Today, we’re looking at the 10 best NBA 2K25 teams from the current franchises competing in the NBA. We will look at the teams’ overall ratings and also consider each team’s best players. All these stats can help you choose which team to pick for your MyCareer gameplay. We recommend using your favorite team, but this list will come in handy if you don’t have one. 

Every basketball fan knows that the strengths of different NBA teams vary every year. So, we will also consider how each team is currently performing in their respective conferences, in addition to their NBA 2K25 rating. Picking the best team to play with can make a big difference, especially for those who are new to NBA 2K. This is also relevant for career modes like MyCareer, MyPlayer, and MyGM. 

These ratings are taken from an average of the top 8 players in each team’s roster. By selecting this data, we give an accurate look at each team’s overall stat.

10 Best NBA 2K25 Teams 

1. Boston Celtics

Conference: Eastern
Overall: 86
Inside Scoring: 82
Outside Scoring: 86
Athleticism: 83
Playmaking: 71
Defending: 73
Rebounding: 59
Intangibles: 78
Potential: 87
Best Overall Player: 95 Jayson Tatum 

The Boston Celtics are the highest-rated overall team in NBA 2K25. This team takes the top spot with a great lineup consisting of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and 7’2″ Porzingis, who has brilliant 3-pointer abilities. The Celtics also have the highest inside and outside scoring and potential in the entire NBA 2K25 roster. 

It may not be surprising that the Celtics are up here, as they took a 4-1 win over the Mavericks in the NBA Finals last year. In the current season, they trail the Cavaliers by a few wins, but are still in contention for the top spot. However, in games played against each other this season, the Celtics are currently one game up. 

The Celtics are an iconic NBA team that has had a great few years, getting into every postseason since 2021. This is partially because of Tatum’s dominating play. In NBA 2K25, the Celtics aren’t the strongest in their Playmaking abilities, so this is something to consider if you rely on particular play styles. 

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

Conference: Western
Overall: 85
Inside Scoring: 76
Outside Scoring: 88
Athleticism: 81
Playmaking: 75
Defending: 81
Rebounding: 58
Intangibles: 78
Potential: 87
Best Overall Player: 98 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 

Currently leading the Western Conference this year is the mighty Oklahoma City Thunder. If you select this team, you get to play as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander had an incredible season last year, averaging 30.1 points per game. Several players not in the starting lineup make a big impact on the games, with two players that have a 3-point shot rating over 85. 

The biggest advantage of playing as the Oklahoma City Thunder is that their defending stat is the highest of any of the teams in NBA 2K25. This makes OCK the perfect team for players new to NBA 2K. In addition, the Thunder have a higher outside scoring stat than the Celtics, making them also a good pick for experienced players. 

Oklahoma City Thunder hasn’t reached the NBA Finals since 2012, but it looks like they’re in contention to win it all this year. Thanks to their flawless teamwork, we can experience fluid play in NBA 2K25, making them an ideal pick if you are looking for a top all-around team. 

3. Cleveland Cavaliers 

Conference: Eastern
Overall: 85
Inside Scoring: 75
Outside Scoring: 85
Athleticism: 85
Playmaking: 76
Defending: 72
Rebounding: 54
Intangibles: 76
Potential: 86
Best Overall Player: 94 Donovan Mitchell

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently trying to knock the Celtics off their top spot but just fell short in the latest NBA 2K25. They still have a brilliant team that has the potential to beat every team with ease. With Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen, you have a strong spread of talented ballers who are strong in both offense and defense. Also, if you want to score mainly from dunks, Mitchell has a 92 dunk rating, so he will add some extra flare and guarantee points when charging at the net. 

The Cavaliers are currently at the top of the Eastern conference table and also have the best overall record in the NBA. Thanks to this, they have the highest winning percentage (Pct) so far this season. Last season, they weren’t as dominant, but they still made it into the playoffs, only to lose the first round to the Finals winners, the Celtics. 

