[ESPN] NBA实力榜：赛季过半，30支球队面临的最大问题

ESPN · 2026 年1 月 21 日 14:10

By NBA insiders | ESPN, 2026-01-21 20:00:00

距离NBA交易截止日仅剩两周，2025-26 NBA赛季也已赛程过半，下一位可能被交易的明星球员将花落谁家，紧张气氛日渐升温。

底特律活塞队在东部稳居榜首，在周一一场激动人心（且可能是东部决赛预演）的对决后，他们将对波士顿凯尔特人队的领先优势扩大到了5.5个胜场。

在西部，洛杉矶快船队似乎正强势崛起，在科怀·伦纳德 (Kawhi Leonard) 和詹姆斯·哈登 (James Harden) 的爆发带领下，球队最近取得了一波六连胜。他们希望乘着这股浪潮，在西部前六名的激烈争夺中占据有利位置。

随着联盟各队为已然精彩纷呈的赛季下半程做准备，我们的NBA专家们深入探讨了各支球队在将目光转向四月时所面临的最大问题。

注：球队排名基于我们专家组成员（ESPN的安东尼·斯莱特 (Anthony Slater)、戴夫·麦克梅纳明 (Dave McMenamin)、贾马尔·科利尔 (Jamal Collier)、凯文·佩尔顿 (Kevin Pelton)、迈克尔·C·莱特 (Michael C. Wright)、鲍比·马克斯 (Bobby Marks)、蒂姆·邦坦普斯 (Tim Bontemps)、蒂姆·麦克马洪 (Tim MacMahon)、文森特·古德威尔 (Vincent Goodwill) 和扎克·克拉姆 (Zach Kram)）的综合意见。

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 | 12月17日 | 12月24日 | 12月31日 | 1月7日 | 1月14日

1. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆

2025-26赛季战绩： 36胜8负
上期排名： 1
未来赛程： 1月21日客场对阵雄鹿，1月23日主场对阵步行者，1月25日主场对阵猛龙，1月27日主场对阵鹈鹕

杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 能否让自己的赛季重回正轨？

对于这支联盟最佳球队来说，本周有个坏消息：据球队透露，威廉姆斯腿筋拉伤，将至少缺席两周，甚至可能更长时间。对于俄克拉荷马城的二当家来说，这是个艰难的赛季。他的手腕康复需要进行第二次手术；他承认在回归后重新找回比赛状态面临挑战，而现在他又将面临另一次漫长的缺阵。没有他，雷霆将继续依赖谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)、坚实的阵容深度，以及切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren) 的持续成长——他似乎注定会成为雷霆队中第二位毋庸置疑的全明星球员。 – 斯莱特

2. 底特律活塞

2025-26赛季战绩： 31胜10负
上期排名： 2
未来赛程： 1月21日客场对阵鹈鹕，1月23日主场对阵火箭，1月25日主场对阵国王，1月27日客场对阵掘金

他们的防守能达到怎样的高度？

那些不相信活塞是真正争冠者的人，一直在等待投篮和进攻创造能力的不足会给这支东部领头羊带来厄运。但凭借其恐怖的防守，底特律在精英行列中的地位依然稳固。这一点在本月尤为明显，球队每百回合失分仅为99.5分，为联盟最低——比第二名的俄克拉荷马城雷霆还要少8分。而在本月的第四节比赛中，这一数据更是降至91.8。 – 古德威尔

3. 圣安东尼奥马刺

2025-26赛季战绩： 30胜14负
上期排名： 3
未来赛程： 1月22日客场对阵爵士，1月25日主场对阵鹈鹕

圣安东尼奥能否保持住这股势头？

马刺似乎已经准备好迎接挑战。周一，圣安东尼奥取得了三连胜，这也是维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 连续第三场命中至少四记三分球。赛后在更衣室里，二年级后卫斯蒂芬·卡斯尔谈到，全明星周末对于一支仍在学习如何应对成功的年轻球队来说将是多么有益。除了克服赛季前半段身体上的严酷考验（几名球员因伤长期缺阵），马刺还成功地克服了作为一支众矢之的的球队所面临的心理难题。 – 莱特

4. 丹佛掘金

2025-26赛季战绩： 29胜15负
上期排名： 4
未来赛程： 1月22日客场对阵奇才，1月23日客场对阵雄鹿，1月25日客场对阵灰熊，1月27日主场对阵活塞

佩顿·沃特森 (Peyton Watson) 在丹佛的未来如何？

沃特森近期的爆发给掘金带来了关键的短期和长期问题。自从尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic) 倒下后，他场均能高效贡献21.9分、6个篮板、3次助攻、1.3次盖帽和1.2次抢断，帮助掘金取得了7胜4负的战绩，并利用增加的角色展示了持球创造进攻的能力。一旦这位三届MVP回归，掘金该如何利用他的这一点？而随着这位即将成为受限制自由球员的潜在合同价值不断上升，掘金又如何能负担得起留下沃特森？对手球队预计，如果丹佛认为续约23岁的沃特森是优先事项，他们可能会在今年夏天寻求交易卡梅伦·约翰逊 (Cameron Johnson) 或克里斯蒂安·布劳恩 (Christian Braun)。 – 麦克马洪

5. 波士顿凯尔特人

2025-26赛季战绩： 26胜16负
上期排名： 7
未来赛程： 1月21日主场对阵步行者，1月23日客场对阵篮网，1月24日客场对阵公牛，1月26日主场对阵开拓者

凯尔特人能指望杰森·塔图姆 (Jayson Tatum) 回归吗？

在塔图姆周一于底特律进行公开训练后，波士顿的问题不再是他是否计划回归，而是在他回归时状态能有多好。波士顿在赛季中点冲到东部第二并保持着50胜的节奏，这证明了即使塔图姆缺席了本赛季大部分比赛，凯尔特人依然相信他们本赛季能够重返总决赛。但如果他能恢复到哪怕是平时75%的水准，波士顿或许将作为东部最被看好的球队进入季后赛，并一路杀到六月。 – 邦坦普斯

