公牛（两次）、黄蜂和鹈鹕。– Jamal Collier

15. 菲尼克斯太阳

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 14胜12负
  • 上期排名: 14
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵勇士，12月20日客战勇士，12月23日对阵湖人

一份精美的礼物正在圣诞节后等待着太阳队：他们将连续两次对阵鹈鹕，之后再战奇才。但在那之前，他们必须先应对连续三场与西部对手的较量——两战勇士，再战湖人。对太阳队而言，好消息是？德文·布克 (Devin Booker) 在因腹股沟拉伤缺席三场比赛后，已经重返阵容。– McMenamin

16. 亚特兰大老鹰

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 15胜12负
  • 上期排名: 17
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战黄蜂，12月19日对阵马刺，12月21日对阵公牛，12月23日对阵公牛

克里斯塔普斯·波尔津吉斯将至少再缺席两周，这让本就身材偏矮的亚特兰大前场雪上加霜。但至少老鹰队明确了这位中锋的缺阵时间，而不是每隔一场比赛就要猜测他是否能上场。特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 于周二被下放到大学公园天鹰队，以在他临近复出时获得更多训练时间。在他回归之前，杰伦·约翰逊 (Jalen Johnson) 将继续向明星球员蜕变。约翰逊将在周四客场对阵夏洛特的比赛中，冲击个人连续第五场三双。– Youngmisuk

17. 金州勇士

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 13胜14负
  • 上期排名: 15
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战太阳，12月20日对阵太阳，12月22日对阵魔术

上周末，斯蒂芬·库里 (Stephen Curry) 成为NBA历史上首位在输球的比赛中投进12记三分球的球员。这种“库里个人伟大与团队失败并存”的局面，总会在勇士队内部掀起一阵紧张的波澜。这次也不例外。史蒂夫·科尔 (Steve Kerr) 对自己的执教工作进行了自我批评，德雷蒙德·格林 (Draymond Green) 为自己的失误揽责，外界也出现了要求吉米·巴特勒三世 (Jimmy Butler III) 打得更具侵略性的呼声。勇士队老板乔·拉科布 (Joe Lacob) 甚至给一位球迷回了一封表达沮丧之情的邮件，而这封邮件被公之于众，并登上了当地新闻头条。“我们都感到很沮丧，”科尔说。– Slater

18. 孟菲斯灰熊

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 12胜14负
  • 上期排名: 18
  • 未来赛程: 12月17日客战森林狼，12月20日对阵奇才，12月22日客战雷霆，12月23日客战爵士

随着球队开始适应主教练图奥马斯·伊萨洛 (Tuomas Iisalo) 的战术理念，灰熊队在过去八场比赛中赢下了六场。然而，在因右小腿拉伤缺席10场比赛后仅仅三天，明星后卫贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 在周一战胜快船的第四节中，于球队领先23分时扭伤右脚踝，一瘸一拐地离场。– 莱特

19. 达拉斯独行侠

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 10胜17负
  • 上期排名: 19
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵活塞，12月18日客战76人，12月22日客战鹈鹕，12月23日对阵掘金

自感恩节以来，库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg) 先后在对阵快船和爵士的比赛中，成为NBA历史上单场送出两位数助攻、得到35分以及得到40分的最年轻球员。即将于周日年满19岁的弗拉格，在这八场比赛中场均贡献24.1分、6.0个篮板和4.5次助攻，投篮命中率高达53.7%，而这恰好与落选秀控卫瑞安·内姆哈德 (Ryan Nembhard) 进入独行侠首发阵容的时间相吻合。自从主教练杰森·基德 (Jason Kidd) 在本赛季早些时候叫停了让这位年轻人出任首发控卫的试验后，弗拉格在19场比赛里场均得到20.2分，投篮命中率为50.8%。– MacMahon

20. 波特兰开拓者

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 10胜16负
  • 上期排名: 20
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵国王，12月20日客战国王，12月22日对阵活塞，12月23日对阵魔术

