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Yahoo
07-06-2025
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Rankings Georgia's opponents based on ESPN FPI
ESPN recently released their preseason Football Power Index (FPI) rankings. Georgia Bulldogs fans learned that the Dawgs are ranked No. 2 on FPI with a rating of 26.6. The Football Power Index is a predictive ranking system that quantifies team strength. It is used to predict games and season results in football. FPI is most useful in college football because team strength is tougher to gauge due to the high number of teams in Division I and the uneven strength of conferences. Advertisement FPI views the SEC as the strongest conference in football since the SEC has the top three teams and five of the top 10 teams in the FPI rankings. The Big Ten has three top 10 teams, the ACC has just one, and Notre Dame rounds out the list. ESPN's projections have Georgia making the College Football Playoff 78.9% of the time, which is the second most of any team outside of the Texas Longhorns. Georgia also has the second-highest odds to win the SEC and make the national championship. Even still, Georgia's projected record sits at 10.1-2.4, which ranks fourth behind Texas, Ohio State, and Penn State. They have a gauntlet of SEC opponents to face and a challenging 2025 schedule. Ranking each of the Georgia Bulldogs' 2025 opponents based on FPI Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Advertisement Note: Austin Peay isn't ranked in FPI because they're a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team, and FPI only ranks the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams. This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Where Georgia's 2025 opponents rank based on ESPN Football Power Index
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB Power Rankings Week 7: Los Angeles Dodgers perched atop as Texas Rangers take dramatic tumble
The landscape of Major League Baseball continues to evolve as we enter May. The Los Angeles Dodgers have reclaimed their throne atop our weekly power rankings while the Texas Rangers took a dramatic fall. Let's examine the latest movers and shakers in the Week 7 MLB Power Rankings. **Statistics as of Monday, May 5** 1. Los Angeles Dodgers (Last week: 2) Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Dodgers ride a seven-game winning streak back to the summit, currently boasting baseball's best record. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has established himself as one of MLB's elite arms with a 0.90 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 1.5 WAR. Advertisement 'You knew the sleeping giant was going to wake up and start smashing things any minute now, and that minute came this week: The Dodgers just blitzed everybody this week and are back to having the best record in baseball,' writes Will Leitch. 'During their first six wins this week, they didn't trail after a single inning!' 2. San Diego Padres (Last week: 8) Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images The Padres vault six spots on the strength of a five-game winning streak and a 6-4 record over their last 10 games. Nick Pivetta is proving to be one of the offseason's shrewdest acquisitions. 'San Diego inked the veteran right-hander to a four-year, $55-million contract in February,' writes 'He's second in the NL with a 1.78 ERA and has held hitters to a paltry .169 batting average in six starts.' 3. Chicago Cubs (Last week: 4) Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a breakout star for the Cubs, posting an .867 OPS and 140 OPS+ through 35 games. Advertisement 'Check out these stats from April 13 through May 2: He led MLB with 18 RBIs and tied with Cal Raleigh for the most homers in MLB during that span with eight,' notes Leitch. 'His slash line? .349/.359/.857. Oh, and he plays fantastic defense and has six stolen bases.' 4. New York Mets (Last week: 1) Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images The Mets slide three spots after dropping consecutive series against the Diamondbacks and Cardinals, including both ends of Sunday's doubleheader in St. Louis. 'They've lost four of five, but the Mets were playing at a 113-win pace before that,' writes CBS Sports' Matt Snyder. 'A backslide was bound to happen.' 5. Detroit Tigers (Last week: 5) Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images The Tigers maintain their position with the American League's best record (22-13) and MLB's top run differential (+63). Even more surprising, Javy Baez has rediscovered his form with an .829 OPS and 137 OPS+. Advertisement 'Javier Báez is hitting .309 and playing the hell out of center field,' notes Snyder. 'He's already over 1.5 WAR. Last season he posted -1.1.' 6. Seattle Mariners (Last week: 7) Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Seattle's offense has surged early this season, ranking fourth in home runs (49) and eighth in runs scored (168). Catcher Cal Raleigh leads the charge with 12 home runs. 