Jason Timpf: NBA Power Rankings for the Week of December 22

At this point in the season, power rankings aren’t about perfection—they’re about trajectory. Who’s building habits that translate to playoff basketball? Who’s flashing warning signs? And who’s quietly getting better while no one’s paying attention?

Here’s where I land this week. All odds provided by Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook.

10. Philadelphia 76ers (+6000 to win the Title)

The Sixers are playing some of their best basketball of the season, and it’s coming on the defensive end. Over their last eight games, they’re 6–2 and rank fourth in defensive rating during that stretch. They’re using speed to run teams off the three-point line, funneling drives into their bigs, and—most importantly—turning defense into offense.

In their last 10 games, Philadelphia is averaging 19 points off turnovers, fifth-most in the NBA. Earlier in the season, they ranked near the bottom in that category. That’s real margin growth.

Joel Embiid and Paul George are both moving better and shooting better from deep, Tyrese Maxey continues to play like an MVP candidate, and VJ Edgecombe has been deadly from three. This team is building real momentum.

9. Boston Celtics (+3000)

Boston hit some adversity last week with tough losses to Milwaukee and Detroit, exposing some old demons—cold shooting nights and an inability to consistently pressure the rim. But how teams respond matters, and the Celtics responded well.

Their win in Toronto was a perfect example. The deep bench flipped that game entirely, with unlikely contributors protecting the rim, attacking closeouts, and drilling mid-range shots. There was a short stretch bridging the third and fourth quarters where Boston simply took control.

The season is long. Even elite teams stumble. What matters is bounce-back ability, and the Celtics showed it.

8. Houston Rockets (+1000)

Houston’s biggest win of the season came against Denver, but it was surrounded by three clutch-time losses—two against bottom-tier Western Conference teams. That inconsistency shines a light on flaws they’ll need to address.

I still believe the Rockets are real contenders, but belief doesn’t equal blind faith. There’s work to be done between now and April.

7. Los Angeles Lakers (+1300)

The Lakers haven’t lost back-to-back games all season, but cracks are forming. Injuries are piling up, and depth is being tested hard. Against the Clippers, LeBron James was essentially the only healthy starter by the end—and yet, I was oddly encouraged by the fight.

They generated good looks. They competed defensively. LeBron looked as explosive as he has all year. But shooting doomed them—15 wide-open catch-and-shoot threes, two makes. Brutal.

That said, zooming out, I’m growing more concerned. Luka Dončić hasn’t played at a top-five level in about a month. His usage is sky-high, but his efficiency and defense lag behind other elite stars. Add in mounting injuries and a brutal upcoming schedule, and this team feels closer to sixth-best in the West than a true title threat—at least right now.

6. Denver Nuggets (+700)

Denver’s loss to Houston doesn’t move me much. It’s hard to beat good teams three times in a row, and they had a miserable shooting night while missing key athletic pieces.

The bigger story is what’s happening when Nikola Jokić is off the floor. Denver is improving in those minutes—significantly. Defensive-minded lineups anchored by competition, shooting, and Jonas Valančiūnas as an offensive fulcrum are holding their own.

That’s real progress, and it matters come playoff time.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves (+3000)

Minnesota is 9–2 in their last 11 games, including a statement win over Oklahoma City. They’re playing with confidence, physicality, and defensive edge.

This team is knocking loudly on the door of the top-tier contender conversation.

4. San Antonio Spurs (+2500)

After surviving a brutal gauntlet of elite opponents, the Spurs caught a lighter stretch and took care of business. Their dominant defensive showing in Atlanta was particularly impressive.

Now comes the fun part: a home-and-home against Oklahoma City that feels like a playoff preview. Those games will tell us a lot.

3. New York Knicks (+1300)

This Knicks team is simply better across the board. Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges have all elevated their two-way play. Jalen Brunson has taken a clear leap toward superstardom.

New York looks like a team on a mission—and a legitimate Finals threat.

2. Detroit Pistons (+2000)

Detroit took a tough loss in Dallas, where defensive issues popped up on guard screens and Cade Cunningham was targeted. That’s something to monitor.

But zooming out, this was still a strong week. They beat Boston behind elite perimeter defense and a brilliant clutch performance from Cade. This team wears opponents down with waves of physical, high-level defenders.

If Detroit makes the right trade at power forward, they could become the favorite in the East.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (+100)

For the first time in a while, OKC faced some adversity, losing two of their last three games. Familiar issues resurfaced: turnovers, cold three-point shooting, and allowing offensive rebounds.

The sky isn’t falling—but it’s a reminder. Championships are never easy, no matter how talented you are.

They’ll get another chance to send a message this week against San Antonio.