勇士队绝不想在赛季末的附加赛中碰到开拓者。在周日开拓者以136-131取胜的比赛中，他们顶住了斯蒂芬·库里命中12记三分球、独砍48分的冲击，凭借杰拉米·格兰特 (Jerami Grant) 和谢登·夏普 (Shaedon Sharpe) 各得35分的表现，将本赛季对金州勇士的战绩提升至3胜0负。在客场之旅的最后三场比赛遭遇连败后，开拓者急需一场胜利，而中锋多诺万·克林根 (Donovan Clingan)（缺席了全部三场比赛）和罗伯特·威廉姆斯三世 (Robert Williams III) 的回归给他们的内线增加了高度，使球队受益匪浅。尽管如此，波特兰仍需要朱·霍勒迪回归阵容，才能稳定地击败勇士以外的球队。– Kevin Pelton

21. 密尔沃基雄鹿

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 11胜16负
  • 上期排名: 21
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵猛龙，12月21日客战森林狼，12月23日客战步行者

多名雄鹿球员和主教练道格·里弗斯 (Doc Rivers) 都承认，球队正处于一个关键时期，他们试图在扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 从小腿拉伤中恢复期间，努力维持战绩，甚至争取摆脱东部附加赛区垫底的局面。然而，密尔沃基在过去四场比赛中输掉了三场，包括上周日以45分之差惨败给篮网。在周四主场迎战多伦多后，雄鹿队将开启一波五连客之旅，赛程将持续到本月最后一天，届时，关于阿德托昆博交易的重大决定也将迫在眉睫。– Collier

22. 夏洛特黄蜂

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 8胜18负
  • 上期排名: 24
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵老鹰，12月20日客战活塞，12月22日客战骑士，12月23日对阵奇才

周日在克利夫兰通过加时赛取胜——黄蜂在加时赛中零封了骑士队——这让他们在本赛季拉梅洛·鲍尔 (LaMelo Ball) 缺阵的情况下取得的胜场数，已经追平了2024-25整个赛季（3场）——而且少用了25场比赛。在鲍尔缺席的10场比赛中，夏洛特.300的胜率与他出场时球队.312的胜率（5胜7负）几乎相同，这证明了黄蜂队在三名新秀进入首发阵容后深度的提升。特别是康·克努佩尔 (Kon Knueppel)，他在鲍尔缺阵时表现抢眼，这10场比赛场均得到22.1分，而与鲍尔并肩作战时为17.1分。– Pelton

23. 犹他爵士

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 10胜15负
  • 上期排名: 23
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵湖人，12月20日对阵魔术，12月22日客战掘金，12月23日对阵灰熊

劳里·马尔卡宁 (Lauri Markkanen) 和基昂特·乔治 (Keyonte George) 正悄然崛起为联盟中最具活力的进攻二人组之一，场均合砍51.3分。在周一战胜独行侠的比赛中，他们两人均得到30分，这是本赛季第三次出现这种情况。根据ESPN Research的数据，这追平了湖人队的卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic) 和奥斯汀·里夫斯 (Austin Reaves)，并列本赛季队友同场双双砍下30+次数最多的组合。乔治在爵士队过去的两场比赛中打出了职业生涯得分最高的两场表现，继客场战胜灰熊队时创下生涯新高的39分后，又在对阵独行侠时砍下37分。– MacMahon

24. 布鲁克林篮网

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 7胜18负
  • 上期排名: 28
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵热火，12月21日对阵猛龙，12月23日客战76人

篮网队正显示出进步的迹象，在过去五场比赛中取得了三场胜利。他们最酣畅淋漓的一场胜利，莫过于以45分的优势痛击缺少了扬尼斯的雄鹿队。尽管样本量较小，但数据证明了这一点：十月份，他们让对手的三分命中率达到45%。而本月，这一数字已降至34%。更棒的是，他们自己的三分命中率达到了40%——这看起来是一种低调的实力体现。小迈克尔·波特 (Michael Porter Jr.) 在十二月开启了得分狂潮——场均34.3分，投篮命中率56%，三分命中率54%。– Goodwill

25. 芝加哥公牛

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 10胜15负
  • 上期排名: 22
  • 未来赛程: 12月17日对阵骑士，12月19日客战骑士，12月21日客战老鹰，12月23日客战老鹰

