NBA Teams for 2025

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been captivating fans since its inception in 1946, originally formed as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) before merging with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to become the NBA. Starting with just 11 teams, the league has grown exponentially over the decades, becoming a global phenomenon. Today, the NBA boasts 30 teams, divided evenly into the Eastern and Western Conferences, with each conference further split into three divisions.

This hub page dives deeper into the rich history and structure of the NBA, exploring all 30 teams and their unique roles within the league. From storied franchises with decades of championships to rising teams looking to make their mark, you’ll find everything you need to know about the NBA’s teams and their contributions to the league’s vibrant legacy.

All NBA Teams

The NBA is structured into two conferences — the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference — each containing three divisions. These divisions group teams geographically, fostering rivalries and making the league’s schedule more dynamic. Here’s a breakdown of each division and its teams:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division
The Atlantic Division is home to some of the NBA’s most historic franchises.

• Boston Celtics: Founded in 1946, the Celtics are one of the NBA’s most successful teams, boasting 17 championships.
• Brooklyn Nets: Originally founded in 1967 as the New Jersey Americans, the Nets moved to Brooklyn in 2012 and are a powerhouse in the modern era.
• New York Knicks: One of the league’s charter teams, the Knicks have represented New York City since 1946.
• Philadelphia 76ers: Known for their passionate fanbase, the 76ers have been part of the NBA since 1949.
• Toronto Raptors: The lone Canadian team, established in 1995, and winners of the 2019 NBA Championship.

Central Division
The Central Division features teams rooted in the Midwest, known for their grit and determination.

• Chicago Bulls: Famously led by Michael Jordan during the 1990s, the Bulls are a globally recognized franchise.
• Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs claimed their first NBA title in 2016 with the help of hometown hero LeBron James.
• Detroit Pistons: Known for their “Bad Boys” era, the Pistons have won three championships.
• Indiana Pacers: Joining the NBA in 1976, the Pacers have a storied legacy in the Midwest.
• Milwaukee Bucks: Winners of the 2021 NBA Championship, the Bucks are led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Southeast Division
The Southeast Division showcases teams in the southern and southeastern regions of the U.S.

• Atlanta Hawks: A franchise with roots dating back to 1946, the Hawks have seen multiple eras of success.
• Charlotte Hornets: Originally founded in 1988, the Hornets were rebranded in 2014, reclaiming their original name.
• Miami Heat: Established in 1988, the Heat have won three championships and are perennial contenders.
• Orlando Magic: Founded in 1989, the Magic have reached the NBA Finals twice.
• Washington Wizards: Originally known as the Chicago Packers, the Wizards moved to D.C. in 1973 and rebranded as the Wizards in 1997.

Western Conference

Northwest Division
Teams in the Northwest Division represent some of the NBA’s most geographically diverse regions.

• Denver Nuggets: Known for their altitude advantage, the Nuggets claimed their first championship in 2023.
• Minnesota Timberwolves: Joining the league in 1989, the Timberwolves are building their legacy in the North.
• Oklahoma City Thunder: Formerly the Seattle SuperSonics, the Thunder relocated to OKC in 2008.
• Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers have a rich history, including a championship win in 1977.
• Utah Jazz: Originally based in New Orleans, the Jazz moved to Utah in 1979 and became a Western powerhouse.

Pacific Division
The Pacific Division features some of the league’s most iconic and star-studded teams.

• Golden State Warriors: Known for their recent dynasty, the Warriors have won multiple championships, including in 2022.
• Los Angeles Clippers: Often overshadowed by their L.A. rivals, the Clippers have emerged as contenders in recent years.
• Los Angeles Lakers: One of the most storied franchises in sports, the Lakers have 17 championships to their name.
• Phoenix Suns: Established in 1968, the Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021, showcasing their modern resurgence.
• Sacramento Kings: The Kings are the oldest continuously operating team in the NBA, with roots tracing back to 1923.

Southwest Division
Teams in the Southwest Division are known for their intense rivalries and strong basketball cultures.

• Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks claimed their first NBA title in 2011, led by Dirk Nowitzki.
• Houston Rockets: With two championships in the 1990s, the Rockets have a rich history of success.
• Memphis Grizzlies: Originally based in Vancouver, the Grizzlies moved to Memphis in 2001.
• New Orleans Pelicans: Established in 2002, the Pelicans are one of the NBA’s youngest franchises.
• San Antonio Spurs: Known for their dynastic success, the Spurs have won five championships under legendary coach Gregg Popovich.