This season has been the Cavaliers’ best performance since LeBron left, and we will certainly see their attributes grow in the following NBA 2K. 

4. New York Knicks

Conference: Eastern
Overall: 85
Inside Scoring: 76
Outside Scoring: 85
Athleticism: 82
Playmaking: 72
Defending: 61
Rebounding: 61
Intangibles: 82
Potential: 86
Best Overall Player: 93 Karl-Anthony Towns 

The New York Knicks have been building a strong team the last few years, consistently making it to the playoffs, and already securing their spot for the playoffs this season. They have two 93-rated players on the team: Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson averaged 28.7 points per game last season, so he will make an impact for you. 

The Knicks also feature three more 85-rated players: OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. Towns has an incredible 3-pointer rating of 87, and Brunson is rated at 86. So, if you are confident with your 3-pointer abilities, the Knicks may be for you. 

In addition to their brilliant outside scoring stat, you will find they have great athleticism and a high intangibles rating. This makes for a team where each player’s toughness and ability to perform under pressure are effective and noticeable. The Knicks’ weakness definitely comes from its defense, placing this team as one of the lower rated in this list. So, I wouldn’t suggest playing as the Knicks if you’re a beginner. 

5. Denver Nuggets 

Conference: Western
Overall: 84
Inside Scoring: 78
Outside Scoring: 86
Athleticism: 79
Playmaking: 77
Defending: 65
Rebounding: 55
Intangibles: 80
Potential: 86
Best Overall Player: 98 Nikola Jokic

I am tempted to choose the Nuggets over the Knicks because I am a Jokić fan, but it is a tough choice between these two teams. The kicker is that they both share the same weakness: defense. So both teams are best for players who can defend themselves well rather than leaving the unselected players to do most of the work. 

The Denver Nuggets have been a heavyweight in the NBA over the past decade, especially when Jokic warmed up to the team. They grasped the 23 NBA Finals with a 4-1 win against the Miami Heat and haven’t had their foot off the pedal since. 

In addition to the mighty Jokić, you will play with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Both Porter Jr. and Jokic have great 3-pointer abilities, with Jokic rated 92 and Porter Jr. rated 85. We also can’t miss Aaron Gordon, who has an 88 3-pointer rating and an even more impressive 94-driving dunk rating. Overall, the Denver Nuggets are best for more offensive play styles. 

6. Dallas Mavericks 

Conference: Western
Overall: 84
Inside Scoring: 76
Outside Scoring: 83
Athleticism: 79
Playmaking: 68
Defending: 72
Rebounding: 60
Intangibles: 82
Potential: 86
Best Overall Player: 95 Anthony Davis 

The Dallas Mavericks made it to the NBA Finals last year with a solid run. With top players like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II, you would think they would have a more solid position in the Western Conference table, but this year seems to be too much. Especially with their star player, Luca Doňić, recently signing to the LA Lakers. This trade will hurt them as Doňić scored the highest points per game last year with an average of 33.9. That’s a huge average and well above the others. 

Regardless, the Dallas Mavericks are still a good team without their former star player. Kyrie Irving still managed to put up an average of 25.6 points per game last year, which is very respectable. In the game, Irving has an exceptional 87 stat on his 3-pointers, so he will be your all-around player for outside scoring. The Mavs also have Klay Thompson on the squad, an even stronger 3-point taker with an 89 rating. 

Overall, the Mavericks have a good team that will play best if you fully understand each player’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s a good all-around team, but knowing this team is crucial to getting the most points in NBA 2K25. 