联盟中没有哪支球队当下的表现比芝加哥更差了。尽管过去九场比赛中有八场的对手胜率不足五成，但公牛队还是输掉了其中的八场。自打出5胜0负的开局以来，公牛队仅取得5胜15负的战绩，他们-5.3的净效率值是联盟第六差。公牛队的赛程即将变得更加艰难，他们将先是背靠背对阵骑士，然后连续客场挑战老鹰。– Collier

26. 新奥尔良鹈鹕

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 5胜22负
  • 上期排名: 30
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵火箭，12月20日对阵步行者，12月22日对阵独行侠，12月23日客战骑士

本赛季鹈鹕队第二次取得连胜，这段表现回暖的时期与球队伤员的陆续回归不无关系。赫伯特·琼斯 (Herbert Jones) 已经首发了过去三场比赛，乔丹·普尔 (Jordan Poole) 出战了过去两场，新奥尔良还在周日迎回了以替补身份出战的锡安·威廉姆森 (Zion Williamson)——这是他职业生涯首次替补出场。尽管随着上场时间限制的增加，威廉姆森肯定会回到首发，但鹈鹕队在该位置上的萨迪克·贝 (Saddiq Bey) 表现强劲，在他从前十字韧带撕裂中回归后，场均能得到14.2分和6.2个篮板。– Pelton

27. 洛杉矶快船

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 6胜20负
  • 上期排名: 25
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战雷霆，12月20日对阵湖人，12月23日对阵火箭

快船队在过去10场比赛中输掉了9场，而接下来的赛程对他们也毫不友好。他们未来五场比赛的对手包括三支西部前五的球队（客场对阵俄克拉荷马城、主场对阵湖人和休斯顿）。此外，他们还要面对东部第一的球队（底特律），以及另一场客战波特兰的比赛。– McMenamin

28. 印第安纳步行者

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 6胜20负
  • 上期排名: 27
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日对阵尼克斯，12月20日客战鹈鹕，12月22日客战凯尔特人，12月23日对阵雄鹿

在经历了一段短暂的高光期后，步行者队再次陷入连败，而在以19分之差输给实力平平的奇才队后，情况也不会变得轻松。在接下来的三周内，印第安纳将对阵尼克斯、凯尔特人（两次）、骑士、魔术（两次）、火箭和马刺——这些球队的净效率值都排在联盟前十。– Kram

29. 萨克拉门托国王

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 6胜20负
  • 上期排名: 26
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战开拓者，12月20日对阵开拓者，12月21日对阵火箭，12月23日对阵活塞

在NBA杯决赛中，迈克·布朗 (Mike Brown) 执教他的尼克斯队，击败了由德阿隆·福克斯首发控卫的马刺队。对于许多萨克拉门托球迷来说，这一幕令人不忍直视，因为去年的这个时候，布朗还是国王队的主教练，而福克斯则是他们的建队基石控卫。解雇布朗以及匆忙用福克斯交易来扎克·拉文 (Zach LaVine) 的操作，已被证明是双重恐慌之举，这在一定程度上将国王队推向了6胜20负的深渊，且短期内希望渺茫。– Slater

30. 华盛顿奇才

  • 2025-26赛季战绩: 4胜20负
  • 上期排名: 29
  • 未来赛程: 12月18日客战马刺，12月20日客战灰熊，12月21日对阵马刺，12月23日客战黄蜂

虽然算不上什么了不起的成就，但这过去的一周已是奇才队本赛季最成功的一周了。他们险些击败骑士队，直到多诺万·米切尔在最后时刻的爆发才扼杀了爆冷的可能；随后他们以108-89大胜步行者队。这是本赛季华盛顿联盟垫底的防守首次将对手得分限制在107分以下。– Kram

由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。

点击查看原文：NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers and 76ers cling onto contention

NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers and 76ers cling onto contention

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The third-annual NBA Cup concluded last night with the New York Knicks claiming the tournament trophy over the San Antonio Spurs and collecting their cash prize in Las Vegas.

Now, the regular season carries on as we reach the end of 2025 and ramp up play toward the back half of the season.

In the East, the Detroit Pistons continue their dominance over an injury-riddled conference, riding a four-game winning streak. However, expect a lot to change between now and the New Year as the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers are all one game apart.

