April has arrived, and with it comes the usual caution against being deceived. However, The Athletic NBA Power Rankings aim to provide you with accurate information each week.
We are constantly striving to enhance our weekly updates. To that end, we’ve launched the Power Rankings App Store. Each team will offer tailored features to enrich your viewing experience, whether you’re watching live at the arena, on TV through cable or streaming services, or catching highlights from algorithms.
Bear in mind some existing troubleshooting matters. While many of you have expressed interest in a “Standings View” in the rankings, that feature isn’t available. Some have inquired about unlocking the first tier, but the user guide clearly outlines the tier structure. Lastly, there are those who feel the first 50 games of the season shouldn’t influence these Power Rankings, but these are not “What If?” Rankings.
Remember: These Power Rankings won’t merely classify teams. We maintain the tier system where teams can be promoted or relegated. Each week features five distinct tiers:
- Top Contenders – Fixed at five teams, these represent the elite of the league.
- In a Good Place – This could be one team or several.
- The Bubble – The average middle ground.
- Not the Tier to Fear – Not the worst-performing teams, yet still require significant improvement.
- Basement Floor – Bringing up the end of the pack.
Now, let’s process Week 23 of the Power Rankings. Win/loss records and statistics reflect games played through Monday.
Tier 1: Top Contenders
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (63-12)
Last ranking: 1
In the last week: W at SAC, W vs MEM, W vs IND, W vs CHI
Offensive rating: 119.2 (third)
Defensive rating: 106.0 (first)
App Store description: The most formidable app available. This team has outscored opponents by over a thousand points with seven games remaining. If Oklahoma City were a VPN, it might be overwhelming for the everyday user.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers (60-15)
Last ranking: 2
In the last week: W at POR, W vs SA, L at DET, W vs LAC
Offensive rating: 121.5 (first)
Defensive rating: 111.9 (eighth)
App Store description: Center Jarrett Allen had a rough outing against the Clippers two weeks ago but rebounded beautifully against them in Cleveland with 25 points on 11-of-12 shooting, marking one of the month’s standout victories. Some apps just need a reboot—sometimes, a rematch is in order.
3. Boston Celtics (56-19)
Last ranking: 3
In the last week: W at PHO, W at SA, W at MEM
Offensive rating: 119.6 (second)
Defensive rating: 110.2 (fifth)
App Store description: Following a blown lead against the Cavaliers in March, Boston only lost once throughout the month, the defeat being against the top-seeded Thunder. Dominating March with an 8-0 record on the road, only one game was settled by single digits—this is the kind of app that shines anywhere.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (46-29)
Last ranking: 6
In the last week: W at IND, L at CHI, W at MEM, W vs HOU
Offensive rating: 114.4 (13th)
Defensive rating: 113.6 (14th)
App Store description: The Lakers were the first team since the 1992 Charlotte Hornets to win on a buzzer-beater one night and then become a buzzer-beater casualty the next. They responded brilliantly by scoring 134 points in Memphis and limiting the Rockets to under 100 points. While there is a gap between the top three teams and the rest, the Lakers have shown they can compete.
5. Houston Rockets (49-27)
Last ranking: 4
In the last week: W vs ATL, W at UTA, W at PHO, L at LAL
Offensive rating: 114.7 (11th)
Defensive rating: 109.7 (fourth)
App Store description: Like that app that’s improved but still raises doubt among users due to past issues, these Rockets are gaining traction but need one more shooter to truly dominate in crucial moments while struggling with some inefficiencies.
