Top Teams in Week 13: Cavaliers and Thunder Leading the Pack as Season Hits Midpoint

There are still many games left to be played and there may even be some trades in the works. It's safe to say that the standings will undergo some changes by April 14th.

But two teams — the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder — stand alone. The Cavs (despite their loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday) lead the Eastern Conference by 5 1/2 games. The Thunder (despite their loss to the Cavs last week) lead the West by 6 1/2.

This is the fifth straight week where the Cavs and Thunder have occupied the top two spots in the Power Rankings, swapping places a few times. And while there are a couple of other teams on winning streaks right now, Cleveland and Oklahoma City could be at the top for a while longer.

After a terrific game last week, they’ll meet again on Thursday (7:30 ET, TNT). Clear your calendar.

Plus-Minus Players of the Week

Right Way: Bennedict Mathurin (IND) was a plus-75 in four games last week.Wrong Way: Bub Carrington (WAS) was a minus-94 in four games last week.

Teams of the Week

Make It Last Forever: Indiana (4-0) — The 2025 Pacers are undefeated.Something Just Ain’t Right: Brooklyn (0-4) — Though it was a pretty good week for Tosan Evbuomwan fans.

* * *

East vs. West

The West is 97-79 (.551) against the East in interconference games after going 14-12 last week.

Schedule strength through Week 12

Toughest: 1. Washington, 2. Toronto, 3. CharlotteEasiest: 1. Cleveland, 2. New York, 3. MemphisSchedule strength is based on cumulative opponent record.

* * *

Movement in the Rankings

High jumps of the week: Indiana (+4), Phoenix (+4), Sacramento (+4)Free falls of the week: San Antonio (-5), Atlanta (-3), Philadelphia (-3)

* * *

Week 13 Team to Watch

Philadelphia — The Sixers need to start moving up the standings ASAP, but they’re just 4-17 against the 17 teams that are currently over .500 and 14 of their next 15 games are against that group. That includes big tests against Thunder, Knicks, Pacers and Bucks this week.

* * *

Previously…

Last week: Thunder & Cavs swap as 3 new teams enter Top 10The archive: NBA.com Power Rankings

OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)

The league has averaged 112.6 points scored per 100 possessions and 99.8 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes this season.

NBA.com’s Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man’s opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, contact him via Bluesky.