In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain staunchly at the top of the standings, having been handed only their second loss of the season to the Spurs in the NBA Cup semifinals and 4.5 games ahead of the No. 2 Denver Nuggets. And keep an eye on the Western Conference play-in, as the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies have snuck their way back into contention as the year comes to a close.

Our NBA insiders break down and rank where all 30 teams stand as we approach the holiday season in this week’s Power Rankings.

Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Ohm Youngmisuk, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) think teams belong this season.

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 12 | Nov. 19 | Nov. 26 | Dec. 3 | Dec. 10

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • 2025-26 record: 24-2
  • Previous ranking: 1
  • Next games: vs. LAC (Dec. 18), @ MIN (Dec. 19), vs. MEM (Dec. 22), @ SA (Dec. 23)

In the midst of the Thunder’s recent 16-game win streak, it suddenly felt reasonable to believe they had a chance to rip off an NBA trifecta – NBA Cup champs, regular-season wins record and NBA title. The Spurs put an end to that in Las Vegas, reminding the league that, while still the prohibitive title favorites, the Thunder aren’t invincible. Oklahoma City is a streaky 3-point shooting team and went 9-of-37 on 3s in the semifinal loss to San Antonio. But it’s fortunate timing for the league. The Thunder will get the Spurs in a rematch twice next week, including a Christmas Day matchup in OKC.– Anthony Slater

2. Detroit Pistons

  • 2025-26 record: 21-5
  • Previous ranking: 3
  • Next games: @ DAL (Dec. 18), vs. CHA (Dec. 20), @ POR (Dec. 22), @ SAC (Dec. 23)

The “nasty dawgs” are a game off from matching the best start in franchise history, a 22-3 record by the 2005-06 squad. Cade Cunningham closed out Detroit’s comeback win over the Celtics in Boston on Monday night, with nine of his 32 in the final 12 minutes. He’s also quietly adding lockdown defender to his résumé – entering Monday night, opponents are shooting under 41% with him as a primary defender, best in the NBA for players with 300 field goals against. With him and then Isaiah Stewart anchoring the back line, it’s no wonder the Pistons are second in defensive rating. – Vincent Goodwill

3. Denver Nuggets

  • 2025-26 record: 19-6
  • Previous ranking: 2
  • Next games: vs. ORL (Dec. 18), vs. HOU (Dec. 20), vs. UTAH (Dec. 22), @ DAL (Dec. 23)

The Nuggets’ stars are amid their best statistical seasons. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season and putting up career highs in scoring (29.8 points per game), assists (league-leading 10.8) and effective field goal percentage (.676). Jamal Murray is making a strong bid for his first All-Star selection, averaging career bests in scoring (24.9), field goal percentage (.501), 3-point percentage (.447), rebounds (4.4) and assists (6.8). Denver has the most efficient offense in NBA history, averaging 124.4 points per 100 possessions, which soars to 129.0 when Jokic and Murray are on the floor together. – Tim MacMahon

4. San Antonio Spurs

  • 2025-26 record: 18-7
  • Previous ranking: 8
  • Next games: vs. WAS (Dec. 18), @ ATL (Dec. 19), @ WAS (Dec. 21), vs. OKC (Dec. 23)

Despite their loss to the Knicks in the NBA Cup final, the Spurs are beaming with confidence after a record of 9-3 without Victor Wembanyama. They are feeling even better about their prospects now that he is back in the mix. Wembanyama generates most of the headlines in San Antonio, but the trio of guards De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper has proven to be a problem for opponents.– Michael C. Wright

5. Houston Rockets

  • 2025-26 record: 16-7
  • Previous ranking: 4
  • Next games: @ NO (Dec. 18), @ DEN (Dec. 20), @ SAC (Dec. 21), @ LAC (Dec. 23)

Alperen Sengun became the fifth player in franchise history to record a 30-point triple-double in Monday’s loss at Denver, joining James Harden, Hakeem Olajuwon, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Porter Jr. Keep an eye on how the Rockets perform moving forward in clutch games. Six of their seven losses have been in clutch-time games. – Wright

6. New York Knicks

  • 2025-26 record: 18-7
  • Previous ranking: 5
  • Next games: @ IND (Dec. 18), vs. PHI (Dec. 19), vs. MIA (Dec. 21), @ MIN (Dec. 23)