6. 明尼苏达森林狼

2025-26赛季战绩： 27胜17负
上期排名： 5
未来赛程： 1月22日主场对阵公牛，1月24日主场对阵勇士，1月26日主场对阵勇士

明尼苏达能否在现在到2月5日之间补强后卫线？

这个问题将一直困扰着森林狼，直到交易截止日过去，或者他们得到了急需的后卫支援。到目前为止，罗伯·迪林厄姆 (Rob Dillingham) 的表现并不理想，而迈克·康利 (Mike Conley) 也不是长久之计。森林狼篮球运营总裁蒂姆·康奈利 (Tim Connelly) 以敢于做出大手笔交易而闻名，可以预见他将在未来几周内再次寻求这样的机会。 – 邦坦普斯

7. 休斯顿火箭

2025-26赛季战绩： 26胜15负
上期排名： 9
未来赛程： 1月22日客场对阵76人，1月23日客场对阵活塞，1月26日主场对阵灰熊

凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant) 身边的角色球员阵容能否保持稳定？

主教练艾米·乌度卡 (Ime Udoka) 依然对火箭队在没有真正组织者的情况下所展现出的强硬打法充满信心。在九月份遭遇前十字韧带撕裂的弗雷德·范弗利特 (Fred VanVleet) 希望能在本赛季某个时候回归。在他可能复出之前，像阿门·汤普森 (Amen Thompson)、里德·谢泼德 (Reed Sheppard) 和塔里·伊森 (Tari Eason) 这样的年轻球员需要与小贾巴里·史密斯 (Jabari Smith Jr.) 一道，在休斯顿的集体控卫策略中继续取得进步。杜兰特和阿尔佩伦·申京 (Alperen Sengun) 将继续吸引对手的额外防守注意力，但角色球员阵容需要持续稳定地让对手付出代价。 – 莱特

8. 纽约尼克斯

2025-26赛季战绩： 25胜18负
上期排名： 6
未来赛程： 1月21日主场对阵篮网，1月24日客场对阵76人，1月27日主场对阵国王

近期的颓势是昙花一现，还是未来走向的预兆？

现在已经无处可藏；尼克斯正濒临危机，在麦迪逊广场花园被一支阵容不整的独行侠队迎头痛击并被主场球迷报以嘘声，这或许是一个低谷。自从老板詹姆斯·多兰 (James Dolan) 宣布尼克斯“绝对必须”打进总决赛以来，纽约的战绩是2胜6负。自从在拉斯维加斯赢得NBA杯冠军以来，他们的防守每百回合失分高达119.6分，同期仅优于爵士，位列联盟倒数第二。但值得注意的是，尼克斯目前的战绩仅比上赛季同期（本赛季43场后25胜18负，而2024-25赛季为27胜16负）落后两场。 – 古德威尔

9. 菲尼克斯太阳

2025-26赛季战绩： 27胜17负
上期排名： 8
未来赛程： 1月23日客场对阵老鹰，1月25日主场对阵热火，1月27日主场对阵篮网

杰伦·格林 (Jalen Green) 将如何融入球队的成功体系？

在周二复出后——这是他自11月初因右腿筋问题缺阵以来的首场比赛——太阳队的轮换阵容现在将进行调整以适应格林的加入。对于第一年执教的主教练乔丹·奥特 (Jordan Ott) 来说，增加一名23岁的充满活力的得分手无疑是一个幸福的烦恼；然而，动态调整总是一项挑战，而菲尼克斯本赛季至今状态正佳，并且正处于一波三连胜之中。 – 麦克梅纳明

10. 洛杉矶湖人

2025-26赛季战绩： 26胜16负
上期排名： 13
未来赛程： 1月22日客场对阵快船，1月24日客场对阵独行侠，1月26日客场对阵公牛

他们能否在交易截止日前完成重大升级？

凭借八村垒 (Rui Hachimura)、加布·文森特 (Gabe Vincent) 和马克西·克勒贝尔 (Maxi Kleber) 之间总计约4000万美元的到期合同，以及可用于交易的2031或2032年首轮选秀权，洛杉矶能否找到一些急需的攻防兼备的侧翼球员？是的，奥斯汀·里夫斯 (Austin Reaves) 的最终回归将带来提升，但这套阵容需要更多补强才能看起来像一个真正的争冠者。 – 麦克梅纳明

11. 金州勇士

2025-26赛季战绩： 25胜20负
上期排名： 14
未来赛程： 1月22日客场对阵独行侠，1月24日客场对阵森林狼，1月26日客场对阵森林狼

吉米·巴特勒三世 (Jimmy Butler III) 的受伤对他们有何影响？

在巴特勒前十字韧带撕裂之后，整个球队上下都深受打击，才刚刚开始面对这一伤病带来的巨大短期和长期影响。受伤的时间点提供了一个机会。管理层有两周时间在交易截止日前评估最佳的前进道路。球队应该变得更积极还是更保守？哪些选秀权应该或不应该被摆上货架？这是否会改变关于乔纳森·库明加 (Jonathan Kuminga) 的考量？有多种选择可供选择，但——考虑到巴特勒的巨大重要性——很难想象有任何一种能让他们重回争冠行列的边缘。这是一次改变球队命运的伤病。 – 斯莱特

12. 克利夫兰骑士

2025-26赛季战绩： 24胜20负
上期排名： 12
未来赛程： 1月21日客场对阵黄蜂，1月23日主场对阵国王，1月24日客场对阵魔术，1月26日主场对阵魔术

骑士能否重新确立自己作为东部竞争者的地位？

由于阵容上下的不稳定和伤病——达里厄斯·加兰 (Darius Garland) 因右脚大拇指一级扭伤再次缺阵，这个问题自上赛季以来一直困扰着他——这支季前赛东部的共同热门球队一直难以摆脱附加赛圈。骑士队近几周表现有所好转，他们希望在赛季后半段找回状态，并以他们所期望的竞争者姿态进入季后赛。 – 科利尔

