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Only a few days away from the NBA trade deadline, the transaction talks have usurped the basketball product. The 2025-26 regular season has reached the point where most teams know what they are. It's now about making final tweaks before a hopeful playoff run. We've already seen a couple of small moves made.
Elsewhere, Nikola Jokic finally returned. With time to spare, too, regarding award eligibility. He missed the last month with a knee injury. The Denver Nuggets survived his absence and now regain a three-time MVP. Scary to think about the rest of the league.
Speaking of awards, we also saw Cooper Flagg have one of the greatest games in NBA history. He dropped an efficient 49 points on the eve of the Luka Doncic trade anniversary. It's the most dominant game the league has ever seen from a teenager. He's been a dream scenario for a Dallas Mavericks squad that looked hopeless.
Every week, Thunder Wire will release updated 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings. Here is the Jan. 26-Feb. 1 edition:
30. Sacramento Kings (12-38)
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Previous Rankings: 26
The Kings have fallen to the bottom of the standings. An eight-game losing streak has helped them reach that impromptu goal. Clearly, this wasn't the plan when they entered the season. But Sacramento has been one of the worst teams all year. Filled with several veterans, they've pivoted to being sellers. Dennis Schroder was the first domino to fall as he was shipped to the Cavaliers. He had 27 points in a loss to the Sixers that showcased what he brings.
29. Washington Wizards (12-35)
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Previous Rankings: 30
This season is all about player development. The Wizards are filled with young players. You've seen flashes from across the board. In a rare win over the Trail Blazers, Alex Sarr had 29 points and 12 rebounds. Washington will hope to add another blue-chip prospect to its roster this upcoming offseason. The only way to make that happen is by adding losses to its record.
28. Utah Jazz (15-34)
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Previous Rankings: 25
The Jazz have lost five in a row. All by double-digit points, too. Utah has to stomach through another tanking season, despite what its new front office said. At least Keyonte George has played some fun basketball. He had 26 points and seven assists in a close loss to the Nets. The rest of this season will be about bettering their lottery odds. All hands are on deck to ensure it lands in the top eight.
27. New Orleans Pelicans (13-38)
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Previous Rankings: 29
Things are back to being ugly in New Orleans. The Pelicans failed to upset a short-handed Thunder in a frustrating loss. Jeremiah Fears had a postgame altercation with Lu Dort. The 19-year-old has fizzled out of the rotation. Such a shame for New Orleans. It needs to turn the page. It'll be interesting to see what they do at the trade deadline with several veteran pieces who could be dealt.
26. Brooklyn Nets (13-35)
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Previous Rankings: 27
After a miserable seven-game losing streak, the Nets had a nice escape from reality with a win over the Jazz. Egor Demin has figured some stuff out with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Of all his basketball skills, the outside shot has looked the best so far. He was Brooklyn's prized prospect as it embarks a rebuild. Considering how flat-out awful they've been this season, they hope to add more in the upcoming draft.
25. Indiana Pacers (13-36)
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Previous Rankings: 28
It was a fun week for the Pacers. They had two straight close wins over the Bulls and Hawks. Aaron Nesmith scored a game-winner against the former. Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam combined for 51 points in a win over the latter. It's a lost season for Indiana. Injuries never gave it a fair shot. But if those two wins have shown you anything, it's that they have the makings to be a contender as soon as next year.
24. Milwaukee Bucks (18-29)
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Previous Rankings: 24
On a five-game losing streak, everybody in the NBA awaits to see what the Bucks do next. Giannis Antetokounmpo will be out for a while. As they nosedive in the standings, the trade noise only grows louder. I think everybody knew a deal was inevitable. Just that most thought it was an offseason move. But considering how ugly the relationship has gotten in recent weeks, makes you wonder if a trade deadline blockbuster could be on the way that ships the two-time MVP winner elsewhere and completely changes the dynamics of the league.
23. Memphis Grizzlies (18-29)
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Previous Rankings: 23
The Grizzlies have lost six in a row. They're starting to run out of time to turn their season around. Overcoming a calf strain that had him sidelined through the start of the season, Ty Jerome finally made his debut. He had 20 points in a loss to the Timberwolves. It's a shame he couldn't have suited up sooner. Maybe Memphis' year plays out differently. Alas, it's only fitting their biggest offseason addition missed over half of the year with a mundane injury.
22. Dallas Mavericks (19-30)
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Previous Rankings: 19
Nearing the anniversary of the Luka Doncic trade, I think the Mavericks will be alright. Cooper Flagg has lived up to his draft hype as a franchise superstar. He scored an unreal efficient 49 points in a close loss to the Hornets. He followed it up with 34 points in a loss to the Rockets. The 19-year-old has had one of the greatest seasons ever by a teenager. Dallas has quickly gotten over its heartbreak and now sits pretty with one of the best young players in the game.
