NBA Power Rankings Ahead of Playoffs

Top teams jockey for position as regular season concludes

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:29pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with players' figures and the court broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color, capturing the intensity and energy of the final stretch of the NBA season.As the NBA regular season concludes, the league's top contenders jockey for playoff positioning through a kaleidoscope of dynamic, high-stakes action.Brooklyn Today

As the 2025-26 NBA regular season comes to a close, teams are making their final pushes to secure the best possible playoff positioning. Several squads have emerged as top contenders, with the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and San Antonio Spurs among the league's elite.

Why it matters

The final NBA power rankings before the playoffs provide a snapshot of which teams are peaking at the right time and have the best chance of making a deep postseason run. Strong regular season finishes can build momentum and confidence heading into the high-stakes playoff battles.

The details

The Brooklyn Nets, led by stars Michael Porter Jr. and Victor Wembanyama, have solidified their status as the team to beat after a dominant stretch run. The Washington Wizards, featuring rookie sensation Cam Whitmore, have also surged up the rankings with their physical, defensive-minded style of play. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs continue to impress with their balanced attack and veteran poise.

  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season concludes on April 13, 2026.
  • The NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 19, 2026.

The players

Michael Porter Jr.

A versatile forward for the Brooklyn Nets who has emerged as one of the league's premier two-way players.

Victor Wembanyama

The highly touted rookie center for the Brooklyn Nets who has made an immediate impact with his elite defensive skills and offensive versatility.

Cam Whitmore

A dynamic rookie wing for the Washington Wizards who has provided a much-needed scoring punch and energetic play on both ends of the floor.

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What they’re saying

“This Nets team is as talented as any I've seen in my 20 years covering the league. If they stay healthy, they're going to be nearly impossible to beat in the playoffs.”

— Doris Burke, ESPN Analyst

“Cam Whitmore has been a revelation for the Wizards. His combination of athleticism, two-way impact, and winning mentality has been a huge boost for this team.”

— Jamal Crawford, NBA Veteran

What’s next

The NBA playoffs will begin on April 19, 2026, with the top teams in each conference vying for the championship.

The takeaway

As the regular season winds down, the Nets, Wizards, and Spurs have emerged as the teams to beat heading into the playoffs. Their mix of star power, defensive intensity, and veteran leadership makes them formidable title contenders.