Are the Knicks back? Well, they’re firmly back in the top three of the East, storming their way to the NBA Cup final and claiming the tournament trophy against the Spurs in a game that won’t count in the standings. But what’s visible is the improvement on the defensive end – most notably, Karl-Anthony Towns holding up well as a rim protector. He won defensive player of the game – a Knicks tradition – in their semifinal win over Orlando. “I think he’s taken the challenge personal,” Josh Hart said of Towns. “I think he’s protecting the rim at a great rate. I think the last four or five games, he’s really taken that challenge on. He’s been really keying our defense.” – Goodwill

7. Los Angeles Lakers

  • 2025-26 record: 18-7
  • Previous ranking: 6
  • Next games: @ UTAH (Dec. 18), @ LAC (Dec. 20), @ PHX (Dec. 23)

The Lakers’ 132-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals was a sobering wake-up call to the state of their shoddy defense. Recognizing a need for a change, coach JJ Redick reinserted Jarred Vanderbilt into the rotation the next game and he responded with 7 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. Not to mention Vanderbilt hit a corner 3 as a bonus in the win over Phoenix on Sunday. – Dave McMenamin

8. Orlando Magic

  • 2025-26 record: 15-11
  • Previous ranking: 10
  • Next games: @ DEN (Dec. 18), @ UTAH (Dec. 20), @ GS (Dec. 22), @ POR (Dec. 23)

Orlando has been unlucky with injuries this season, but fortunate that those injuries to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs were not more serious. Orlando got positive news after learning Suggs’ MRI revealed a left hip contusion and nothing structurally wrong. Suggs was getting better as he was making his way back to full game shape after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee this past March. He scored 25 of his 26 points in the first half against the Knicks in the Cup semifinal – the fourth 20-point game in his past five outings. Desmond Bane and Anthony Black can handle the ball with Suggs out and Tyus Jones will perhaps see some more minutes, but Suggs’ absence could potentially open up some time for first-round draft pick Jase Richardson, who had nine points in eight minutes against the Knicks. – Ohm Youngmisuk

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

  • 2025-26 record: 17-9
  • Previous ranking: 9
  • Next games: vs. MEM (Dec. 17), vs. OKC (Dec. 19), vs. MIL (Dec. 21), vs. NYK (Dec. 23)

Minnesota was able to pick up a couple of victories without Anthony Edwards over the past few days, but there are still lingering concerns about its play against elite competition – particularly with how strong the top of the West looks right now. The Wolves are just 2-8 against teams with .500 or better records this season, with only Memphis and New Orleans having fewer wins against Western Conference teams in that range. – Tim Bontemps

10. Boston Celtics

  • 2025-26 record: 15-11
  • Previous ranking: 7
  • Next games: vs. MIA (Dec. 19), @ TOR (Dec. 20), vs. IND (Dec. 22)

While the Celtics have backslid a bit of late, including Monday’s home loss to Detroit, Jaylen Brown continues to have a remarkable season, posting career highs in points (29.3), rebounds (6.2), assists (4.9) and field goal percentage (50%). He is leading the Celtics while taking on a much bigger share of the offensive load with Jayson Tatum still sidelined with an Achilles tear and Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Luke Kornet all playing elsewhere after Boston’s busy offseason. – Bontemps

11. Philadelphia 76ers

  • 2025-26 record: 14-11
  • Previous ranking: 16
  • Next games: @ NYK (Dec. 19), vs. DAL (Dec. 20), vs. BKN (Dec. 23)

While Philadelphia has been without Tyrese Maxey for the past two games because of an illness, it received a 39-point explosion from Joel Embiid on Friday in a win over Indiana and a 35-point performance from Paul George on Sunday in a loss to Atlanta. The 76ers are, and will remain, Maxey’s team. But if Embiid and George can give consistent, solid production as co-stars, Philadelphia’s ceiling goes up a bit in the Eastern Conference. – Bontemps

12. Miami Heat

  • 2025-26 record: 14-12
  • Previous ranking: 11
  • Next games: @ BKN (Dec. 18), @ BOS (Dec. 19), @ NYK (Dec. 21), vs. TOR (Dec. 23)