'The Mariners won six in a row before dropping Sunday's series finale in Arlington, and they scored 50 runs across those six games as the offense has been firing on all cylinders,' writes Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter. 7. San Francisco Giants (Last week: 3) Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images The Giants experienced a three-game skid last week, including a two-game sweep by the Padres, before rebounding with three straight wins. They face a challenging road series against the Cubs this week. Advertisement 'The Giants have more or less held the line over the last two weeks, although they sit third in the ultra-competitive NL West,' notes 'While they're in a good position and own one of the best rotations in baseball, it's still hard to know what to make of this team because of its relatively soft schedule.' 8. New York Yankees (Last week: 6) Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The Yankees dropped back-to-back home series against the Orioles and Rays. With Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season, Max Fried has stepped up as the rotation's anchor. 'Left-hander Max Fried has been worth every penny of his $218 million deal so far, going 6-0 with a 1.01 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 39 strikeouts in 44.2 innings over his first seven starts in pinstripes,' writes Reuter. 9. Philadelphia Phillies (Last week: 12) Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The Phillies climb three spots after going 4-2 on their six-game homestand, welcoming back outfielder Brandon Marsh and starter Ranger Suarez from the injured list. Their success comes despite third baseman Alec Bohm's significant struggles. Advertisement 'The Phillies righted the ship after a five-game skid by winning six of their last eight games. Managing to do so while getting almost no production from third baseman Alec Bohm, who owns the fifth-worst wRC+ (46) among qualified hitters, is something of a miracle,' writes 'The Phillies are a very good and talented team, but Bohm's created a gaping hole in their lineup.' 10. Cleveland Guardians (Last week: 11) Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Guardians have won five of their last seven games, securing second place in the AL Central with a 20-14 record despite a concerning -23 run differential. 'They are doing well despite Emmanuel Clase having been terrible and the rotation posting a less-than-average 4.20 ERA,' writes Snyder. 11. Kansas City Royals (Last week: 18) Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images The Royals make the week's biggest jump, going 8-2 in their last 10 games. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. continues to excel, leading MLB with 13 doubles while posting an .872 OPS and 146 OPS+. 12. Cincinnati Reds (Last week: 10) Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Cincinnati's pitching staff, led by Hunter Greene, has powered them to a +34 run differential. However, their sub-.500 record at home remains a concern. 13. Arizona Diamondbacks (Last week: 14) Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images The Diamondbacks face a potential setback as ace Corbin Burnes deals with right shoulder inflammation, forcing him to skip his next start. 14. Athletics (Last week: 21) Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images The Athletics have been baseball's hottest team since mid-April, recording an MLB-best 13 wins since April 15 and climbing to second place in the AL West. 15. Houston Astros (Last week: 15) Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Lance McCullers Jr. made his first start since the 2022 World Series on Sunday, delivering 3⅔ scoreless innings with four strikeouts and three hits in Houston's 5-4 loss to the White Sox. The Astros now face another challenge with Yordan Alvarez landing on the injured list due to right hand inflammation. 16. Boston Red Sox (Last week: 9) Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Red Sox drop seven spots after consecutive series losses to the Blue Jays and Twins. Adding to their troubles, first baseman Triston Casas is out for the season after rupturing the patella tendon in his left knee. 17. Tampa Bay Rays (Last week: 17) Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images The Rays were swept by the surging Royals before bouncing back to win their series against the Yankees. Their offensive output remains a concern, ranking 21st in OPS (.681). 18. Milwaukee Brewers (Last week: 19) Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images The Brewers present an offensive enigma, ranking 10th in runs scored (165) but just 23rd in both home runs (28) and OPS (.674). Rookie outfielder Jackson Chourio's plate discipline needs improvement — he's drawn only two walks against 33 strikeouts in 153 plate appearances. 19. Atlanta Braves (Last week: 16) Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Braves should receive a boost soon with former NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. nearing his return from the torn ACL in his left knee suffered in May 2024. 20. St. Louis Cardinals (Last week: 25) Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images Will Nolan Arenado approve a trade at the deadline? The Cardinals third baseman has 12 extra-base hits (nine doubles and three home runs), to go along with a .742 OPS and 108 OPS+. 21. Texas Rangers (Last week: 13) Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images The Rangers continue their free fall, dropping eight spots. Their hitting woes prompted the firing of their offensive coordinator, Jake Burger's demotion to the minors, and Leody Tavares being placed on outright waivers. 