NBA Power Rankings: Did your team meet or miss its season expectations?

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The end of the 2025-26 NBA regular season is finally here, with the campaign officially coming to a close this Sunday with all 30 teams playing. Every new season comes with high expectations, with some teams meeting or exceeding those goals and others falling far from the original game plan set in October. The Oklahoma City Thunder held on as the favorites this season, dominating the Western Conference once again, and they're set to make a deep run in the playoffs with their attention turned toward a repeat championship. The Dallas Mavericks, after winning the lottery last year and drafting No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, look toward next season after a dismal first season with their rookie star. In the East, the Detroit Pistons have exceeded all expectations, only two seasons after sitting at the bottom of the standings with the league's worst record. The Boston Celtics, almost a year after losing Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury, are firmly back in the postseason picture.

Why it matters

The last NBA power rankings of the regular season provide a comprehensive look at how all 30 teams performed relative to their preseason expectations. This analysis offers valuable insights into the league's landscape heading into the playoffs, highlighting the teams that exceeded projections, those that fell short, and the key factors that shaped their seasons. Understanding these narratives can enhance the fan experience and build anticipation for the postseason, where teams will have the opportunity to prove themselves on the biggest stage.

The details

The Oklahoma City Thunder have continued their dominance, steamrolling to a win total in the mid-60s despite significant injury attrition. The San Antonio Spurs have made a remarkable turnaround, bettering their win total from the previous season by more than 25 games and emerging as a potential playoff contender led by the dynamic duo of Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox. The Detroit Pistons have been one of the season's biggest surprises, with Cade Cunningham elevating into an MVP candidate and Jalen Duren taking a huge leap. The Boston Celtics have bounced back from Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, locking up a top-two seed in the East. The Denver Nuggets have been hindered by injuries but remain a legitimate contender in the West due to their league-best offense. The New York Knicks have been an up-and-down bunch, but their top-three offense and top-seven defense have them in position for a deep playoff run. The Cleveland Cavaliers took a big swing by trading Darius Garland for James Harden, a move that could erase an uneven regular season with a deep postseason run.

• The NBA regular season is officially coming to a close this Sunday, April 13, 2026.
• The Oklahoma City Thunder have dominated the Western Conference once again this season.
• The Dallas Mavericks are looking toward next season after a dismal first year with rookie star Cooper Flagg.
• The Detroit Pistons have exceeded expectations, only two seasons after sitting at the bottom of the standings.
• The Boston Celtics are firmly back in the postseason picture, almost a year after losing Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury.

What they’re saying