Tyler Herro has missed three of the past four games, and the Heat’s once turbo offense has stalled as Erik Spoelstra now has a five-game losing streak to try to snap at Brooklyn on Thursday. Miami’s offense has averaged just 105.6 points per game during the slide and posted a season-low 96 points in a loss to Toronto on Monday. The game in Brooklyn opens a stretch in which Miami plays four of the next five games on the road with games at Boston, New York and Atlanta. – Youngmisuk

13. Toronto Raptors

  • 2025-26 record: 16-11
  • Previous ranking: 12
  • Next games: @ MIL (Dec. 18), vs. BOS (Dec. 20), @ BKN (Dec. 21), @ MIA (Dec. 23)

Because of the NBA Cup schedule, the Raptors played just one game in the past week, picking up a key win against the Heat to stop a four-game losing streak. But the most important development for Toronto is the news that RJ Barrett is set to begin “return-to-play activities.” The Raptors were 12-5 when he went down with a knee injury, and they’re only 4-6 in his absence. – Zach Kram

14. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2025-26 record: 15-12
  • Previous ranking: 13
  • Next games: @ CHI (Dec. 17), vs. CHI (Dec. 19), vs. CHA (Dec. 22), vs. NO (Dec. 23)

Donovan Mitchell summed up the Cavs’ recent stretch perfectly after losing to Charlotte on Sunday: “I would boo us, too.” Cleveland raised expectations after starting last season 15-0 and cruising to the No.1 seed in the East, but this season’s team has been hindered by injuries and inconsistencies so far. The Cavs have alternated wins and losses in their past seven games and are currently outside the top six in the conference. They’ll have a chance to correct themselves this week with games against the Bulls (twice), Hornets and Pelicans. – Jamal Collier

15. Phoenix Suns

  • 2025-26 record: 14-12
  • Previous ranking: 14
  • Next games: vs. GS (Dec. 18), @ GS (Dec. 20), vs. LAL (Dec. 23)

There’s a beautiful present awaiting the Suns with their post-Christmas schedule: two straight games against the Pelicans, followed by a game against the Wizards. They just have to handle three straight games against Western Conference foes – two against the Warriors and another against the Lakers – before they get there. Silver lining for the Suns? Devin Booker is back in the lineup after a three-game absence because of a groin strain. – McMenamin

16. Atlanta Hawks

  • 2025-26 record: 15-12
  • Previous ranking: 17
  • Next games: @ CHA (Dec. 18), vs. SA (Dec. 19), vs. CHI (Dec. 21), vs. CHI (Dec. 23)

Losing Kristaps Porzingis for at least two more weeks hurts an already small Atlanta front line. But at least the Hawks have some clarity that the center will be out, as opposed to wondering if he will be able to play every other game. Trae Young was assigned to the College Park Skyhawks on Tuesday to get more practice time as he’s nearing a return. Until he is back, Jalen Johnson will continue his emergence into a star. Johnson will go for his fifth-straight triple-double on Thursday at Charlotte. – Youngmisuk

17. Golden State Warriors

  • 2025-26 record: 13-14
  • Previous ranking: 15
  • Next games: @ PHX (Dec. 18), vs. PHX (Dec. 20), vs. ORL (Dec. 22)

This past weekend, Stephen Curry became the first player in NBA history to make 12 3-pointers in a loss. That combination of events – Curry’s individual greatness plus team failure – always tends to generate a wave of tension around the Warriors. This instance resulted in nothing different. Steve Kerr was self-critical of the coaching job he has done, Draymond Green took the blame for his turnovers, and there have been calls for a more aggressive Jimmy Butler III. Warriors owner Joe Lacob even sent off an email response about his frustration to a fan, which leaked publicly and generated local headlines. “We’re all frustrated,” Kerr said. – Slater

18. Memphis Grizzlies

  • 2025-26 record: 12-14
  • Previous ranking: 18
  • Next games: @ MIN (Dec. 17), vs. WAS (Dec. 20), @ OKC (Dec. 22), @ UTAH (Dec. 23)

The Grizzlies have won six of their past eight as the team has started to adjust to Tuomas Iisalo’s philosophy. Three days after returning from a right calf strain that knocked him out of commission for 10 games, star guard Ja Morant limped off the floor in the fourth quarter of Monday’s win over the Clippers after rolling his right ankle with the Grizzlies leading by 23 points. – Wright