Best Records For NBA Teams

Which NBA teams have the best records? Here is a look at the top franchises in NBA history:

San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs boast the highest winning percentage in NBA history, a testament to their consistent excellence. Known for their disciplined team play and a dynasty led by Tim Duncan, Manu Ginóbili, Tony Parker, and coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs have claimed five championships and remain a model of sustained success.

Los Angeles Lakers: One of the NBA’s most iconic franchises, the Lakers are second in all-time winning percentage. With 17 championships and a legacy featuring legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, the Lakers have consistently been a powerhouse across eras.

Boston Celtics: The Celtics are tied with the Lakers for the most championships (17) and have maintained a high winning percentage throughout their history. Anchored by Hall of Famers like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce, Boston’s legacy is defined by their dominance and historic rivalries.

Best NBA Teams of All Time

There have been many great teams over the course of NBA history, but these three stand out above the rest in the history books:

• 1995-96 Chicago Bulls: Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, the 1995-96 Bulls set an NBA record at the time with a 72-10 regular-season record. They capped their historic season with a dominant playoff run, culminating in their fourth championship under coach Phil Jackson.

• 2016-17 Golden State Warriors: The Warriors assembled one of the most talented rosters in NBA history with Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. They posted a 67-15 regular-season record and went 16-1 in the playoffs, the best postseason performance ever, en route to their second title in three years.

• 1985-86 Boston Celtics: Often regarded as the greatest Celtics team ever, the 1985-86 squad, led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, finished the regular season 67-15. They were nearly unbeatable at home (40-1) and secured the franchise’s 16th championship with a dominant playoff run.

Worst NBA Teams of All Time

Unfortunately for these teams, they’re known as some of the worst to ever step on the court:

• 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats: The 2011-12 Bobcats hold the dubious distinction of the worst winning percentage in NBA history. During the lockout-shortened season, they finished with a record of 7-59 (.106), struggling in every phase of the game and marking a low point for the franchise.

• 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers set the record for the most losses in a single season, finishing 9-73 (.110). Despite having a few talented players like Fred Carter, they were plagued by poor defense and an inability to close out games.

• 1992-93 Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks endured a miserable season, going 11-71 (.134). With a roster in transition and lacking star power, the team struggled to compete, marking one of the darkest periods in franchise history.

How to Make Money Betting on the NBA

Betting on the NBA can be both exciting and profitable if approached with the right strategy. Success in NBA betting often comes down to identifying value in picks, and that’s where expert handicappers come into play. These professionals analyze data, trends, and situational factors to provide well-informed predictions that can give bettors a significant edge.

Expert handicappers use their deep knowledge of the game and advanced analytical tools to uncover betting opportunities that others may overlook. Their insights can help you navigate the complexities of NBA betting markets, including spreads, moneylines, totals, and props. By leveraging expert picks, you can avoid common pitfalls and maximize your potential returns.

How Handicappers Identify Value

• Statistical Analysis: Handicappers delve into player and team stats, such as shooting percentages, defensive efficiency, pace of play, and advanced metrics like PER (Player Efficiency Rating) and true shooting percentage, to predict outcomes.

• Injury Reports and Rotations: They monitor player injuries, rest days, and lineup changes that can drastically affect a team’s performance, especially in a grueling 82-game season.

• Schedule and Travel Impact: Factors like back-to-back games, extended road trips, or home-court advantage are carefully evaluated to assess a team’s physical and mental condition.

• Historical Trends: Trends in head-to-head matchups, team performance against the spread, and over/under records help handicappers spot patterns that may influence results.

• Betting Market Movements: Sharp bettors and handicappers watch line movements to understand where the public and professional money is going, often finding value by fading overhyped lines.

• Situational Angles: They consider situational factors like revenge games, trap games, or emotional let downs after big wins, which can sway outcomes unexpectedly.

Let Us Do The Work…

Save yourself the time and headache of breaking down advanced statistics and let our team of experts guide you. At Scores and Stats, we help you work your way toward profitability each week of your favorite sport’s action.

When you sign up at Scores and Stats, you’ll automatically get free picks from our NBA experts. And our Starter tier unlocked even more picks for just $9 per month!