22. Toronto Blue Jays (Last week: 20) Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images Vladimir Guerrero Jr. shows signs of heating up, going 7-for-25 over the past seven games with two home runs, five runs scored, and six RBIs. 23. Washington Nationals (Last week: 22) Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images James Wood, acquired from the Padres in the Juan Soto trade, has outperformed the four-time All-Star across multiple offensive categories, including home runs, doubles, hits, RBIs, total bases, OPS, and OPS+. 24. Minnesota Twins (Last week: 23) Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images Carlos Correa's early-season struggles continue to hamper the Twins. The three-time All-Star shortstop has mustered just a .560 OPS, 57 OPS+, and one home run. 25. Baltimore Orioles (Last week: 24) Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images The Orioles find themselves at the bottom of the AL East, hampered by a -55 run differential that ranks fourth-worst in baseball. 26. Miami Marlins (Last week: 27) Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Sandy Alcantara's trade value continues to diminish. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner has struggled with an 8.31 ERA and 54 ERA+ across six starts, surrendering 24 earned runs and 17 walks in 26 innings. 27. Los Angeles Angels (Last week: 26) Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images The Angels' season follows a familiar script with Mike Trout landing on the injured list, this time with a bone bruise in his left knee. 28. Chicago White Sox (Last week: 29) Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The White Sox went 5-5 in their last 10 games, including taking two of three from the Astros. 29. Pittsburgh Pirates (Last week: 28) Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Pirates have dropped eight of their last 10 games amid growing criticism that ownership and management have failed to build a competitive roster around Paul Skenes. 30. Colorado Rockies (Last week: 30) Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images The Rockies maintain their position at the bottom with MLB's worst record (6-28) and run differential.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
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Who Will Suit Up For The Falcons Week One? Projected 53-Man Roster
The Atlanta Falcons had one of the franchise's best NFL Drafts in years; they would also strike gold with a couple of undrafted players. Let's examine how this will all translate to the field during week one of the 2025 upcoming NFL season. Will Kirk Cousins be a part of the roster? Will Kyle Pitts stick around? What QBs make the cut? You may see a few surprising names who make the team as well. Let's look at who we think will suit up for the Atlanta Falcons in week one. Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers. Brett Davis-Imagn Images Active Quarterbacks - (3) -Michael Penix Jr. Advertisement -Easton Stick -Emory Jones Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson runs for a TD against the Carolina Panthers. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Active Running Backs - (3) -Bijan Robinson -Tyler Allgeier -Jase McClellan Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London catches a pass against the Carolina Panthers. Brett Davis-Imagn Images Active Wide Receivers - (6) -Drake London -Darnell Mooney -Ray-Ray McCloud -Jamal Agnew -KhaDarel Hodge -Nick Nash Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts is tackled in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Tight Ends - (3) -Kyle Pitts -Teagan Quitoriano -Charlie Woerner Atlanta Falcons OL Jake Matthews makes a block against the New York Giants. Brett Davis-Imagn Images Offensive Linemen - (10) -Jake Matthews -Kaleb McGary -Chris Lindstrom -Ryan Neuzil -Matthew Bergeron -Storm Norton -Jack Nelson (Rookie) -Elijah Wilkinson -Kyle Hinton -Matthew Cindric Newly drafted Atlanta Falcon Jalon Walker speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Defensive Linemen - (10) -Jalon Walker (Rookie) Edge/LB -James Pearce Jr. (Rookie) -Morgan Fox -David Onyemata -Kentavious Street -Leonard Floyd -Bralen Trice -Ta'Quon Graham Advertisement -Zach Harrison -Brandon Dorlus Newly acquired Falcons LB Divine Deablo makes a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals. Linebackers - (5) -Divine Deablo -Troy Andersen -JD Bertrand -Arnold Ebiketie -Kaden Elliss Atlanta Falcon DB A.J Terrell gives up a TD against the New Orleans Saints. Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Defensive Backs - (6) -A.J. Terrell -Dee Alford -Mike Hughes -Clark Phillips III -Cobee Bryant (UDFA/Rookie) -Billy Bowman (Rookie) Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III takes a picture after a game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Safeties - (4) -Jessie Bates III -Xavier Watts (Rookie) -Jordan Fuller -Benny Sapp III Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo attempts a kick against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Special Teams - (3) -Younghoe Koo -Bradley Pinion -Liam McCullough Prospects - (3) WR - Makai Polk T - Brandon Parker K - Lenny Krieg Related: How The Atlanta Falcons Are Quietly Building A Super Bowl Contender 'Inside The Rise' Related: Which Player Was Named Most Likely UDFA To Make Falcons Roster?