19. Dallas Mavericks

  • 2025-26 record: 10-17
  • Previous ranking: 19
  • Next games: vs. DET (Dec. 18), @ PHI (Dec. 18), @ NO (Dec. 22), vs. DEN (Dec. 23)

Since Thanksgiving, Cooper Flagg has become the youngest player in NBA history to record double-digit assists in a game, have a 35-point performance and have a 40-point performance against the Clippers and Jazz, respectively. Flagg, who turns 19 on Sunday, has averaged 24.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 53.7% from the floor in that eight-game span, which coincides with undrafted rookie point guard Ryan Nembhard’s insertion into the Mavs’ starting lineup. Flagg has averaged 20.2 points on 50.8% shooting in 19 games since coach Jason Kidd pulled the plug on the experiment of the teenager starting at point guard earlier this season. – MacMahon

20. Portland Trail Blazers

  • 2025-26 record: 10-16
  • Previous ranking: 20
  • Next games: vs. SAC (Dec. 18), @ SAC (Dec. 20), vs. DET (Dec. 22), vs. ORL (Dec. 23)

The Warriors won’t want to see Portland in the play-in tournament come the end of the regular season. Sunday’s 136-131 Blazers win, which saw them overcome Stephen Curry’s 12 3-pointers and 48 points with 35-point efforts from Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe, brought Portland to 3-0 against Golden State this season. The Blazers badly needed a win after dropping the last three games of their road trip and benefited from the return of centers Donovan Clingan (who had missed all three games) and Robert Williams III, giving them more size in the paint. Still, Portland needs Jrue Holiday back in the lineup to consistently beat teams besides the Warriors. – Kevin Pelton

21. Milwaukee Bucks

  • 2025-26 record: 11-16
  • Previous ranking: 21
  • Next games: vs. TOR (Dec. 18), @ MIN (Dec. 21), @ IND (Dec. 23)

Multiple Bucks players and coach Doc Rivers have acknowledged the team is in the midst of a crucial stretch, attempting to stay afloat and perhaps rise from the bottom of the East play-in picture while Giannis Antetokounmpo recovers from a calf strain. Yet, Milwaukee has dropped three of its past four games, including an embarrassing 45-point loss to the Nets this past Sunday. After hosting Toronto on Thursday, the Bucks begin a five-game road trip that takes them to the final day of the month and closer to a critical juncture in a looming Antetokounmpo trade decision. – Collier

22. Charlotte Hornets

  • 2025-26 record: 8-18
  • Previous ranking: 24
  • Next games: vs. ATL (Dec. 18), @ DET (Dec. 20), @ CLE (Dec. 22), vs. WAS (Dec. 23)

Sunday’s OT win in Cleveland, where the Hornets shut out the Cavaliers in the extra session, gave them as many wins this season without LaMelo Ball as all of 2024-25 (3) – in 25 fewer games. Charlotte’s .300 percentage in the 10 games Ball has missed is virtually identical to the team’s .312 winning percentage (5-7) with him on the court, a testament to the Hornets’ improved depth with three rookies in the starting lineup. Kon Knueppel, in particular, has picked up his play when Ball sits, averaging 22.1 points in those 10 games as compared to 17.1 alongside Ball. – Pelton

23. Utah Jazz

  • 2025-26 record: 10-15
  • Previous ranking: 23
  • Next games: vs. LAL (Dec. 18), vs. ORL (Dec. 20), @ DEN (Dec. 22), vs. MEM (Dec. 23)

Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George are quietly emerging as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive duos, averaging a combined 51.3 points per game. They each scored 30 points in Monday’s win over the Mavericks, which is the third time this season that has happened. According to ESPN Research, that ties the Lakers’ Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the most dual 30-point performances by teammates this season. George has had the two highest-scoring outings of his career in the Jazz’s past two games, following up his career-high 39 points in a road win over the Grizzlies by scoring 37 against the Mavs. – MacMahon

24. Brooklyn Nets

  • 2025-26 record: 7-18
  • Previous ranking: 28
  • Next games: vs. MIA (Dec. 18), vs. TOR (Dec. 21), @ PHI (Dec. 23)