13. 多伦多猛龙

2025-26赛季战绩： 26胜19负
上期排名： 10
未来赛程： 1月21日客场对阵国王，1月23日客场对阵开拓者，1月25日客场对阵雷霆

球队的进攻效率能否提升至联盟平均水平？

多伦多的防守效率在东部排名第二，全联盟排名第五。但尽管拥有多名高薪外线球员，进攻端却未能跟上步伐：在进攻方面，猛龙在东部排名第九，全联盟排名第十九，而且所有排名低于他们的球队战绩都为负。典型的争冠球队必须在攻防两端至少都达到联盟平均水平，因此多伦多需要展现出有意义的进攻进步——或者在交易截止日做出重大交易——才能进入真正的争冠者讨论范围。 – 克拉姆

14. 费城76人

2025-26赛季战绩： 23胜19负
上期排名： 11
未来赛程： 1月22日主场对阵火箭，1月24日主场对阵尼克斯，1月26日客场对阵黄蜂，1月27日主场对阵雄鹿

76人队在交易截止日将何去何从？

费城在赛季前半程的表现非常鼓舞人心，他们在混乱的东部季后赛格局中站稳了脚跟，同时继续让保罗·乔治 (Paul George) 和乔尔·恩比德 (Joel Embiid) 加速磨合，并从全明星首发泰瑞斯·马克西 (Tyrese Maxey) 和明星新秀VJ·埃奇库姆 (VJ Edgecombe) 那里获得了充满活力的表现。但是，76人是会寻求补强球队，还是会考虑避开奢侈税呢？ – 邦坦普斯

15. 奥兰多魔术

2025-26赛季战绩： 23胜19负
上期排名： 15
未来赛程： 1月22日主场对阵黄蜂，1月24日主场对阵骑士，1月26日客场对阵骑士

奥兰多能否在阵容齐整的情况下保持稳定？

作为赛季前预计的东部前四球队，魔术本赛季的最长连胜纪录从未超过四场，胜率也仅比五成高出四场。好消息是，随着莫里茨·瓦格纳 (Moritz Wagner) 和弗朗茨·瓦格纳 (Franz Wagner) 的回归，魔术正开始恢复健康。坏消息是，杰伦·萨格斯 (Jalen Suggs)、德斯蒙德·贝恩 (Desmond Bane)、弗朗茨·瓦格纳、保罗·班凯罗 (Paolo Banchero) 和小温德尔·卡特 (Wendell Carter Jr.) 的首发阵容仅一同出战了11场比赛，战绩为5胜6负。 – 马克斯

16. 迈阿密热火

2025-26赛季战绩： 23胜21负
上期排名： 17
未来赛程： 1月22日客场对阵开拓者，1月24日客场对阵爵士，1月25日客场对阵太阳

热火能否找到足够的稳定性来提升东部排名？

在周一输给金州勇士之前，热火在主场战胜俄克拉荷马城雷霆，取得了本赛季最漂亮的一场胜利。近来的一个积极迹象是巴姆·阿德巴约 (Bam Adebayo) 的进攻表现。在截至周二晚的过去四场比赛中，阿德巴约场均得到21.3分，三分命中率为46.4%。泰勒·希罗 (Tyler Herro) 的健康状况将是下半赛季值得关注的重点。在上赛季创下生涯新高的77场出场并实现全明星突破后，希罗本赛季因左脚踝、右脚趾以及最近的肋骨伤势，在44场比赛中仅出战了11场。 – 马克斯

17. 波特兰开拓者

2025-26赛季战绩： 22胜22负
上期排名： 18
未来赛程： 1月22日主场对阵热火，1月23日主场对阵猛龙，1月26日客场对阵凯尔特人，1月27日客场对阵奇才

开拓者能否自2021年来首次进入季后赛？

自2023年附加赛失利以来，开拓者首次在赛季中点开始考虑季后赛。他们成功度过了球星德尼·阿夫迪亚 (Deni Avdija) 缺阵的四场比赛，取得了2胜2负的战绩，并在他周日回归阵容后赢得了比赛。这使得波特兰的战绩自11月14日以来首次回到五成。随着杰拉米·格兰特 (Jerami Grant) 和朱·霍勒迪 (Jrue Holiday) 的回归，开拓者现在的健康状况是自赛季初取得5胜3负开局以来最好的。现在他们将力争一个附加赛席位，并着眼于季后赛。 – 佩尔顿

18. 洛杉矶快船

2025-26赛季战绩： 19胜24负
上期排名： 19
未来赛程： 1月22日主场对阵湖人，1月25日主场对阵篮网，1月27日客场对阵爵士

他们能将这股势头维持多久？

在开局27场比赛中输掉21场之后，快船在过去16场比赛中赢下13场，实现了惊人的逆转。他们的强势表现让他们进入了附加赛的讨论范围，但他们能否在下半赛季更上一层楼？如果小德里克·琼斯 (Derrick Jones Jr.) 和博格丹·博格达诺维奇 (Bogdan Bogdanovic) 能够恢复健康，快船主教练泰伦·卢 (Tyronn Lue) 在赛季末段将有更多选择，而与此同时，科比·桑德斯 (Kobe Sanders)、科比·布朗 (Kobe Brown) 和乔丹·米勒 (Jordan Miller) 也展现出了成长。 – 麦克梅纳明

19. 孟菲斯灰熊

2025-26赛季战绩： 18胜23负
上期排名： 22
未来赛程： 1月21日主场对阵老鹰，1月23日主场对阵鹈鹕，1月25日主场对阵掘金，1月26日客场对阵火箭

贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 会在孟菲斯打完这个赛季吗？

在周日对阵奥兰多的比赛中——那种让莫兰特成为NBA最受欢迎球员之一的爆炸性表现——这位明星后卫表达了希望留在孟菲斯的愿望。这可能不会阻止管理层探讨潜在的交易，但考虑到灰熊队拥有包括塞德里克·考沃德 (Cedric Coward)、杰伦·威尔斯 (Jaylen Wells)、小贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.) 和扎克·伊迪 (Zach Edey) 在内的一众天赋球员，如果莫兰特致力于球队事业并保持健康，这支球队有能力向附加赛席位发起 серьезный冲击。 – 莱特

