NBA Power Rankings 2025: Cavs, Thunder lead midseason

Melissa Rohlin

FOX Sports NBA writer

We’re in the middle of the NBA season, so let’s take a look at how the teams are doing.

They are pure fugitives Cleveland Cavaliers (35-6) i Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7), who both have a 6 1/2 lead over the second-place teams in their respective conferences. Barring any major surprises, I expect both teams to remain at the top of the table this season. The real question is … do they have enough experience to make some noise in the playoffs?

Now, for the teams making the most impressive climbs up the ladder. Both LA Clippers (24-17) i Milwaukee Bucks (24-17) are on a bit of a hot streak, each having won four games in a row.

The Clippers recently returned two-time NBA champions Kawhi Leonard to their roster after missing the first 34 games of the season due to a rehab in his right knee. If he continues to find his rhythm and stay healthy, the Clippers could make some real noise. After all, their last week included a 59-point win over Brooklyn and a 29-point win over Portland. But let’s be real, their last win on Sunday vs Los Angeles Lakers (116-102) was probably the sweetest of them all, considering they were hosting the 17-time NBA champions for the first time, with whom they shared an arena for far too long in their books.

As for the Bucks, they have won eight of their last 11 games and continue to do a great job of turning the season around despite their poor 2-8 start. Giannis Antetokounmpo emphasized that the difference is simple: the team now trusts each other.

Now, what we all care about most: the drama. The team currently winning the biggest award for a soap opera is Miami Heatwhich he recently rejected Philadelphia 76ers from being the frontrunners for that honor.

Jimmy Butlerwho made it clear he wanted to be traded, returned to the Heat on Saturday after serving a seven-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team.” After finishing with 18 points in 33 minutes in a 133-113 loss Denver Nuggetshe said “no comment” when asked if the situation can be improved. With the trade deadline fast approaching, fasten your seat belts. Things can get very interesting.

Here is our ranking:

Melissa Rollins is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. She previously covered the league for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, The Bay Area News Group and Saint Anthony Ekspres-Novosti. Follow her on Twitter @bi melissarohl.