The Nets are showing signs of improvement, with three wins in their past five games. They probably won’t have a better win than the thrashing over a Giannis-less Bucks squad, winning by 45. Despite a small sample here’s the proof: In October, they allowed teams to shoot 45% from 3. This month, it’s down to 34%. And even better, they’re shooting 40% from 3 – which looks like quiet competence. Michael Porter Jr. has been on a scoring fury in December – averaging 34.3 points on 56% from the field and 54% from 3. – Goodwill

25. Chicago Bulls

  • 2025-26 record: 10-15
  • Previous ranking: 22
  • Next games: vs. CLE (Dec. 17), @ CLE (Dec. 19), @ ATL (Dec. 21), @ ATL (Dec. 23)

No team in the league is playing as poorly as Chicago right now. The Bulls have dropped eight of their past nine games despite eight of those games coming against teams under .500. The Bulls are just 5-15 since jumping out to a 5-0 start, and their minus-5.3 net rating is the sixth worst in the league. The Bulls’ schedule is about to get a lot tougher with back-to-back games against the Cavs followed by consecutive games in Atlanta. – Collier

26. New Orleans Pelicans

  • 2025-26 record: 5-22
  • Previous ranking: 30
  • Next games: vs. HOU (Dec. 18), vs. IND (Dec. 20), vs. DAL (Dec. 22), @ CLE (Dec. 23)

For the second time this season, the Pelicans have consecutive wins as part of a stretch of improved play that coincides with the team’s health. Herbert Jones has started the past three games, Jordan Poole has played in the past two, and New Orleans also got Zion Williamson back Sunday in a reserve role – his first bench appearance as a pro. Although Williamson will surely start as his minutes limit increases, the Pelicans have gotten strong play in that spot from Saddiq Bey, averaging 14.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in his return from an ACL tear. – Pelton

27. LA Clippers

  • 2025-26 record: 6-20
  • Previous ranking: 25
  • Next games: @ OKC (Dec. 18), vs. LAL (Dec. 20), vs. HOU (Dec. 23)

The Clippers have lost nine of their past 10 games, and the schedule isn’t about to do them any favors. Their next five games feature three of the top five teams in the West (at Oklahoma City, vs. Lakers and vs. Houston). They also face the No. 1 team in the East (Detroit) and have another road game against Portland. – McMenamin

28. Indiana Pacers

  • 2025-26 record: 6-20
  • Previous ranking: 27
  • Next games: vs. NYK (Dec. 18), @ NO (Dec. 20), @ BOS (Dec. 22), vs. MIL (Dec. 23)

Following a brief hot stretch, the Pacers are on a losing streak again, and things won’t get much easier following a 19-point loss to the lowly Wizards. Over the next three weeks, Indiana plays the Knicks, the Celtics (twice), the Cavaliers, the Magic (twice), the Rockets and the Spurs – all teams that rank in the top 10 in net rating. – Kram

29. Sacramento Kings

  • 2025-26 record: 6-20
  • Previous ranking: 26
  • Next games: @ POR (Dec. 18), vs. POR (Dec. 20), vs. HOU (Dec. 21), vs. DET (Dec. 23)

In the NBA Cup finals, Mike Brown coached his Knicks to the tournament win against a Spurs team starting De’Aaron Fox at point guard. That was a cringy visual for many Sacramento fans, considering Brown was the Kings’ coach and Fox was their franchise point guard at this time last year. Brown’s firing and the rushed trade of Fox for Zach LaVine have proven to be a double push of the panic button, partly sending the Kings down this path to 6-20 without a ton of near-term hope in sight. – Slater

30. Washington Wizards

  • 2025-26 record: 4-20
  • Previous ranking: 29
  • Next games: @ SA (Dec. 18), @ MEM (Dec. 20), vs. SA (Dec. 21), @ CHA (Dec. 23)

It’s not saying much, but the past week was the most successful of the Wizards’ season. They nearly beat the Cavaliers until a late Donovan Mitchell surge stymied the upset effort, then crushed the Pacers, 108-89. It was the first game all season in which Washington’s league-worst defense allowed fewer than 107 points. – Kram

By NBA insiders | ESPN, via ESPN