20. 芝加哥公牛

2025-26赛季战绩： 21胜22负
上期排名： 21
未来赛程： 1月22日客场对阵森林狼，1月24日主场对阵凯尔特人，1月26日主场对阵湖人

公牛队能找到方向吗？

芝加哥似乎陷入了时间循环。本赛季中点，他们的战绩是19胜22负。上赛季中点，他们的战绩是18胜23负。再前一年，是19胜22负。再往前一年呢？还是19胜22负。公牛队再次处于东部第九的位置，并可能连续第四次进入附加赛。本赛季余下的比赛，能否给球迷们带来一个不同未来的希望？ – 科利尔

21. 亚特兰大老鹰

2025-26赛季战绩： 20胜25负
上期排名： 16
未来赛程： 1月21日客场对阵灰熊，1月23日主场对阵太阳，1月26日主场对阵步行者

老鹰队能否创造足够的进攻火力来保持竞争力？

过去15场比赛5胜10负的战绩——包括自1月13日以来的四连败——让亚特兰大在东部艰难地守着最后一个季后赛席位。除了健康问题，未来的大问题是老鹰队是否有足够的进攻火力。自12月22日以来，亚特兰大的进攻效率排名联盟第29位。尽管三分出手次数排名第三，但他们的三分命中率仅排在第16位。老鹰队的罚球次数也排在联盟倒数第三。本赛季异军突起的明星球员杰伦·约翰逊 (Jalen Johnson) 场均得到23分，但在这次四连败期间，他场均得分降至16.3分，仅为全队第四。 – 马克斯

22. 夏洛特黄蜂

2025-26赛季战绩： 16胜27负
上期排名： 23
未来赛程： 1月21日主场对阵骑士，1月22日客场对阵魔术，1月24日主场对阵奇才，1月26日主场对阵76人

黄蜂如何加速重建进程？

黄蜂正朝着自2021-22赛季以来赢取最多胜场数的方向前进，他们将在下半赛季评估冲击季后赛……2027年的季后赛。很明显，夏洛特已经拥有了一块建队基石——年度最佳新秀竞争者康·克努佩尔 (Kon Knueppel)。与此同时，拉梅洛·鲍尔 (LaMelo Ball) 近期的复苏也为他长期留队带来了希望。黄蜂必须弄清楚其余球员如何融入体系，以及哪些老将天赋可以帮助加快时间表，就像我们最近在底特律和休斯顿看到的那样。 – 佩尔顿

23. 密尔沃基雄鹿

2025-26赛季战绩： 18胜24负
上期排名： 20
未来赛程： 1月21日主场对阵雷霆，1月23日主场对阵掘金，1月25日主场对阵独行侠，1月27日客场对阵76人

雄鹿如何挽救这个赛季？

雄鹿队在周一刚刚战胜老鹰队，取得了一场关键胜利，这场胜利让他们距离东部第十的种子席位——至少是一个附加赛名额——仅一步之遥。但仅仅挤进附加赛并非雄鹿或超级巨星扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 的目标。雄鹿能否在交易截止日完成一笔大交易，围绕扬尼斯进行建队并改变命运？或者他们能否打出一波连胜，从而在积分榜上迅速攀升？ – 科利尔

24. 达拉斯独行侠

2025-26赛季战绩： 18胜26负
上期排名： 24
未来赛程： 1月22日主场对阵勇士，1月24日主场对阵湖人，1月25日客场对阵雄鹿

安东尼·戴维斯 (Anthony Davis) 会回到独行侠的阵容中吗？

球队宣布戴维斯因左手韧带损伤将缺席六周。消息人士称，尽管独行侠的临时联席总经理们继续就戴维斯的交易进行讨论，但管理层并不觉得有压力必须达成交易，除非他们收到认为有价值的报价。如果戴维斯在2月5日截止日后仍留在队中，预计将会讨论让这位明星前锋本赛季是否回归对球队最为有利。 – 麦克马洪

25. 犹他爵士

2025-26赛季战绩： 15胜29负
上期排名： 25
未来赛程： 1月22日主场对阵马刺，1月24日主场对阵热火，1月27日主场对阵快船

爵士何时才会再次以赢下尽可能多的比赛为目标？

这是犹他重建的第四个赛季，保住欠给俄克拉荷马城的前八顺位保护选秀权——如果在本届选秀中未能兑现，该选秀权将作废——显然是当务之急。爵士管理层对本赛季实现竞争力跃升持乐观态度。球队高层相信，爵士已经拥有了由劳里·马尔卡宁 (Lauri Markkanen)、基昂特·乔治 (Keyonte George)、艾斯·贝利 (Ace Bailey) 和沃克·凯斯勒 (Walker Kessler) 组成的坚实核心，并打算在受限制自由市场中留下凯斯勒。在再增加一个乐透秀之后，预计下赛季球队将真正尝试冲击季后赛。 – 麦克马洪

26. 布鲁克林篮网

2025-26赛季战绩： 12胜29负
上期排名： 26
未来赛程： 1月21日客场对阵尼克斯，1月23日主场对阵凯尔特人，1月25日客场对阵快船，1月27日客场对阵太阳

篮网会交易小迈克尔·波特 (Michael Porter Jr.) 吗？

布鲁克林上周战胜芝加哥的比赛——篮网在建立18分领先后险些在最后一节被翻盘——避免了当前的连败场次达到八场。在2胜10负的颓势中，关于波特的交易似乎风平浪静。这位打出生涯最佳赛季的前锋在联盟中引起了广泛兴趣，但随着截止日的临近，篮网尚未开始认真考虑任何报价。随着即将到来的五连客之旅将布鲁克林带入二月，交易谈判是否会升温将值得关注。 – 古德威尔

27. 萨克拉门托国王

2025-26赛季战绩： 12胜32负
上期排名： 27
未来赛程： 1月21日主场对阵猛龙，1月23日客场对阵骑士，1月25日客场对阵活塞，1月27日客场对阵尼克斯

