NBA Power Rankings Shake-Up: Which Surprising Teams Are Rising as Playoffs Loom?

The Spunkiest Team In Basketball

21. New Orleans Pelicans

Unlike the other nine teams that are out of the play-in/playoff mix, the New Orleans Pelicans don’t own their first round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. So, they have no incentive to tank. The Pelicans have used this opportunity to start building a winning culture – hence their place in their own special tier. Since January 22, the Pelicans are 14-10 with the 10th best offense and 14th best net rating. A lot of this is them taking advantage of The Tankers, but the Pelicans have also mustered impressive wins over the Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Toronto Raptors. Their front office is still as aimless and dysfunctional as they come, but you have to admit that they are playing some respectable ball of late.

A Playoff Berth Is A Win

20. Portland Trail Blazers

19. Philadelphia 76ers

18. Golden State Warriors

17. Charlotte Hornets

16. Phoenix Suns

15. Toronto Raptors

14. Los Angeles Clippers

Unfortunately, with only 16 playoff spots, four of these seven teams are going to go home disappointed. But for all these groups, even getting a chance to compete in the game’s second season should be a win for them. Injuries have made the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Golden State Warriors obvious members of this group (I personally trust Stephen Curry to be healthy during the playoffs more than Joel Embiid). The Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns have been two of the best stories in the league this year, but both of them have started to lose steam in recent weeks (plus, the Hornets are going to need to win two play-in games to even make the postseason). The Toronto Raptors are the only team in this group who isn’t currently slated to appear in a play-in game. However, their below average offense (18th in offensive rating) and good, but not great, defense (seventh) isn’t exactly a recipe for postseason success. After failing to make the postseason in each of the last three seasons, Toronto should consider a playoff berth a step in the right direction. And while the Los Angeles Clippers have been spiraling (losers of their last three contests), they still have the most high-end firepower of any team in this group. Since their infamous 6-21 start, the Clippers have been 28-14 with the fourth best offense and eighth best net rating. They also have the best player of any team in this group (Kawhi Leonard, 5th in the NBA in Estimated Plus-Minus).