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New York Times
15-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
NBA Power Rankings: Celtics and Clippers surge, but Thunder still the team to beat
We have finally completed the 2024-25 regular season (1,230 games!) and almost have a complete postseason bracket. By this weekend, 16 teams will be participating in a Game 1. Before I end this season's edition of the Power Rankings, I want to hand out the final grades for the season. I did say fourth-quarter grades were coming, so don't be surprised. I will add that the fourth quarter of the NBA season tends to be the silliest. Not every team had the same priorities: Every NBA team's record in the last 20 games of the season What stands out… — Law Murray 💭🚫 (@LawMurrayTheNU) April 14, 2025 We will attempt to give a letter grade to each team, with a focus on the last five weeks of the regular season. But consideration will be given to what teams did overall this season. So, sure, a team might have backed into the playoffs. But being one of the 12 teams to avoid the Play-In Tournament and earn a seven-game series is what every team wants, especially if it retained a healthy roster. Here are the first-quarter grades, as well as the second-quarter grades. Advertisement A reminder: These Power Rankings won't just rank every team. We will retain the tiers that teams will be promoted into and relegated out of. There will be five tiers every week: • Top Contenders — Locked at five, these are the class of the league • In a Good Place — Could be one team, could be seven teams. • The Bubble — Not to be confused with Walt Disney World. The middle of the pack. • Not the Tier to Fear — Not playing the worst ball in the league, but with a lot of work to do. • Basement Floor — Bringing up the rear. Let's end the regular season with Week 25 of The Athletic's NBA Power Rankings. Records and statistics are final: Last ranking: 1 In the last week: W vs. LAL, W at PHO, W at UTA, W at NO Offensive rating: 119.2 (third) Defensive rating: 106.6 (first) First quarter: A- Second quarter: A Third quarter: A Fourth quarter: A The Thunder did it — they outscored their opponents by more points than any team in NBA history at 1,055. On average, Oklahoma City won by 13 points. Simply a powerful basketball team, and point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged only 1.9 turnovers with 7.3 assists over the last five weeks of the season. Last ranking: 3 In the last week: W at NY, L at ORL, W vs. CHA, W vs. CHA Offensive rating: 119.5 (second) Defensive rating: 110.1 (fourth) First quarter: A- Second quarter: B- Third quarter: B+ Fourth quarter: A I wanted to see if the Celtics could get to 60 wins in back-to-back seasons. They got there, winning 17 of their last 20 games, and I expect them to get out of the Eastern Conference. So there you go, Celtics fans in the comments every week. A shoutout to Luke Kornet, who averaged 3.4 offensive rebounds per game over the last quarter of the season and should play more this postseason than he did last year. Advertisement Last ranking: 2 In the last week: W vs. CHI, L at IND, W at NY, L vs. IND Offensive rating: 121.0 (first) Defensive rating: 111.8 (eighth) First quarter: A Second quarter: A Third quarter: A Fourth quarter: B+ No disrespect to the Cavaliers from me. They had an awesome season that should be sustainable given the talent and ages of their team leaders. I am very excited to see them play this postseason and to see if they can validate their performance by beating the Celtics. I believe they're good enough, but Boston's done it, while Cleveland is trying to win more postseason series this spring than it has in the previous six years combined. It does help that center Jarrett Allen has averaged 2.6 offensive rebounds per game to help Cleveland's offense a bit over the last month. Last ranking: 4 In the last week: L at OKC, W at DAL, W vs. HOU, L at POR Offensive rating: 115.0 (11th) Defensive rating: 113.8 (17th) First quarter: C+ Second quarter: C Third quarter: A Fourth quarter: C The Lakers going 18-3 going into and out of the trade deadline is what keeps them here. They were a decidedly average team outside of that stretch. The center position is a concern, as Jaxson Hayes averaged 2.7 personal fouls a game in the last five weeks, and Los Angeles slipped to 20th defensively while splitting its last 20 games. When it comes down to it, Luka Dončić is LeBron James' teammate in a side of the Western Conference bracket that will favor the Lakers getting back to the conference finals. I've seen this movie before. Last ranking: 5 In the last week: L at LAC, L at LAL, L vs. DEN Offensive rating: 114.9 (12th) Defensive rating: 110.3 (fifth) First quarter: A Second quarter: B Third quarter: C- Fourth quarter: A It's not going to get as much reaction because it took Ime Udoka two