21. Atlanta Hawks (24-27)
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Previous Rankings: 21
Outside of Jalen Johnson's ascension into Atlanta's franchise player, not much else is left to watch with the Hawks this season. The offseason is when they can make big moves. It's been a lost year where they could be sellers at the trade deadline. At least they can take a small victory lap with Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He's been an awesome addition who has leveled up his game. He had 21 points in an upset win over the Celtics.
20. Chicago Bulls (24-26)
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Previous Rankings: 20
Snapping a three-game losing streak, Ayo Dosunmu scored a season-best 29 points in a win over the Heat. How the Bulls handle his situation will be an interesting subplot to follow. It could tell you a lot about how the front office's feelings on the mediocre squad. He'd help with a postseason push, but could get flipped at the trade deadline as an expiring salary. All depends on what the Bulls' goals are this season and if they're cool with another play-in spot.
19. Portland Trail Blazers (23-27)
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Previous Rankings: 15
The Trail Blazers badly need to get to the All-Star break. They've lost five in a row. Deni Avdija has dealt with a nagging back injury that continues to make him miss time. The efficiency numbers have dropped since he sustained it. He only had 11 points in a loss to the Knicks. Portland's entire offense revolves around him. He's likely a first-time All-Star due to his surprise ascension into a 25-point scorer.
18. Charlotte Hornets (22-28)
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Previous Rankings: 22
As the calendar has flipped, we end one of the most dominant months in NBA history. The Hornets finished with the greatest ever point differential in a single month in January. Yep, you read that right. They've completely turned around their season with a healthy starting lineup. All of the advanced stats love their lineup. Kon Knueppel scored a career-best 34 points in a close win over the Mavericks and old Duke teammate Flagg. Let's see where things go with Charlotte, but no doubt this is the most relevant it's been in years.
17. Miami Heat (27-24)
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Previous Rankings: 18
The Heat and Bulls played each other for three consecutive games in a quasi-playoff series. That happened to make up for a postponed game. Miami won two of the matchups, including dropping 134 points. Norman Powell had 21 points in their win over Chicago. Both teams have populated the East's play-in tournament for years. Barring a significant roster change, expect that to continue this season. The Heat play greater as a whole than the sum of their parts.
16. LA Clippers (23-25)
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Previous Rankings: 14
The Clippers have been the NBA's hottest team for a month now. To the point that they're pressuring a random social media user to eat their own tweet. It's been one of the wildest turnarounds in league history. Kawhi Leonard has looked like his vintage self as an efficient 27-point scorer. He's the consensus biggest All-Star snub this year. It's crazy to think how much LA has salvaged its season after such an awful start.
15. Golden State Warriors (27-23)
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Previous Rankings: 16
The Warriors continue to navigate their grim future. Once Jimmy Butler III went down, they were slapped in the face with mortality. It's now about what Golden State does at the trade deadline. Everybody over there is playing with some sense of urgency. Stephen Curry is in the twilight stage of his career. As long as he suits up, the veteran squad will always be in the hunt for another superstar.
14. Orlando Magic (25-23)
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Previous Rankings: 17
A couple of wins saw the Magic put up high-scoring numbers. They had 133 points in a win over the Heat. Paolo Banchero had 31 points and Anthony Black had 26 points. They had 130 points in a win over the Raptors. Desmond Bane had 32 points. Orlando has struggled to be a competent offense for years. That continues to be the case despite some big-time names. If they turn their year around, it'll be because that side of the ball lives up to its hype.
13. Philadelphia 76ers (27-21)
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Previous Rankings: 13
The Sixers were part of a bad bombshell this past weekend. Paul George was suspended for 25 games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Now, the substance's purpose is up for debate. But regardless, he'll be out for a while. He's been an awesome player this season. Vibes were too well in Philadelphia this season, so they were due for another shoe to drop. Joel Embiid has looked like his vintage self for a few weeks now. If he can remain healthy and a 25-point scorer, that completely changes the odds out East.
12. Toronto Raptors (29-21)
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Previous Rankings: 10
In one of the bigger surprise teams this season, Scottie Barnes was rewarded for his year. He was named an All-Star. The Raptors continue to be a feel-good story. They're in competition to be a top-four seed in the East. Which is a wild development considering how meh their roster looks on paper. They play awesome defense and are willing to score ugly buckets. It's been a fun year there after spending so long as an irrelevant team.
11. Cleveland Cavaliers (30-21)
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Previous Rankings: 11
The Cavaliers are starting to figure some stuff out. They blew out the Lakers on primetime television. Donovan Mitchell had 25 points. Cleveland has struggled with injuries and consistency. But have recently found a flow. Adding to their momentum, they added Schroder in a trade. Despite everybody being down on them this season, you look at the East standings and it's easy to build a case for them to be a wildcard team.
