Ahead of the NBA Playoffs, Here’s How Each Team Graded Out from the 2024-25 Regular Season

The 2024-25 NBA regular season has officially wrapped, and as the playoffs tip off, it’s time to take a look back and evaluate how each team performed. From surprise contenders to disappointing flops, here’s how every team graded out before the real battle begins.


Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics – A
The Celtics finished with the best record in the NBA and dominated most of the season. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led a well-balanced squad with elite defense and depth. They were consistent, healthy, and never hit a serious slump. Anything less than a Finals run would be a letdown.

Milwaukee Bucks – B
The Bucks were solid but streaky, especially with coaching changes and Giannis Antetokounmpo missing time due to injuries late in the season. Damian Lillard found his rhythm eventually, but chemistry wasn’t always smooth. They have the talent, but there are questions entering the postseason.

Philadelphia 76ers – B+
Joel Embiid’s MVP-level play kept Philly in the mix, though his injury woes late in the year were a concern. Tyrese Maxey emerged as a star, and the Sixers stayed competitive in a tight East. Health will determine their ceiling in the playoffs.

Cleveland Cavaliers – B
Cleveland had a roller-coaster year. They looked dominant defensively at times and got big steps from Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Donovan Mitchell remained elite, but the Cavs lacked consistency. Still, a dangerous team on any night.

New York Knicks – A-
Despite injuries to Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, the Knicks powered through thanks to Jalen Brunson’s breakout year. They played tough, gritty basketball, and Tom Thibodeau had them locked in on defense. Don’t sleep on New York in the postseason.

Miami Heat – C+
The Heat never found consistent form this season. Jimmy Butler, as usual, coasted in stretches, and Tyler Herro’s health remained an issue. They’re playoff-tested, but they didn’t impress in the regular season. Erik Spoelstra’s coaching may still carry them further than expected.

Indiana Pacers – B
The Pacers were one of the season’s fun surprises. Tyrese Haliburton ran a high-octane offense, and the midseason addition of Pascal Siakam gave them a veteran presence. Defense remains a concern, but their energy and scoring can overwhelm teams.

Orlando Magic – A-
A young team that made a major leap. Paolo Banchero blossomed into a star, Franz Wagner continued his rise, and the Magic played elite defense. They were consistent all year and look like they’re just getting started.


Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder – A
Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a breakout year from Chet Holmgren, the Thunder shocked the league by claiming a top seed. They’re young but fearless, and their balance on both ends was impressive. Future’s bright — and the present’s not bad either.

Denver Nuggets – A-
The defending champs paced themselves throughout the year, never overextending but still finishing near the top. Nikola Jokić was once again an MVP candidate, and Jamal Murray stayed mostly healthy. They look poised for another deep run.

Minnesota Timberwolves – A
One of the league’s biggest surprises. Anthony Edwards became a true star, and Rudy Gobert’s defense returned to DPOY form. They were elite on both ends and showed toughness all year. Still some questions about playoff composure, but the Wolves have arrived.

Dallas Mavericks – B+
Luka Dončić played at an MVP level, and the late-season chemistry with Kyrie Irving finally clicked. Their trade deadline moves improved the defense, and they enter the playoffs as a team no one wants to face.

Phoenix Suns – C+
On paper, they looked like a title team. In reality, injuries, chemistry issues, and defensive lapses made them underachieve. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal didn’t always mesh. Dangerous in a short series, but a frustrating regular season overall.

Los Angeles Clippers – B
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George stayed mostly healthy, and the James Harden experiment worked better than expected. They had great stretches but also periods of inconsistency. Depth could be an issue, but their top-end talent is elite.

New Orleans Pelicans – B-
Zion Williamson had a mostly healthy year, and Brandon Ingram gave strong production, but the Pelicans struggled to establish an identity. They’re deep, athletic, and dangerous, but prone to lapses in effort and focus.

Los Angeles Lakers – C
LeBron James and Anthony Davis gave their all, but the Lakers struggled with consistency, three-point shooting, and injuries. They snuck into the playoffs again, but the sense of urgency is higher than ever. Can LeBron turn back the clock one more time?


Lottery Teams (Quick Hits)

  • Atlanta Hawks – D+: Trae Young was out much of the year, and the team lacked defensive effort. Coaching changes may be coming.
  • Chicago Bulls – C-: Another average year with no real direction. DeRozan and LaVine trade rumors loom.
  • Brooklyn Nets – D: Mikal Bridges didn’t break out as hoped. The team has pieces, but no clear path forward.
  • Toronto Raptors – C: They began to rebuild with trades (Siakam, Anunoby), and Scottie Barnes looks like the future.
  • San Antonio Spurs – C+: Victor Wembanyama dazzled all year but lacked help. A strong future is ahead.
  • Portland Trail Blazers – D: The post-Dame era is tough so far. Scoot Henderson struggled to adjust.
  • Charlotte Hornets – D: Injuries to LaMelo Ball and overall poor play kept them in the basement.
  • Detroit Pistons – F: A brutal season. Cade Cunningham showed flashes, but the team needs a major reset.
  • Washington Wizards – F: Completely rebuilding. Few bright spots in a forgettable year.
  • Utah Jazz – C-: Started strong, but faded late. Lauri Markkanen is solid, but the rebuild continues.
  • Houston Rockets – B-: A big improvement from last year. Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün took steps forward. Ime Udoka brought structure and defense.

Final Thoughts

As the 2025 NBA playoffs begin, each team enters with its own storyline. Some are chasing redemption, others hoping to shock the world. Regular-season grades give a snapshot, but now it’s win-or-go-home — and legacies are on the line.