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Sport
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Yankees could pursue Twins star infielder to fill third base hole
Brett Davis-Imagn Images Brett Davis-Imagn Images The New York Yankees are off to a strong start this season, but they certainly need more offensive help. Third base, in particular, has been a very weak spot for them this year, and they will likely need to address it before the trade deadline. Yankees could pursue Carlos Correa in a trade An option that could be on the table for them to pursue is Minnesota Twins' star shortstop Carlos Correa. Newsweek's Zach Pressnell suggested that Correa would be a good fit for New York and could slide into the third base position. yankees, carlos correa 'Correa would slot in at third base for New York, but he has the flexibility to move all around the infield in the event of an injury or an off day for Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Anthony Volpe,' Pressnell wrote. 'The only issue here is his contract. The Bronx Bombers likely won't want to pick up the rest of his massive deal, so the Twins would have to eat a little bit of the money if they want to move him.' Advertisement Another caveat that comes with this idea is that Correa has never played third base in his professional baseball career, logging all of his games at shortstop. The Yankees aren't going to move Anthony Volpe from shortstop with how well he has played defensively, so Correa would have to be willing to move positions if the Yankees were to bring him in. Correa could be a highly impactful addition to the lineup The Yankees have been looking for a third base solution for quite some time. Last season, Jazz Chisholm Jr. became their main third baseman after being acquired at the deadline, but now he is back to his usual second base position. New York has relied on Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza to carry the load at the hot corner, though neither has produced game-changing results that justify playing them every day. Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Correa is well past his prime days with the Houston Astros, but he is still an impactful hitter who could give their lineup a much-needed right-handed threat aside from Aaron Judge. This season, Correa has gotten off to a slow start with just one home run and a .194 batting average, though a change of scenery could help him find his former All-Star self again. Advertisement Ultimately, the Yankees are likely to be heavily involved in the infield market this year, and Correa could be one of their top targets this summer. Related Headlines
Yahoo
07-04-2025
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- Yahoo
NBA Power Rankings: Lakers, Rockets send message to Thunder; Celtics getting hot
Thunder Wire NBA power rankings The 2024-25 regular season enters its final week. Only a handful of games are left to determine the playoff picture. For teams at the top of the conference, it's about gaining homecourt advantage in the first round. For teams at the bottom, it's about tanking for lottery odds. Advertisement The Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers have long clinched the first seeds. Both will enter the playoffs as title favorites. That doesn't mean other teams aren't viable threats to make deep runs, though. The Boston Celtics have been the hottest team in the NBA over the last month. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets messaged the Thunder that it won't be a cakewalk to the NBA Finals. Throughout the 2024-25 season, Thunder Wire will conduct weekly NBA power rankings. Here is the latest edition for the Mar. 31-Apr. 6 week: 30. Utah Jazz (16-63) Apr 6, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 30 Advertisement The Jazz have lost nine in a row. Give credit to Utah, it pulled out all of the stops to bottom out and has done so over the last couple of months. They were surely paying extra attention to the Final Four in hopes of landing a top prospect soon. 29. Washington Wizards (17-61) Apr 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) drives to the basket while Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 29 The Wizards are the other team that's been at the bottom of the standings. They have a strong chance to get top-three lottery odds, which is all that matters. Washington has hit the rest button and its 2024 draft class has been filled with intriguing prospects. 28. Charlotte Hornets (19-59) Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Jusuf Nurkic (11) looks to pass against Chicago Bulls forward Zach Collins (12) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 28 Advertisement It'll be another lost season for the Hornets. After questions about his long-term fit, LaMelo Ball had another mixed season riddled with nice box score stats but injuries. The Hornets enter a situation where they should seriously consider his future with the franchise after years of disappointment. 27. New Orleans Pelicans (21-57) Apr 4, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) gets an elbow in the face as he is defending New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) in the second half at Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 27 The Pelicans shut down Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum for the rest of the season. For Williamson, he only played 30 games. Add this to the long list of seasons where injuries cut him short. It feels like Groundhog Day at this point as New Orleans can't sustain continued success. 26. Philadelphia 76ers (23-55) Apr 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) controls the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 26 Advertisement Nobody tanks better than the Sixers. They've lost 11 in a row. Philly has upped the urgency to keep its top-six protected pick and will likely be successful, barring the lottery. Joel Embiid finally underwent knee surgery and Tyrese Maxey was ruled out for the rest of the season. That puts an end to a miserable season. 