多曼塔斯·萨博尼斯 (Domantas Sabonis) 在交易截止日后还会留在队中吗？

在因半月板撕裂缺席27场比赛后，萨博尼斯上周悄然回归国王队阵容，以20分钟的替补角色逐渐适应。这个在交易截止日前的复出时机，让萨博尼斯可以尝试找回节奏，并向联盟证明自己是健康的。而据联盟消息人士称，国王队计划在未来两周内探索潜在的交易。萨博尼斯本赛季的薪水为4230万美元，下赛季为4540万美元，合同最后一年为4860万美元。这是一份难以处理的巨额合同，但萨博尼斯这样的天赋球员，对于某些寻求改变和内线补强的中游球队来说，依然具有吸引力。 – 斯莱特

28. 新奥尔良鹈鹕

2025-26赛季战绩： 10胜35负
上期排名： 30
未来赛程： 1月21日主场对阵活塞，1月23日客场对阵灰熊，1月25日客场对阵马刺，1月27日客场对阵雷霆

随着鹈鹕的战绩滑向联盟垫底，他们应将重心转向何处？

新秀乐透秀杰里迈亚·菲尔斯 (Jeremiah Fears) 和德里克·奎恩 (Derik Queen) 的发展将成为本赛季余下时间的核心。由于新奥尔良没有输球的乐透动力，他们身边的老将们可能不会被提前轮休。但对新奥尔良来说，保持特雷·墨菲三世 (Trey Murphy III) 和蔡恩·威廉姆森 (Zion Williamson) 的健康也至关重要，同时对自2025年1月因前十字韧带撕裂而缺阵的后卫德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 的回归也要保持谨慎。这应该能让菲尔斯和奎恩有充足的机会来打磨他们的比赛。 – 佩尔顿

29. 印第安纳步行者

2025-26赛季战绩： 10胜34负
上期排名： 28
未来赛程： 1月21日客场对阵凯尔特人，1月23日客场对阵雷霆，1月26日客场对阵老鹰

选秀乐透抽签的乒乓球会眷顾他们吗？

在1996-97赛季，马刺队因一系列伤病，战绩从前一年的59胜23负暴跌至20胜62负。但那个失落的赛季为圣安东尼奥带来了状元秀蒂姆·邓肯 (Tim Duncan)——以及最终的五个总冠军。快进三十年，如果步行者能在选秀中得到一位顶级新秀，那么印第安纳这个伤病缠身的休整年最终可能也是值得的。 – 克拉姆

30. 华盛顿奇才

2025-26赛季战绩： 10胜32负
上期排名： 29
未来赛程： 1月22日主场对阵掘金，1月24日客场对阵黄蜂，1月27日主场对阵开拓者

特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 会出战多少比赛？

尽管近期表现尚可，奇才队几乎肯定会以一个靠前的乐透顺位结束本赛季——并保住他们前八顺位保护的选秀权。ESPN的篮球实力指数（BPI）预测华盛顿将以联盟最差战绩收官。因此，球队最大的问题反而是，他们新引进的明星球员在伤愈复出的过程中会打多少比赛，以及他能否在2026-27赛季开始前与年轻的队友们产生化学反应。 – 克拉姆

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: Biggest questions for all 30 teams halfway through the season

NBA Power Rankings: Biggest questions for all 30 teams halfway through the season

We’re two weeks out from the NBA trade deadline and midway through the 2025-26 NBA season, as tensions are high on which star player will be on the move next.

The Detroit Pistons stand firmly at the top of the East, stretching their lead over the Boston Celtics to 5.5 games after an exhilarating (and potential Eastern Conference finals matchup) on Monday.

In the West, the LA Clippers appear to be on the rise, recently riding a six-game win streak behind a Kawhi Leonard and James Harden surge. It’s a wave they’re hoping to ride as the battle for the top six teams in the conference is starting to heat up.

As teams around the league are preparing for the second half of an already exciting season, our NBA insiders checked in on the biggest questions surrounding each franchise as they start turning their attention to April.

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

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 12 | Nov. 19 | Nov. 26 | Dec. 3 | Dec. 10 | Dec. 17 | Dec. 24 | Dec. 31 | Jan. 7 | Jan. 14

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: 36-8
Previous ranking: 1
Next games: @ MIL (Jan. 21), vs. IND (Jan. 23), vs. TOR (Jan. 25), vs. NO (Jan. 27)

Does Jalen Williams get his season on track?

Bad news for the best team in the league this week: Williams strained his hamstring and will sit out at least two weeks and possibly longer, according to the team. It has been a difficult season for Oklahoma City’s co-star. His wrist rehab required a second procedure; he acknowledged the challenges he faced rediscovering his game upon return, and now he’s staring at another lengthy absence. Without him, the Thunder will continue to rely on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sturdy depth, and the continued rise of Chet Holmgren, who appears destined to be the second obvious All-Star for the Thunder. – Slater

2. Detroit Pistons

2025-26 record: 31-10
Previous ranking: 2
Next games: @ NO (Jan. 21), vs. HOU (Jan. 23), vs. SAC (Jan. 25), @ DEN (Jan. 27)

Just how good can their defense get?

Those who don’t believe in the Pistons as true contenders have been waiting for shooting and shot-creation deficiencies to doom the East leaders. Thanks to a hellacious defense, Detroit’s place among the elite remains safe. That has been especially true this month, as the team has given up a league-low 99.5 points per 100 possessions – eight points better than second-place Oklahoma City. And in fourth quarters this month, that number drops to 91.8. – Goodwill

3. San Antonio Spurs

2025-26 record: 30-14
Previous ranking: 3
Next games: @ UTAH (Jan. 22), vs. NO (Jan. 25)

Can San Antonio maintain its momentum?

