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Thunder Soar in Power Rankings; Pistons, Raptors Surge

11/26/2025

28 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Thunder Dominates Rankings

The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the power rankings with a 17-1 record, showing strong offensive and defensive ratings.
The Detroit Pistons rank fourth after a 12-game win streak, boosted by Jaden Ivey's return.
The Toronto Raptors sit ninth after winning 11 of 12, needing continued success to climb.
The Cleveland Cavaliers remain fifth despite injuries, and the Memphis Grizzlies have climbed to 22nd after back-to-back wins without Ja Morant.

Left

Raptors Secure Knockout

The 2025 NBA Cup enters its final week of Group Play, with the Toronto Raptors securing a knockout stage spot amid injuries plaguing star players.
The Detroit Pistons, riding a franchise-record 13-game win streak, face the Boston Celtics.
The Miami Heat aim for a wild card after beating the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Oklahoma City Thunder lead West Group A.

History

Historical Context

The NBA's expansion in 1980 marked a pivotal moment, increasing its teams to 23 and generating $100 million in revenue, largely from television contracts. This growth followed earlier expansions and the 1976 merger with the ABA, which added four teams. The league's evolution has fostered competitive franchises like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons, shaping its current landscape and fan engagement.

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Thunder Dominates Rankings

The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the power rankings with a 17-1 record, showing strong offensive and defensive ratings.
The Detroit Pistons rank fourth after a 12-game win streak, boosted by Jaden Ivey's return.
The Toronto Raptors sit ninth after winning 11 of 12, needing continued success to climb.
The Cleveland Cavaliers remain fifth despite injuries, and the Memphis Grizzlies have climbed to 22nd after back-to-back wins without Ja Morant.

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