7. LA Lakers

Conference: Western 
Overall: 83
Inside Scoring: 88
Outside Scoring: 88
Athleticism: 88
Playmaking: 85
Defending: 67
Rebounding: 55
Intangibles: 70
Potential: 85
Best Overall Player: 96 LeBron James

Seeing the Lakers so low may be surprising, but the past years have been tough for the LA-based team. Hopefully, the new Doňić singing will turn the tide for this iconic team. The combination of Doňić and LeBron will be a great one to see. In NBA 2K25, both are rated at 96, among the highest-rated players in the game. Doňić has a higher 3-pointer rating, while LeBron has a rating of 83 but also has a dunk rating of 83. 

The Lakers haven’t won an NBA Final since the 19-20 season. They are hoping this trade will make a difference. But, even if Doňić doesn’t show up, they still have players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura who can make a big impact. 

If you look at the Lakers’ stats, you will see that they are the best all-around team for offense. Their defense isn’t brilliant, but it’s better than some of the options above. But if you consider both their inside and outside scoring, they have the best on this entire list. 

8. Phoenix Suns

Conference: Western
Overall: 83
Inside Scoring: 82 
Outside Scoring: 89
Athleticism: 82
Playmaking: 83
Defending: 67
Rebounding: 55
Intangibles: 71
Potential: 86
Best Overall Player: 95 Kevin Durant

The Phoenix Suns take the eighth spot thanks to their star player, Kevin Durant. Durant is an excellent all-around basketball player who makes an impact on any team he plays for. His 95 overall rating reflects this, but his 89 3-pointer rating and 85 dunk abilities make him ideal for NBA 2K players who want to rack up points fast and in style. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, two other good all-around players, are also on the team. 

If you like scoring from downtown, the Suns could be your team. They have an 89 outside scoring rating, making them the highest on this list. This is not only thanks to Durant with his 89 but Grayson Allen is also rated 89 for 3-pointers. In addition, Beal is rated 87, and Booker and Tyus Jones both have an 85 rating. 

In addition to this, the Suns’ inside scoring, athleticism, and playmaking are all high standards, making them a good all-around team. Also, the 67 defending rating isn’t bad compared to others on this list. 

9. Milwaukee Bucks

Conference: Eastern
Overall: 83
Inside Scoring: 75
Outside Scoring: 84
Athleticism: 86
Playmaking: 72
Defending: 68
Rebounding: 54
Intangibles: 82
Potential: 85
Best Overall Player: 98 Giannis Antetokounmpo

It could be surprising for some to see the Bucks so far down on this list, but the overall team results put them this low as other teams have a better roster of players. The star player is obviously Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the highest rating for any player currently playing in the NBA. With an 88 inside scoring rating, he has a 98 layup stat and 97 drawing foul. Also, he has an overall athleticism rating of 91, with 98 stamina and 94 strength. 

In addition to Giannis, you will play with Damian Lillard, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez. A.J. Green and Gary Trent Jr. also both have a 3-pointer rating of 89, which is good because Giannis is not the person you want to take 3-pointers with. 

So, even though the Bucks have a low inside scoring stat, as long as you have Giannis patrolling around that are, you should be fine. Luckily, the outside scoring stats are filled by other team members, and the overall stat is boosted to 84. Also, they have an overall athleticism rating of 86.

10. Philadelphia 76ers

Conference: Eastern
Overall: 83
Inside Scoring: 79
Outside Scoring: 86
Athleticism: 82
Playmaking: 77
Defending: 70
Rebounding: 61
Intangibles: 70
Potential: 86
Best Overall Player: 94 Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers place tenth on this list due to great all-around stats. They have not had the most successful season this year, but a range of their players individually have good ratings, making the team a good one to choose if you want a team that doesn’t have many weaknesses. On the other hand, it doesn’t really excel at much, apart from outside scoring, which is rated 86. 

Joel Embiid is the obvious start of the 76ers and is supported by players like 89-rated Tyrese Maxey. You will also play with Paul George and Jared McCain. Embiid is a brilliant player and is almost as good at outside scoring as he is on the inside. This makes him the guy to look for when getting to the basket. Although, with a pretty low speed and agility, don’t count on him for counterattacks.