The Spurs appear to be up to the task. In the locker room after San Antonio secured its third consecutive win Monday, in the third straight game that Victor Wembanyama drained at least four 3-pointers, second-year guard Stephon Castle discussed how beneficial the All-Star break would be for a young team still learning how to handle success. Besides the physical rigors of the first half of the season, with several players sitting out extended time because of injuries, the Spurs have successfully overcome the mental dynamic of being a team with a target on its back. – Wright

4. Denver Nuggets

2025-26 record: 29-15
Previous ranking: 4
Next games: @ WAS (Jan. 22), @ MIL (Jan. 23), @ MEM (Jan. 25), vs. DET (Jan. 27)

What is Peyton Watson’s future in Denver?

Watson’s recent breakout presents key short- and long-term questions for the Nuggets. He has averaged an efficient 21.9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game to help the Nuggets go 7-4 since Nikola Jokic went down, using an increased role to display off-the-dribble creation ability. How can the Nuggets utilize that once the three-time MVP returns? And how can the Nuggets afford to keep Watson as the potential contract value rises for the pending restricted free agent? Rival teams anticipate the Nuggets could look to trade Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun this summer if Denver deems re-signing the 23-year-old Watson a priority. – MacMahon

5. Boston Celtics

2025-26 record: 26-16
Previous ranking: 7
Next games: vs. IND (Jan. 21), @ BKN (Jan. 23), @ CHI (Jan. 24), vs. POR (Jan. 26)

Can the Celtics rely on Jayson Tatum to return?

After Tatum’s public workout in Detroit on Monday, the question for Boston isn’t whether Tatum plans to return, but how good he will look when he does. Boston’s push to second in the East and a 50-win pace at the halfway mark of the season is proof that the Celtics will believe they can make it back to the Finals this season, even with Tatum sitting out most of the season. But if he can return at even 75% of his usual caliber this season, Boston probably would enter the postseason as the East’s favorites to make it to June. – Bontemps

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

2025-26 record: 27-17
Previous ranking: 5
Next games: vs. CHI (Jan. 22), vs. GS (Jan. 24), vs. GS (Jan. 26)

Can Minnesota add some guard help between now and Feb. 5?

This question will continue to hang over the Timberwolves until either the trade deadline passes or they add much-needed guard help. Rob Dillingham, to this point, hasn’t worked out, and Mike Conley isn’t a long-term solution. Tim Connelly, Timberwolves president of basketball operations, is known for making big swings, and it’s fair to expect him to pursue another over the next few weeks – Bontemps

7. Houston Rockets

2025-26 record: 26-15
Previous ranking: 9
Next games: @ PHI (Jan. 22), @ DET (Jan. 23), vs. MEM (Jan. 26)

Can the supporting cast around Kevin Durant gain consistency?

Coach Ime Udoka remains confident in the Rockets’ bullying style of play without a bona fide facilitator running the show. Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL in September, wants to return at some point this season. Until any potential comeback, young players such as Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason need to continue to make strides alongside Jabari Smith Jr. in Houston’s point guard-by-committee approach. Durant and Alperen Sengun will continue to draw extra attention, but the supporting cast needs to consistently make opponents pay. – Wright

8. New York Knicks

2025-26 record: 25-18
Previous ranking: 6
Next games: vs. BKN (Jan. 21), @ PHI (Jan. 24), vs. SAC (Jan. 27)

Is the recent slide a blip or a sign of things to come?

There’s nowhere to hide now; the Knicks are nearing crisis, as being booed at Madison Square Garden against a depleted Mavs team might be a low point. Since owner James Dolan’s proclamation that the Knicks “absolutely have to” reach the Finals, New York is 2-6. Since winning the NBA Cup title in Las Vegas, the defense has given up 119.6 points per 100 possessions, second worst in the league to the Jazz during that span. But it is important enough to note that the Knicks are just two games off their pace from last season (25-18 this season compared to 27-16 through 43 games in 2024-25). – Goodwill

9. Phoenix Suns

2025-26 record: 27-17
Previous ranking: 8
Next games: @ ATL (Jan. 23), vs. MIA (Jan. 25), vs. BKN (Jan. 27)

How will Jalen Green be integrated into their success?

After making his return Tuesday, his first game action since early November because of a right hamstring issue, the Suns’ rotation will now shift to fit Green into the rotation. Adding a 23-year-old dynamic scorer is undoubtedly a good problem to have for first-year head coach Jordan Ott; shuffling things on the fly, however, is always a challenge, and Phoenix has had a good thing going so far this season and is riding a three-game win-streak. – McMenamin

10. Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 record: 26-16
Previous ranking: 13
Next games: @ LAC (Jan. 22), @ DAL (Jan. 24), @ CHI (Jan. 26)

Will they be able to significantly upgrade around the trade deadline?

With about $40 million in expiring contracts between Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, and either their 2031 or 2032 first-round draft pick to package in trade scenarios, can L.A. find some sorely needed two-way wing help? Yes, Austin Reaves’ eventual return will provide a boost, but this roster needs more to resemble a true contender. – McMenamin

11. Golden State Warriors

2025-26 record: 25-20
Previous ranking: 14
Next games: @ DAL (Jan. 22), @ MIN (Jan. 24), @ MIN (Jan. 26)

How does the Jimmy Butler III injury impact them?

Every level of the organization was reeling in the aftermath of Butler’s ACL tear, only beginning to come to grips with the seismic short- and long-term ramifications. The timing of it provides an opportunity. The front office has two weeks to assess the best path forward before the trade deadline. Should the team get more or less aggressive? Which picks should or shouldn’t be on the table? Does this change the Jonathan Kuminga calculus? There are several options available, but – considering Butler’s outsized importance – it’s hard to envision any that lead them back to even fringe contention. This was a franchise-altering injury. – Slater

12. Cleveland Cavaliers

2025-26 record: 24-20
Previous ranking: 12
Next games: @ CHA (Jan. 21), vs. SAC (Jan. 23), @ ORL (Jan. 24), vs. ORL (Jan. 26)

Can the Cavs reestablish themselves as East contenders?