25. Brooklyn Nets (25-53) Mar 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (20) swats the ball away from Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 25 The Nets had back-to-back wins over the Mavericks and Wizards that could be costly. They've run into the too-good-to-tank category. Jordi Fernandez has made the most of his roster. He'll be a good coach for whoever Brooklyn adds in the lottery as it rebuilds. 24. Toronto Raptors (29-50) Apr 6, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Toronto Raptors shooting guard RJ Barrett (9) shoots a three point jump shot over Brooklyn Nets guard Tyson Eitenne (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 24 Advertisement Hovering around mediocrity at this point of the season could be detrimental to lottery odds. The Raptors have experienced that firsthand by splitting their last 10 games. RJ Barrett has played even though Toronto is better off with him out. It hopes to add a blue-chip prospect in the upcoming draft as it walks the fine line between being competitive and being in a rebuild. 23. San Antonio Spurs (32-46) Apr 6, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul (3) looks on during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 23 As the Spurs' season winds down, Chris Paul has pondered his future beyond this season. He'll turn 40 years old soon and has accomplished everything besides a championship. If this is it for the future Hall-of-Famer, he's been one of the greatest point guards ever. 22. Portland Trail Blazers (35-44) Apr 6, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) lays up a shot past San Antonio Spurs point guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 22 Advertisement The Trail Blazers won't make the postseason or have high lottery odds, but they can at least enter the offseason with some sense of direction for the first time in forever. Shaedon Sharpe scored a career-high 36 points in a win over the Raptors. He's been special this season and is one of Portland's best young players. 21. Phoenix Suns (35-43) Apr 6, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) goes to the basket against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 19 The Suns have lost six in a row. Their disastrous season continues to worsen. Without Kevin Durant, it looks like Phoenix will miss a chance to make the play-in tournament after basically being handed the spot with other teams sliding down. This has been an apocalyptic year where they will be forced to blow it up in the offseason. 20. Atlanta Hawks (37-41) Apr 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) tries to get through New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 20 Advertisement It won't affect their spot in the standings, but the Hawks have looked like the worst of the East play-in bunch. They've racked up losses and will enter the tournament with little momentum. The good news is they only need to win twice and Trae Young will likely be the best player in both games. 19. Miami Heat (35-43) Apr 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) reacts after scoring against the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 21 An up-and-down season continues for the Heat. After a 10-game losing streak, they won six straight. They've since lost two in a row. They're locked in the play-in range again this season. Miami's playoff chances will fall on Tyler Herro's shoulders as he's graduated as its top scorer since Jimmy Butler was traded. 18. Sacramento Kings (38-40) Apr 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 18 Advertisement The Kings continue to pummel down the standings. They remain in the play-in picture but only because of the Suns' incompetence. Sacramento snapped a three-game losing streak with a blowout win over the Hornets. They'll likely rely on Domantas Sabonis to carry them to two wins to capture a playoff spot. 17. Chicago Bulls (36-42) Apr 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) after being fouled by the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 17 Among the East's play-in squads, the Bulls have played the best. Josh Giddey has earned himself quite the pay raise by being a 22-point triple-double machine. Chicago could be a dangerous team in the playoffs. It's played a lot better since the trade deadline. 16. Dallas Mavericks (38-41) Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 15 Advertisement Two straight losses to the Clippers show what the Mavericks could be in store for if they win their first play-in game. Anthony Davis has mostly won when he's played for his new squad but has only had one true monster outing where he's looked like an All-Star player. He needs to stay healthy and be more productive. 15. Orlando Magic (38-40) Apr 3, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dunks the ball as Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 16 The Magic are locked for the play-in tournament and hope to stay in the seventh-eighth range to get a couple of cracks at a playoff spot. Paolo Banchero has been a scoring machine in recent games. Orlando has struggled with consistency all season but has looked better with the postseason around the corner. 14. Detroit Pistons (43-35) Apr 2, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Dennis Schroder (17) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 12 Advertisement Despite A bevy of suspensions from an altercation with the Timberwolves, it was a good week for the Pistons. They finally clinched a playoff spot. It'll be their first trip back since 2019. Cade Cunningham has led Detroit's turnaround season and he will likely earn All-NBA honors for it. Offseason additions like Malik Beasley have also been a home run. 13. Memphis Grizzlies (46-32) Apr 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots and scores the game-winning shot over Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (7) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 11 After a chaotic head coaching fire, the Grizzlies have calmed down and seen positive results. Ja Morant scored a game-winner against the Heat after being fined by the NBA for an in-game gesture. They then won a close game over the Pistons. Memphis hopes to avoid the play-in tournament. 