10. Phoenix Suns (30-20)
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Previous Rankings: 12
We now have to consider if the Suns can sneak away with a top-four seed. That's how awesome they've been this season. What a turnaround for an NBA franchise that was previously a joke for everyone else. Dillon Brooks has helped turn around their culture. He scored a career-best 40 points in an impressive blowout win over the Pistons. He won't make it, but he's on the All-Star bubble. Phoenix has quickly fallen in love with him as someone who wins everywhere he goes.
9. Los Angeles Lakers (29-19)
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Previous Rankings: 7
The Lakers continue to be a high-octane offense. Luka Doncic dropped an unreal 46 points in a win over the Bulls. He then tallied a 37-point triple-double in a win over the Wizards. He continues to add to his MVP resume in what will likely be a runner-up finish. Meanwhile, LeBron James visited Cleveland for what could be the final time of his career. Los Angeles has mostly taken care of business against some bottom-half teams in the league. Never any concerns about those. It's about how they stack up against true contenders.
8. Boston Celtics (31-18)
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Previous Rankings: 6
Rehabbing in the background, we heard some Jayson Tatum publicly talk for the first time in forever. He discussed his lengthy recovery from a torn Achilles. And for the first time since he went down, he pondered if he'll even suit up this season. Most folks have assumed that was given. An eventual return was baked into the Celtics' surprising dominance. If they could get an All-NBA player back by the playoffs with the way they're rolling, they have a clear shot to make the NBA Finals. Now, though, Tatum has extinguished some of that hype. We'll see how things go, but you can't bank on him returning to play Superman.
7. New York Knicks (31-18)
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Previous Rankings: 9
Think it's safe to say the Knicks are out of their month-long rut. They've won six in a row. And even though there have been some cryptic Karl-Anthony Towns trade rumors, they've managed to block out the noise and play winning basketball for the first time since they won the NBA Cup. A bunch of blowout wins is the best medicine to fix any chemistry woes. New York has returned to playing at the high level it did to start the season.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves (31-19)
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Previous Rankings: 8
Perhaps there's no better team that exemplifies the peaks and valleys of an NBA marathon. After a frustrating five-game losing streak, the Timberwolves have won four in a row. That included a blowout win over the Thunder. Anthony Edwards had 26 points. He said it's always personal anytime he matches up with OKC, considering they kicked them out of the playoffs last year. Minnesota is a rollercoaster squad that's either red-hot or ice-cold. No in-between. That makes for a dangerous playoff threat who could upset anybody else in the field.
5. Houston Rockets (30-17)
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Previous Rankings: 5
Another brutal loss for the Rockets. Steven Adams is out for the rest of the season after he underwent season-ending ankle surgery. Even though he's a role player, his importance to Houston's identity can't be overstated. They mostly relied on dominating the offensive boards to get buckets. He's been one of the best ever in that regard. Now that he's out for the season, you have to wonder how the Rockets pivot. They've picked up some nice wins over the Hawks and Mavericks, but you can't help but feel like it was a disastrous week because of that injury development.
4. San Antonio Spurs (33-16)
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Previous Rankings: 4
Give credit to the Spurs. Anytime they play a primetime matchup, you can guarantee they'll get up for it. They collected an impressive win over the Rockets. Victor Wembanyama had 28 points and 16 rebounds. While San Antonio has struggled to beat some of the lesser teams, it always ups its intensity against the upper echelon. Inconsistency is a trait every young contender grows through. Right now, the Spurs are learning how to win on a consistent basis.
3. Denver Nuggets (33-17)
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Previous Rankings: 3
Help has arrived. The Nuggets saw Nikola Jokic return from a month-long absence in their win over the Clippers. He finished with 31 points and 12 rebounds. I think Denver blew everyone's expectations out of the water when he first sustained the hyperextended knee. They went 10-6 in his absence. Now, they add the three-time MVP winner and have become a popular title pick. It's also great timing, as Aaron Gordon will be out for at least a month with another hamstring strain.
2. Detroit Pistons (36-12)
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Previous Rankings: 2
The Pistons continue to win. They picked up an impressive victory over the Warriors. Cade Cunningham had 29 points and 11 assists. It'll be interesting to see what Detroit does at the trade deadline. There are some obvious shooting needs, but the young group has still found its way with a comfortable lead in first place out East despite that. It really depends on how much they believe in their squad and if it's worth forking over some chips to go all-in this season. Considering how great the vibes are, it's a delicate dance.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (39-11)
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Previous Rankings: 1
Over the last month, the Thunder have looked vulnerable. Credit that to injuries. Jalen Williams remains out with a hamstring strain and Isaiah Hartenstein recently returned from a month-long absence due to a soleus strain. But you can also credit that to not playing at the same level every night. Specifically on offense. When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the floor, everything is gravy. When he's off, though, it gets ugly quickly. OKC is still viewed as the title favorite. But you can't help but notice how mediocre it's looked over the last month. Perhaps the gap between them and the rest of the field is a lot thinner than previously thought. That said, though, a wire-to-wire win over the Nuggets is an excellent place to start.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Power Rankings: Nikola Jokic returns; Cooper Flagg makes history
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