Due to inconsistencies and injuries up and down the roster – Darius Garland is sidelined again with a Grade 1 sprain of his right big toe, an issue that has plagued him since last season – the East’s preseason co-favorite has struggled to break free from the play-in picture. The Cavs, who have played better in recent weeks, hope to get right during the second half of the season and enter the playoffs looking more like the contender they expected to be. – Collier

13. Toronto Raptors

2025-26 record: 26-19
Previous ranking: 10
Next games: @ SAC (Jan. 21), @ POR (Jan. 23), @ OKC (Jan. 25)

Can the offense perk up to league-average efficiency?

Toronto ranks second in the East and fifth overall in defensive rating. But despite many highly paid perimeter players, the offense hasn’t kept pace: On that end, the Raptors rank 9th in the East and 19th overall, and every team below them has a losing record. Typical championship contenders must be at least league average on both ends of the court, so Toronto needs to show meaningful offensive improvement – or make a significant deadline trade – to enter the true contender conversation. – Kram

14. Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 record: 23-19
Previous ranking: 11
Next games: vs. HOU (Jan. 22), vs. NYK (Jan. 24), @ CHA (Jan. 26), vs. MIL (Jan. 27)

What direction will the 76ers go in at the deadline?

Philadelphia has had a very encouraging first half of the season, settling into the middle of the muddled East playoff picture while continuing to get Paul George and Joel Embiid up to speed, and getting dynamic play from All-Star starter Tyrese Maxey and star rookie VJ Edgecombe. But will the 76ers look to improve the team, or to potentially duck the luxury tax? – Bontemps

15. Orlando Magic

2025-26 record: 23-19
Previous ranking: 15
Next games: vs. CHA (Jan. 22), vs. CLE (Jan. 24), @ CLE (Jan. 26)

Can Orlando stay consistent with a healthy team?

A projected top-4 team in the East before the season, the Magic have not won more than four consecutive games this season and are only four games above .500. The good news is that the Magic are beginning to get healthy with the return of Moritz Wagner and Franz Wagner. The bad news is that the lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. has started only 11 games, going 5-6 in that span. – Marks

16. Miami Heat

2025-26 record: 23-21
Previous ranking: 17
Next games: @ POR (Jan. 22), @ UTAH (Jan. 24), @ PHX (Jan. 25)

Can the Heat find enough consistency to climb the East standings?

Before losing to Golden State on Monday, the Heat had their best win of the season against Oklahoma City at home. A positive of late has been Bam Adebayo’s offense. In his past four games entering Tuesday night, Adebayo was averaging 21.3 points with 46.4% shooting from 3. Tyler Herro’s health will be worth monitoring in the second half of the season. After a career-high 77 games and an All-Star breakthrough last season, Herro has played 11 of 44 games this season because of injuries to his left ankle, right toe, and, most recently, his ribs. – Marks

17. Portland Trail Blazers

2025-26 record: 22-22
Previous ranking: 18
Next games: vs. MIA (Jan. 22), vs. TOR (Jan. 23), @ BOS (Jan. 26), @ WAS (Jan. 27)

Will the Trail Blazers make the playoffs for the first time since 2021?

For the first time since falling out of the 2023 play-in race, the Blazers hit midseason thinking about the postseason. They successfully navigated a four-game absence from star Deni Avdija, splitting those games before winning in his return to the lineup Sunday. That got Portland to .500 for the first time since Nov. 14. With Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday also back, the Blazers are healthier than they’ve been since starting the season 5-3. Now they’ll look to secure a play-in spot with an eye toward the postseason. – Pelton

18. LA Clippers

2025-26 record: 19-24
Previous ranking: 19
Next games: vs. LAL (Jan. 22), vs. BKN (Jan. 25), @ UTAH (Jan. 27)

How long can they sustain this run?

After losing 21 of their first 27 games, the Clippers’ turnaround has been remarkable in winning 13 out of 16. Their surge has landed them in the play-in tournament conversation, but can they elevate even higher in the second half? If Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic can get healthy, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue will have more options down the stretch, with Kobe Sanders, Kobe Brown and Jordan Miller showing growth in the meantime. – McMenamin

19. Memphis Grizzlies

2025-26 record: 18-23
Previous ranking: 22
Next games: vs. ATL (Jan. 21), vs. NO (Jan. 23), vs. DEN (Jan. 25), @ HOU (Jan. 26)

Will Ja Morant finish the season in Memphis?

After Sunday’s game against Orlando – the type of explosive performance that has made Morant one of the NBA’s most popular players – the star guard expressed a desire to remain in Memphis. That probably won’t stop the brass from surveying a potential trade, but given the Grizzlies’ collection of talent that includes Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, this team could make a serious push for a play-in spot if Morant is committed to the cause and stays healthy. – Wright

20. Chicago Bulls

2025-26 record: 21-22
Previous ranking: 21
Next games: @ MIN (Jan. 22), vs. BOS (Jan. 24), vs. LAL (Jan. 26)

Will the Bulls find a direction?

Chicago seems stuck in a time loop. At the midway point of the season, its record was 19-22. Its record at the midway point last season was 18-23. The year before, it was 19-22. How about the year before that? It was 19-22. The Bulls are again positioned for the No. 9 seed in the East and a fourth straight play-in tournament. Will anything about the rest of this season give fans hope for a different future? – Collier

21. Atlanta Hawks

2025-26 record: 20-25
Previous ranking: 16
Next games: @ MEM (Jan. 21), vs. PHX (Jan. 23), vs. IND (Jan. 26)

Can the Hawks generate enough offense to stay competitive?

A 5-10 record in their past 15 games – including a four-game losing streak since Jan. 13 – has Atlanta clinging to the final playoff spot in the East. Besides health, the big question moving forward is whether the Hawks have enough offense. Atlanta has ranked 29th in offensive efficiency since Dec. 22. Atlanta ranks 16th in 3-point percentage, despite ranking third in attempts. The Hawks also rank third worst in free throw attempts. Jalen Johnson, a breakout star this season who is averaging 23 points, is averaging 16.3 points – fourth best on the team – during this four-game skid. – Marks

22. Charlotte Hornets

2025-26 record: 16-27
Previous ranking: 23
Next games: vs. CLE (Jan. 21), @ ORL (Jan. 22), vs. WAS (Jan. 24), vs. PHI (Jan. 26)

How do the Hornets accelerate their rebuild?

