2024-25 FTN NBA Power Rankings: Thunder Rise to No. 1

Welcome back to FTN Fantasy’s NBA Power Rankings!

There are just a few weeks left in the regular season, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Most teams are either fighting for postseason position or quietly (well, some not so quietly) packing it in for the lottery.

This week, the Oklahoma City Thunder regain the No. 1 spot in our power rankings after a dominant stretch, overtaking the Celtics thanks to the continued MVP-level play from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Clippers and Mavericks also climb sharply as they get healthier, while the Bucks continue to slide. The Rockets are also making a strong push into the top 10 as they build momentum at the right time, trying to lock down the 2 seed.

Let’s break down what the FTN model is seeing, and what it means for the final weeks of the regular season.

How Our NBA Power Rankings Work

Every Monday, we provide an up-to-the-minute snapshot of the league using our exclusive power rankings, powered by the FTN NBA Betting Model. These rankings adjust for recent results, injuries, and key news, offering a dynamic, data-driven view of the NBA’s shifting landscape. We also track which teams are trending up and which are sliding down.

But this isn’t just about rankings – it’s about giving you the edge. Whether you’re betting on the NBA or simply keeping tabs on your favorite team’s performance, our rankings provide key insights to help you make smarter decisions. Curious to see how we evaluate a specific matchup? Our NBA Betting Model is constantly updated with the latest data, and we highlight the best value picks in our NBA Bet Tracker.

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Key Takeaways

Thunder Back on Top, Powered by the League’s Best Net Rating

Oklahoma City has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in our rankings, and it’s easy to see why. FTN’s team model gives them a +11.6 total rating, the highest in the NBA, driven by a league-best -6.7 defensive rating and a top-three pace (13.7 seconds per possession).

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the charge. He ranks No. 1 in our FTN Player Ratings, with a +7.4 overall impact, combining elite offensive efficiency (+6.2, first) with vastly improved defense. He’s getting help, too, as Chet Holmgren has emerged as a top-10 defender in our model, and Jalen Williams continues to look like one of the league’s most efficient wings.

The Thunder’s ascent to the top of our power rankings is not solely due to their star power but also a testament to their remarkable depth. Beyond SGA’s MVP-caliber performance, averaging 32.9 points and 6.3 assists per game, the Thunder boast a roster full of contributors. ​Collectively, the Thunder’s bench has amassed 2,577 points this season, underscoring the team’s depth and versatility. This balanced attack, featuring both emerging talents and seasoned role players, positions Oklahoma City as a formidable contender as the postseason approaches.​

Clippers Surge as Kawhi and Harden Gel

The Los Angeles Clippers have ascended to No. 4 in our power rankings, a seven-spot jump that underscores their recent resurgence. This improvement is largely attributed to Kawhi Leonard‘s exceptional performance since the All-Star break and the timely return of Norman Powell from injury.​

Leonard has been instrumental in the Clippers’ success, averaging 24.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists over 15 games since the All-Star break. His shooting efficiency has been notable, with a field goal percentage of 50.2% and a three-point percentage of 42.1% during this period. Leonard’s increased assertiveness on offense has seen him take on a more prominent role, effectively leading the team’s scoring efforts.​

The Clippers have also benefited from the return of Powell, who rejoined the lineup March 16 after a seven-game absence due to a right hamstring strain. Prior to his injury, Powell was a significant contributor, averaging 24.1 points over his last 10 appearances. His return adds depth and scoring prowess to the Clippers’ roster, providing a much-needed boost as the playoffs approach.

With Leonard’s leadership and Powell’s reintegration, the Clippers have all the pieces for a deep postseason run. It’s just about staying healthy. 

Cavaliers’ 60-Win Season Confirms What Our Model Already Knew

The Cavaliers are no longer flying under the radar. After hitting 60 wins for just the third time in franchise history, Cleveland has firmly asserted itself as a top-tier contender. But FTN’s model has been high on the Cavs all season, even when national attention lagged behind.

Donovan Mitchell remains the best player, but the supporting cast is the key to their ceiling. In our FTN Player Ratings, Evan Mobley is a top-10 defender, Jarrett Allen is among the league’s best rebounders, and Darius Garland continues to post strong offensive efficiency. 

Timberwolves Stay Locked In 

The Timberwolves made headlines last night for a chippy win over the Pistons that featured seven ejections. But don’t let the chaos distract from the bigger takeaway: this team is focused, deep and still very much a force in the West.

Minnesota defeated Detroit 123-104 behind 26 points from Julius Randle and 25 from Anthony Edwards, showing poise despite the in-game drama. But it’s not just about one win. FTN’s Team Model ranks the Timberwolves as a top-seven team overall, with a +4.5 total rating, fueled by the second-best defense in the league (-5.1 defensive rating) and a slow, grinding pace (14.9 sec/possession) that suits their physical identity.

From a player perspective, Rudy Gobert continues to anchor the paint, grading out as the No. 2 defender in our FTN Player Ratings. Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards both rank top-25 defensively among their positions, while Edwards’ offensive game has taken another leap, now grading as a top-15 wing overall.

Their offense is still a work in progress, but the defense gives them a high floor, and our model continues to treat them as a legitimate second-round or conference finals team in the right bracket. If Anthony Edwards steps up in the playoffs, they will be a difficult matchup for anyone. 

Check out some more interesting NBA Information on ftnfantasy.com:

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