years to turn this franchise around, but it's nothing short of remarkable that the Rockets have home-court advantage through the semifinals after losing 60 games in 2022-23. The Rockets won 15 of their last 20 games, and they had a top-10 offense over the last five weeks. All-Star center Alperen Şengün led Houston's strength by averaging 3.9 offensive rebounds per game in that stretch. Now their challenge is to see how well they can compete with so many players about to make their postseason debuts against teams that have gone on deep playoff runs recently. Advertisement Last ranking: 7 In the last week: W vs. SA, W vs. HOU, W at SAC, W at GS Offensive rating: 114.3 (15th) Defensive rating: 109.4 (third) First quarter: B Second quarter: B Third quarter: C- Fourth quarter: A The Clippers ran all the way through the tape. Going back to Vinny Del Negro and Doc Rivers, the Clippers have usually done a great job finishing the regular season. But Tyronn Lue led the best finish in the history of the franchise, with the Clippers needing all 18 of the wins they got over the last 21 games to secure a playoff spot. They did it by having the best offense in basketball over the last five weeks to go with what was a top-five defense all season long. Kawhi Leonard is ready, averaging 26.5 points on 55.2 percent field goals over the last five weeks. Last ranking: 6 In the last week: W vs. WAS, W vs. CLE, L vs. ORL, W at CLE Offensive rating: 115.4 (ninth) Defensive rating: 113.3 (14th) First quarter: D Second quarter: B+ Third quarter: B Fourth quarter: A People are just not going to believe in the Pacers until they replicate what they did last year. But Indiana has been playing very well for a long time, and it won 15 of its last 20 games to get home-court advantage in the first round. Indiana had a top-10 defense in the last five weeks while making a much more concerted effort on the defensive glass. If the Pacers are going to maintain balance to go with their depth, then they can make noise again. Last ranking: 9 In the last week: L vs. BOS, L at DET, L vs. CLE, W at BRK Offensive rating: 117.3 (fifth) Defensive rating: 113.3 (13th) First quarter: B- Second quarter: B+ Third quarter: B- Fourth quarter: B- Yes, the Knicks finished with the fifth-best record in the NBA. I think these Power Rankings have expressed that I do not care. New York is not a 'best of the rest' team to me. Three teams established themselves as bona fide contenders, and New York lost all 10 games to them. A Tom Thibodeau team hasn't been to the conference finals since 2011, and Thibodeau's teams have lost as the higher seed six times, including all three of his postseasons with the Knicks. I think the Knicks had a good season, I'm just not moved in the slightest. They have this spring to present something meaningful and show that they are capable of playing their best basketball against the teams that matter most. I do like that OG Anunoby is healthy and finished the season averaging 1.9 steals over the last five weeks. Advertisement Last ranking: 10 In the last week: L at MIL, W at MEM, W vs. BRK, W vs. UTA Offensive rating: 115.7 (eighth) Defensive rating: 110.8 (sixth) First quarter: C- Second quarter: B Third quarter: C+ Fourth quarter: A Minnesota had a thoroughly wretched meltdown in Wisconsin to remind everyone how difficult it is to trust the Timberwolves. But even including that, the Timberwolves won 16 of their last 20 games to secure a playoff berth, and they have performed well on both ends of the floor. Minnesota is another team benefiting from a center actively pursuing extra chances, with Rudy Gobert averaging 4.3 offensive rebounds per game in the last five weeks. The Timberwolves are the only team outside of the Thunder, Celtics and Cavaliers that had a top-10 offense and defense for the season. Too bad they drew the Lakers to start the postseason. Last ranking: 11 In the last week: W vs. MIN, W vs. NO, W at DET, W vs. DET Offensive rating: 115.1 (10th) Defensive rating: 112.7 (12th) First quarter: C Second quarter: B+ Third quarter: B- Fourth quarter: B You remember what I said about the Clippers having a history of being hot going into the playoffs? Well, of course Doc Rivers had the Bucks on an eight-game winning streak to end the regular season. Again, I've seen it before! And that also means that I've seen a Rivers team be short-handed entering the playoffs. We'll see if Damian Lillard can suit up after being stricken with deep vein thrombosis in his calf. At least Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy, putting up back-to-back Eastern Conference Player of the Week performances while getting 11.3 free-throw attempts per game over the last five weeks. Last ranking: 13 In the last week: W at SAC, W vs. MEM, W at HOU Offensive rating: 118.9 (fourth) Defensive rating: 115.1 (21st) Advertisement First quarter: C Second quarter: B+ Third quarter: B Fourth quarter: C Last week's Power Rankings came out with me being as low on the Nuggets as I was all season, and then Denver made a shocking and relatively unprecedented coaching change. Interim coach David Adelman has been steady, leading the Nuggets to their first three-game winning streak since the nine-game streak Denver went on that included zero wins over teams that finished with a winning record. This is still a bottom-10 defense asking Nikola Jokić to give Herculean efforts. Jokić ended his MVP push by averaging 33.5 points and 8.8 free-throw attempts per game over the last five weeks. Last ranking: 12 In the last week: W vs. NY, L vs. MIL, L at MIL Offensive rating: 114.6 (14th) Defensive rating: 112.5 (10th) First quarter: C- Second quarter: B+ Third quarter: B+ Fourth quarter: C Detroit isn't exactly playing its best basketball going into the playoffs, but what a sentence that even is. The Pistons were able to go from 68 losses to the comfort zone that Vanessa Williams introduced right before the 1991-92 season, which was the last time the Pistons played the Knicks in the playoffs. The Pistons went 3-14 against the Cavaliers, Celtics, Pacers and Bucks this season. But they went 3-1 against the Knicks, and coach J.B. Bickerstaff probably has a chip on his shoulder after how the 2023 postseason went against New York. The only way the Pistons will survive this matchup is if they clean up the fouls. The Pistons were a top-10 defense this season, but going into Madison Square Garden while having the third-worst free-throw attempt rate allowed over the last five weeks isn't going to cut it. Last ranking: 8 In the last week: W at PHO, L vs. SA, W at POR, L vs. LAC Offensive rating: 114.2 (16th) Defensive rating: 111.0 (seventh) First quarter: B+ Second quarter: D Third quarter: B+ Fourth quarter: B Advertisement For the third time in five seasons, the Warriors are in the Play-In Tournament. It's a jarring result after the Warriors debuted Jimmy Butler and won 21 of 26 games. But Stephen Curry got locked up by the Rockets, Harrison Barnes called game, and James Harden packed them up, all at Chase Center. Butler averaged 2.0 steals per game for what was a top-five defense over the last five weeks. But the Warriors have some things to figure out, and now they'll have to do it from the bottom of the West bracket. Last ranking: 14 In the last week: W at CHA, L vs. MIN, L at DEN, W vs. DAL Offensive rating: 117.2 (sixth) Defensive rating: 112.6 (11th) First quarter: B+ Second quarter: B Third quarter: B- Fourth quarter: C The Grizzlies split their last 20 games while somehow not being the only winning team to fire its coach in the final quarter of the campaign. Even when they won, they lost, as rookie Jaylen Wells was seriously injured in Charlotte and will spend the postseason recovering from a broken wrist and a concussion. One thing going for Memphis has been the continued progression of backup point guard Scotty Pippen Jr., who averaged 5.3 assists and only 1.8 turnovers over the last five weeks. Last ranking: 17 In the last week: W vs. ATL, W vs. BOS, W at IND, L at ATL Offensive rating: 108.9 (27th) Defensive rating: 109.1 (second) First quarter: B+ Second quarter: C- Third quarter: D Fourth quarter: B The Magic are going to make things interesting if they can get the Celtics in the quarterfinals. Orlando is 6-4 against Boston over the last three seasons, and the Magic are bringing the second-best defense in the league to the Play-In Tournament. It would be interesting to see if backup power forward Jonathan Isaac could play more, as he averaged 1.1 blocks per game over the season's final month. As bad as Orlando's offense was this season, the defense gives it a chance to assimilate to a playoff atmosphere, and the Magic did win 12 of their last 20 games. Last ranking: 15 In the last week: L at CLE, W vs. MIA, W vs. WAS, W at PHI Offensive rating: 113.2 (20th) Defensive rating: 114.8 (19th) First quarter: D Second quarter: C Third quarter: D Fourth quarter: A- Of all the teams that finished with losing records, the Bulls looked the best by far, winning 15 of their last 20. The offense has been good, but the most surprising aspect of Chicago's success over the last five weeks has been a defense that ranked ninth over the last five weeks. Point guard Josh Giddey averaged 10.5 rebounds per game in that span, including 8.4 defensive rebounds. The Bulls have a great chance to steal the No. 8 seed. Advertisement Last ranking: 18 In the last week: L at ORL, W at BRK, W at PHI, W vs. ORL Offensive rating: 113.7 (17th) Defensive rating: 114.8 (18th) First quarter: C Second quarter: B Third quarter: D+ Fourth quarter: B- The Hawks won 12 of their last 20 games, and they had a top-five offense over the last five weeks. Shooting guard Dyson Daniels averaged 14.7 points on 53.4 percent shooting from the