Image Source: Lorenzo Reyes
Key Takeaways
- The NBA trade deadline is approaching, and teams are expected to make moves to bolster their rosters.
- The Houston Rockets have lost three consecutive games and have been called out for their effort and toughness, making them the biggest fallers of the week.
- The Phoenix Suns have improved their defensive rating, moving up two spots in the power rankings.
- The Denver Nuggets remain a tough team to beat despite injuries to key players, including Nikola Jokic.
- The Philadelphia 76ers continue to march towards contention in the East, with a strong performance when all three of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George play.
Introduction to the NBA Power Rankings
The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching, and teams are expected to make moves to bolster their rosters and improve their chances of competing for a championship. As of January 12, 2026, the league is in a state of flux, with teams like the Houston Rockets struggling and others, like the Phoenix Suns, improving their defensive rating. According to USA TODAY Sports, "The Thunder aren’t all the way back to their previous levels of dominance from the beginning of the season, but Oklahoma City has course corrected on a three-game winning streak."
Top 10 Power Rankings
The top 10 teams in the power rankings remain relatively unchanged, with the Oklahoma City Thunder holding onto the top spot with a 33-7 record. The Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs follow closely, with the Denver Nuggets moving up one spot to fourth. The Boston Celtics have dropped one spot to fifth, while the New York Knicks remain at sixth. As noted in the original article, "The Nuggets are in an interesting spot: star Nikola Jokic remains sidelined with a knee injury and Denver is still banged up." Despite these injuries, the Nuggets remain a tough team to beat, with Aaron Gordon back and Christian Braun nearing a return.
Middle of the Pack
The middle of the pack sees some movement, with the Philadelphia 76ers moving up one spot to 11th. The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers have also moved up, while the Atlanta Hawks have jumped six spots to 14th after a three-game winning streak. The Hawks’ improved performance has been highlighted by an improved defense, as noted in the original article: "The Hawks, on a three-game winning streak, have more stability and direction after the Trae Young trade. Atlanta was playing better without him, anyway, highlighted by an improved defense." The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, have dropped six spots to 15th after losing three consecutive games.
Bottom of the Pack
The bottom of the pack sees the Los Angeles Clippers starting to make a push up the standings, but they still have a long way to go. Kawhi Leonard is on a hot streak, and James Harden is playing better, but the biggest improvement for the Clippers has been limiting turnovers. As noted in the original article, "The Clippers are starting to make their push up the standings, but they still have a long way to go. Kawhi Leonard is on a heater and James Harden is playing better, but the biggest thing is L.A. is limiting turnovers; after starting the season committing 15.6 turnovers in November, the Clippers have averaged just 13.0 turnovers per game over their last 10, tied for best in the NBA." The Indiana Pacers have climbed out of the cellar after consecutive wins over the Hornets and Heat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NBA power rankings are constantly changing, with teams like the Houston Rockets struggling and others, like the Phoenix Suns, improving their defensive rating. The Philadelphia 76ers continue to march towards contention in the East, while the Denver Nuggets remain a tough team to beat despite injuries to key players. As the trade deadline approaches, teams are expected to make moves to bolster their rosters and improve their chances of competing for a championship. As coach Ime Udoka has challenged his team’s effort and toughness, it will be interesting to see how the Houston Rockets respond and whether they can turn their season around.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2026/01/12/nba-power-rankings-houston-rockets/88148347007/