On track to win the franchise’s most games since 2021-22, the Hornets will spend the second half evaluating a run at the postseason … in 2027. It’s clear Charlotte has one building block in place in Rookie of the Year contender Kon Knueppel. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball’s recent resurgence offers hope he can stick around long term. The Hornets must figure out how the rest of the players fit and where veteran talent could help accelerate the timetable, as we’ve seen with Detroit and Houston in recent seasons. – Pelton

23. Milwaukee Bucks

2025-26 record: 18-24
Previous ranking: 20
Next games: vs. OKC (Jan. 21), vs. DEN (Jan. 23), vs. DAL (Jan. 25), @ PHI (Jan. 27)

How can the Bucks salvage this season?

The Bucks are coming off a huge victory against the Hawks on Monday, a win that brings them to within striking distance of the No.10 seed and at least a spot in the East play-in tournament. But just sneaking in has not been the goal for the Bucks or superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Can the Bucks pull off a big trade at the deadline to build around Giannis and change their fortunes, or will they be able to put together a winning streak that can catapult the team up the standings? – Collier

24. Dallas Mavericks

2025-26 record: 18-26
Previous ranking: 24
Next games: vs. GS (Jan. 22), vs. LAL (Jan. 24), @ MIL (Jan. 25)

Will Anthony Davis return to the Mavs’ lineup?

The team announced that Davis would be sidelined six weeks because of ligament damage in his left hand. And while the Mavs’ interim co-general managers continue to engage in trade discussions involving Davis, sources said that ownership does not feel pressure to make a deal if Dallas doesn’t get offers that it deems as good value. If Davis remains on the roster past the Feb. 5 deadline, expect discussions about whether it’s in the franchise’s best interest for the star forward to return at all this season. – MacMahon

25. Utah Jazz

2025-26 record: 15-29
Previous ranking: 25
Next games: vs. SA (Jan. 22), vs. MIA (Jan. 24), vs. LAC (Jan. 27)

When will the Jazz make winning as many games as possible the goal again?

This is the fourth season of Utah’s rebuild, and keeping the top-eight-protected pick owed to Oklahoma City – which turns to dust if not conveyed in this draft – is clearly the priority. There is optimism in the Jazz organization that a jump to competitiveness will be made this season. The team’s brass believes the Jazz have a solid core in place with Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Ace Bailey and Walker Kessler, whom Utah intends to keep in restricted free agency. After the addition of another lottery pick, an true attempt to reach the postseason is anticipated next season. – MacMahon

26. Brooklyn Nets

2025-26 record: 12-29
Previous ranking: 26
Next games: @ NYK (Jan. 21), vs. BOS (Jan. 23), @ LAC (Jan. 25), @ PHX (Jan. 27)

Will the Nets trade Michael Porter Jr.?

Brooklyn’s win over Chicago last week – the Nets nearly gave it away in the final quarter after building an 18-point lead – prevented this current slide from hitting the eight-game mark. Amid a 2-10 stretch, things appear to be quiet on the Porter trade front. The forward, who is having a career-best season, has plenty of interest around the league, but the Nets haven’t begun to seriously entertain anything as the deadline approaches. With a five-game road swing coming that takes Brooklyn into February, it will be interesting to see if talks heat up. – Goodwill

27. Sacramento Kings

2025-26 record: 12-32
Previous ranking: 27
Next games: vs. TOR (Jan. 21), @ CLE (Jan. 23), @ DET (Jan. 25), @ NYK (Jan. 27)

Is Domantas Sabonis on the team past the deadline?

After sitting out 27 games because of a meniscus tear, Sabonis quietly returned to the Kings’ lineup this past week, easing back in a 20-minute bench role. The pre-deadline timing allows Sabonis to attempt to get a rhythm and prove to the league that he’s healthy, while the Kings, league sources said, plan to explore potential deals in the next two weeks. Sabonis is owed $42.3 million this season, $45.4 million next season, and $48.6 million in the final year of his current contract. It’s a hefty contract to move, but Sabonis is the type of talent who will intrigue certain midtier teams in search of a shake-up and an interior boost. – Slater

28. New Orleans Pelicans

2025-26 record: 10-35
Previous ranking: 30
Next games: vs. DET (Jan. 21), @ MEM (Jan. 23), @ SA (Jan. 25), @ OKC (Jan. 27)

With the Pelicans headed toward one of the NBA’s worst records, where do they shift their focus?

The development of rookie lottery picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen will take center stage the rest of the season. Since New Orleans has no lottery incentive to lose games, the Pelicans’ veterans around them might not get shut down early. But it’s also important for New Orleans to keep Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson healthy while being cautious with the return of guard Dejounte Murray, out since January 2025 because of an ACL tear. That should allow Fears and Queen plenty of opportunities to work on their game. – Pelton

29. Indiana Pacers

2025-26 record: 10-34
Previous ranking: 28
Next games: @ BOS (Jan. 21), @ OKC (Jan. 23), @ ATL (Jan. 26)

Will the pingpong balls cooperate at the draft lottery?

In 1996-97, the Spurs fell from a 59-23 record the previous year to 20-62 amid a slate of injuries. But that lost season brought in No. 1 pick Tim Duncan – and, eventually, five titles – to San Antonio. Fast-forward three decades, and Indiana’s injury-plagued gap year might end up being worth it in the end, if the Pacers land a top prospect in the draft. – Kram

30. Washington Wizards

2025-26 record: 10-32
Previous ranking: 29
Next games: vs. DEN (Jan. 22), @ CHA (Jan. 24), vs. POR (Jan. 27)

How much does Trae Young play?

Despite a recent stretch of decent play, the Wizards are still nearly assured of finishing with a strong lottery position – and of retaining their top-eight-protected draft pick. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index projects Washington to finish with the NBA’s worst record. So the team’s biggest question, instead, is how much its new star acquisition plays as he works his way back from injury, and whether he can start to jell with his young teammates before the 2026-27 season. – Kram

By NBA insiders | ESPN, via ESPN