12. Milwaukee Bucks (44-34) Apr 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid reacts with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after the game at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 14 Advertisement Despite Damian Lillard's absence, the Bucks have won three straight. Giannis Antetokounmpo had one of the best games of the season with 35 points, 20 assists and 17 rebounds in a win over the Sixers. It's the first time in NBA history a player has recorded that stat line. Even though he's fallen off the MVP race, he continues to be one of the best players in the world. 11. Indiana Pacers (47-31) Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 8 The Pacers have won four in a row. They've taken advantage of a soft portion of his schedule. Indiana is likely locked at the fourth spot in the East. It's not a top-heavy squad but Tyrese Haliburton could make or break their season depending on how he does in the playoffs. 10. LA Clippers (46-32) Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) during the second quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 13 Advertisement The Clippers are in a groove. They've won four in a row. Kawhi Leonard has turned back the clock. Everybody understands their role in LA. We even saw James Harden take a not-so-subtle shot at Paul George by saying the difference between last year and this year is personnel. The Clippers could be a scary team to face in the playoffs. 9. Minnesota Timberwolves (46-32) Apr 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 10 The Timberwolves remain hot. They've won five in a row. They avoided disaster against the Nets when Anthony Edwards twisted his ankle after he walked backward into Fernandez. Minnesota is a prime candidate to upset one of the top teams in the first round of the playoffs. It has the makings of a sneaky contender. 8. Denver Nuggets (47-32) Apr 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) is fouled by Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) as time expires in double overtime at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 5 Advertisement The Nuggets' double-overtime loss to the Timberwolves made all the headlines for the wrong reasons. Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record a 61-point triple-double. But that became a footnote when a pair of mental errors by Russell Westbrook gifted Minnesota the game. Denver has struggled to surround Jokic was talent and this season might be the worst example of that. 7. New York Knicks (50-28) Apr 6, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a three point basket during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 7 After missing time with an ankle sprain, Jalen Brunson returned to the Knicks. His return provided a boost for New York in a win over the Hawks. It was a classic week for the Knicks where they beat up on cupcakes but were blown out by the Cavaliers. That's been their season summed up in a sentence. 6. Golden State Warriors (46-32) Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) helps forward Jimmy Butler III (10) up during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 9 Advertisement The Warriors have been another team that's been red-hot. They've won five of their last six games. Other players get all the praise, but Draymond Green has skyrocketed himself to the top of the Defensive Player of the Year odds. The future Hall-of-Famer has successfully campaigned himself to win the award. Golden State is a dark horse candidate to make a deep playoff run thanks to its veterans and success. 5. Los Angeles Lakers (48-30) Apr 6, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) yells after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 6 Heading into their blowout win over the Thunder, the Lakers wanted to see the title favorites a message. Behind LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Los Angeles has been a wildcard selection to win the West. It's easy to see why. They've turned into a high-octane offense where Austin Reaves has turned into a legitimate third-fiddle scorer. 4. Houston Rockets (52-27) Apr 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after a dunk against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 4 Advertisement The Rockets are another team that sent a message to the Thunder. They blew them out as Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun each scored 30-plus points. They followed that up with an impressive win over the Warriors. Houston has been one of the hottest teams over the last months but questions over its strength of schedule have cast doubt. We won't know until the playoffs but they've been one of the most improved teams. 3. Cleveland Cavaliers (62-16) Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 3 The Cavaliers are on cruise control the rest of the way. They've already clinched the first seed, so there's zero motivation to play in the regular season. A three-game winning streak was snapped with a bad loss to the Kings. At this point, it's a waiting game to see if Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley can have better playoff success this time. 2. Oklahoma City Thunder (64-14) Apr 6, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 1 Advertisement Everything said about the Cavaliers can be said about the Thunder. Two straight bad losses to the Rockets and Lakers reek of complacency. It's hard to blame them. After clinching the first seed weeks ago and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the runaway MVP favorite, it's easy to let human nature settle in with the playoffs around the corner. 1. Boston Celtics (58-20) Apr 4, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives on Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro (4) during the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Previous Ranking: 3 It's only fitting to see the Celtics back at the top spot with a week left. The reigning NBA champions have lurked in the background for most of the season but continued to stack up wins. They might not be the winning machine they were last season, but Boston has the experience and star power to repeat. Its won 16 of its last 18 games and will enter the playoffs with all the momentum. This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Power Rankings: Lakers, Rockets beat up Thunder; Celtics get hot
