The 2026 NBA trade deadline has passed. Although teams can still make minor adjustments in the buyout market, the lineups are largely set for an exciting end to the season. The rankings remained relatively stable with Cleveland making a notable shift by trading Darius Garland for James Harden, a move aimed at immediate gains. Conversely, the Clippers’ prospects for the rest of the season have dimmed significantly.

Major Highlights:

• The Spurs retain dominance, having convincingly beaten the Thunder multiple times this season, securing their top ranking.
• The Hornets are on a remarkable eight-game winning streak, contributing to their rise in the rankings.

Note:

The power rankings this week consider recent performances, overall season trends, and foreseeable developments as we progress through this competitive stretch.

Biggest Movers:

• Magic (+4)
• Clippers (-13)

Rankings Overview:

Rk	Teams	Change	Record
1	Spurs	+1	35-16
2	Thunder	+1	40-12
3	Nuggets	+1	33-19
…	…	…	…