NBA teams with 55+ losses in 2025-26 regular season

The 2025–26 NBA season produced an unusual and sobering statistical milestone, as a record eight teams finished with 55 or more losses—an outcome that underscores the growing divide between contenders and rebuilding franchises. Teams like the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets found themselves mired near the bottom of the standings, often struggling to establish consistency on either end of the floor. For some, such as the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies, the season represented a transitional phase shaped by youth development, injuries, or roster reshuffling rather than immediate competitiveness.

Meanwhile, franchises like the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans endured particularly disappointing campaigns, falling well short of expectations due to inconsistency and structural shortcomings. The Sacramento Kings, coming off prior success, highlighted how quickly momentum can dissipate in a league defined by parity and constant adjustment. Collectively, these eight teams illustrate a broader league trend in which strategic rebuilding, injuries, and competitive imbalance converge to produce historically high loss totals.

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While such records may appear discouraging on the surface, they often signal pivotal inflection points. For many of these franchises, the struggles of this season are less an endpoint and more a foundation—one that could ultimately shape future success through player development, draft positioning, and organizational recalibration.

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans

Season 2025–26 standings: 26–56
The Pelicans’ season was defined by inconsistency and recurring roster instability, preventing any sustained momentum in a competitive Western Conference. Despite flashes of high-level play, particularly on the offensive end, defensive lapses and availability issues proved costly over the long haul. Their 56 losses reflect a team that struggled to convert potential into results, leaving significant questions about roster construction and durability moving forward.

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks

Season 2025–26 standings: 26–56
Dallas endured a disappointing campaign marked by underperformance relative to expectations, as the roster failed to coalesce into a cohesive unit. Offensive production remained sporadically effective, but defensive inefficiencies and depth concerns consistently undermined their efforts. Even with the addition of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks were unable to translate talent into consistent results, finishing with 56 losses and now facing an offseason centered on retooling around their core to restore competitiveness.

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies

Season 2025–26 standings: 25–57
The Grizzlies’ season unraveled early due to a combination of injuries and roster disruption, derailing what had once been a promising trajectory. Their identity as a physical, defensive-minded team eroded as consistency became elusive on both ends of the floor. With 57 losses, Memphis enters a critical reset phase, aiming to regain its foundation and reestablish itself as a playoff contender.

Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings

Season 2025–26 standings: 22–60
Sacramento regressed sharply after prior success, struggling to replicate the offensive fluidity that once defined its identity. Defensive shortcomings were magnified over the course of the season, often negating scoring bursts and leading to prolonged losing stretches. Their 60-loss campaign underscores the urgency to recalibrate both scheme and personnel.

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Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz

Season 2025–26 standings: 22–60
The Jazz leaned heavily into a developmental approach, prioritizing youth and long-term growth over immediate results. While individual players showed promise, the lack of experience and cohesion translated into frequent late-game breakdowns. A 60-loss season reflects the growing pains of a rebuilding roster still searching for a defined identity.

Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets

Season 2025–26 standings: 20–62
Brooklyn’s season was emblematic of a franchise in transition, as roster turnover and a lack of star power limited their ceiling. Offensive inconsistency and defensive inefficiency created a difficult environment for sustained success. With 62 losses, the Nets are firmly positioned in a rebuilding phase, focused on asset accumulation and player development.

Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers

Season 2025–26 standings: 19–63
The Pacers struggled to find balance, as their typically fast-paced offensive system failed to offset persistent defensive vulnerabilities. Just one year removed from an NBA Finals appearance, their regression was particularly striking, underscoring how quickly fortunes can shift in the league. Close games often slipped away due to execution issues, highlighting a gap between potential and performance, and their 63 losses signal the need for structural improvements on both ends of the floor.

Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards

2025–26 standings: 17–65
Washington endured one of the league’s most difficult seasons, marked by limited offensive efficiency and a porous defense. The roster lacked the cohesion and star-level impact necessary to compete consistently, resulting in extended losing streaks. With 65 losses, the Wizards are clearly in the early stages of a comprehensive rebuild focused on long-term viability.

Conclusion

Conclusion

The presence of eight teams with 55 or more losses reflects both the harsh realities of rebuilding cycles and the increasing competitiveness at the top of the NBA. While these records highlight significant shortcomings, they also offer valuable opportunities for growth, evaluation, and long-term planning. Ultimately, how these franchises respond to adversity will determine whether this season is remembered as a setback—or the beginning of a turnaround.