field in that span, highlighting how easily Atlanta can get buckets. But I'm not sure the Hawks are headed for good matchups in the Play-In Tournament despite playing relatively decent basketball lately. Last ranking: 19 In the last week: L vs. DEN, L vs. LAC, W vs. PHO Offensive rating: 115.9 (seventh) Defensive rating: 115.3 (22nd) First quarter: D Second quarter: B Third quarter: C+ Fourth quarter: D It was disappointing to see the Kings falter so badly down the stretch. The offense got stagnant, the defense remains as bad as it has been all season, Malik Monk's injury throws them to another loss at the worst possible time, and now they are the ninth seed for the second year in a row. This is a big week for Domantas Sabonis, who averaged only 0.3 blocks over the last five weeks. Last ranking: 16 In the last week: L at CHI, W at NO, L vs. WAS Offensive rating: 112.4 (21st) Defensive rating: 112.0 (ninth) First quarter: C- Second quarter: C Third quarter: D Fourth quarter: D This wound up being the worst Heat season in a decade. Miami just isn't good enough offensively. Tyler Herro has averaged 17.0 field goal attempts over the last five weeks but only 4.2 free throws in that span. Last ranking: 20 In the last week: L vs. LAL, W vs. TOR, L at MEM Offensive rating: 113.7 (18th) Defensive rating: 115.0 (20th) Advertisement First quarter: B- Second quarter: C- Third quarter: 🤦🏾♂️ Fourth quarter: D Dallas had the 22nd-ranked offense and the 22nd-ranked defense in the NBA over the last five weeks. That's not the balance this team was supposed to have been displaying after making the roster moves it made. The presence of the Mavericks bigs doesn't stop teams from simply hammering them inside. The Play-In Tournament presents a new chapter to the Anthony Davis vs. Domantas Sabonis rivalry. Last ranking: 22 In the last week: L at UTA, L vs. GS, W vs. LAL Offensive rating: 111.0 (22nd) Defensive rating: 113.7 (16th) First quarter: D+ Second quarter: D- Third quarter: A- Fourth quarter: C- Portland is keeping its brain trust of general manager Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups together, and the Blazers can thank a stretch starting in January in which they went 15-6. The Blazers didn't exactly finish the season strong, losing 12 of the last 20 games while struggling mightily with turnovers. Figuring out how to optimize the guard play (and with whom) should be a major part of where Portland goes next. Last ranking: 21 In the last week: L vs. GS, L vs. OKC, W vs. SA, L at SAC Offensive rating: 114.7 (13th) Defensive rating: 117.7 (27th) First quarter: C+ Second quarter: C- Third quarter: D Fourth quarter: D- What a catastrophe, but this is what we have come to expect from the Suns. Like the Kings and Mavericks, Phoenix lost 13 of the last 20 games. But the Suns never put up a decent, believable stretch of basketball once Kevin Durant missed games for the first time earlier this season. Only the Utah Jazz were worse defensively in the last quarter of the season. They also aren't good at interviewing coaches, apparently. Advertisement Last ranking: 23 In the last week: L at LAC, W at GS, L at PHO, W vs. TOR Offensive rating: 113.5 (19th) Defensive rating: 116.3 (25th) First quarter: B+ Second quarter: D Third quarter: D- Fourth quarter: C- San Antonio had three players make it to 82 games: Chris Paul, Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie. Rookie Stephon Castle came up a game short of joining them. Between the season-ending conditions of Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox and the stroke that kept Gregg Popovich from coaching after November, this was a bit of a lost year for them. The Spurs have a good base of talent, and they understand the importance of surrounding young talent with veterans who can provide a great example of professionalism. Last ranking: 24 In the last week: W vs. CHA, L at DAL, L at SA Offensive rating: 109.6 (26th) Defensive rating: 113.6 (15th) First quarter: D+ Second quarter: D Third quarter: C Fourth quarter: C The only team that closed the season better defensively than the Raptors was Orlando. Toronto has to find a way to make its roster fit on the other end of the court. Brandon Ingram never debuted, so it will be a fresh new look next season. Last ranking: 25 In the last week: W vs. NO, L vs. ATL, L at MIN, L vs. NY Offensive rating: 108.1 (28th) Defensive rating: 115.4 (23rd) First quarter: C Second quarter: D- Third quarter: D+ Fourth quarter: D- The Nets were as bad offensively in the last five weeks as they were all season. As a result, they weren't able to play spoiler at any point. The only team Brooklyn beat since the All-Star break that finished with a winning record was the Los Angeles Lakers last month. Last ranking: 27 In the last week: W at WAS, L vs. ATL, L vs. CHI Offensive rating: 111.0 (23rd) Defensive rating: 117.3 (26th) Advertisement First quarter: D- Second quarter: C Third quarter: D- Fourth quarter: F Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse will be back to figure out how to move forward after a season in which they likely felt like Philadelphia would win 58 games, not lose 58. The Sixers embarked on a full-on tank to close their season, losing 17 of 20 games while rolling out a primary lineup consisting of second-round rookie center Adem Bona and four players who weren't even on the team to begin the season (Quentin Grimes, Jared Butler, Lonnie Walker IV, Marcus Bagley). Last ranking: 26 In the last week: L at IND, L vs. PHI, L at CHI, W at MIA Offensive rating: 105.8 (30th) Defensive rating: 118.0 (28th) First quarter: F Second quarter: F Third quarter: D Fourth quarter: D- What a great moment for Bub Carrington to end his rookie season, and Washington's season in general, on a fun high note. Washington was the anti-Thunder, getting annihilated by 1,020 points. The only other team in league history to have a worse point differential than this season's Wizards was the 1993 Mavericks, a team that went 11-71 while getting outscored by 1,246 points. The fact that the Wizards didn't lose 70 games is a credit to them. A special moment for the rook 🥹 — Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) April 13, 2025 Last ranking: 28 In the last week: L at BRK, L at MIL, L vs. MIA, L vs. OKC Offensive rating: 109.7 (25th) Defensive rating: 119.1 (29th) First quarter: F Second quarter: D Third quarter: D+ Fourth quarter: F The Sixers Southwest. New Orleans never played with anywhere close to a full deck this season, a shame considering the talent amassed and that it won nearly 50 games a year ago. Unlike the Sixers, the Pelicans have decided to start over in the front office, firing David Griffin and leaving it up to his replacement to determine coach Willie Green's fate. Getting beaten by 49 points at home by this year's Miami team is a rough way to go out. Advertisement Last ranking: 29 In the last week: L vs. MEM, L at TOR, L at BOS, L at BOS Offensive rating: 106.7 (29th) Defensive rating: 115.7 (24th) First quarter: D Second quarter: D- Third quarter: F Fourth quarter: D That's a wrap on nine consecutive seasons failing to qualify for the postseason, the longest active streak in the NBA. Going beyond that, the Hornets haven't won a playoff series since leaving the city in 2002. And what did the Hornets accomplish along the way? They're still Bobcatting around, turning the ball over at will while barely defending. For them to say that this year's Hornets had the most losses since the 2004-05 expansion team is a damning statement. Last ranking: 30 In the last week: W vs. POR, L vs. OKC, L at MIN Offensive rating: 110.2 (24th) Defensive rating: 119.4 (30th) First quarter: F Second quarter: D Third quarter: F Fourth quarter: F The aggressive full-season tank is mercifully over. The Jazz had enough talent to win twice as many games as they did this season. They were the anti-Thunder in a different way than Washington was; while the Thunder set a record for turnover differential this season, the Jazz did as well, but in the other direction. Utah had 444 more turnovers than their opponents; the Thunder forced 435 more turnovers than they had. The Jazz rebuild will continue until that in particular is addressed. Sign up to get The Bounce, the essential NBA newsletter from Zach Harper and The Athletic staff, delivered free to your inbox. (Top photo of Jayson Tatum: Winslow Townson / Getty Images)
New York Times
08-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
NBA Power Rankings: Knicks, Clippers move up while other teams search for answers
Every now and again, we try to have fun with the NBA Power Rankings. Clearly, there were some creative differences last week. That is, we tried to be creative, but the people wanted something different! The regular season is down to the final week, so what we are going to do is go back. All the way back to Week 1. We had some questions and observations, and now is the best time to revisit our initial queries from the beginning of the season. Advertisement A reminder: These Power Rankings won't just rank every team. We will retain the tiers that teams will be promoted into and relegated out of. There will be five tiers every week: • Top Contenders – Locked at five, these are the class of the league • In a Good Place – Could be one team, could be seven teams. • The Bubble – Not to be confused with Walt Disney World. The middle of the pack. • Not the Tier to Fear – Not playing the worst ball in the league, but with a lot of work to do. • Basement Floor – Bringing up the rear. Let's look at Week 24 of The Athletic's NBA Power Rankings together. Standings and statistics are through Monday's games: Last ranking: 1 In the last week: W vs. DET, L at HOU, L vs. LAL Offensive rating: 118.8 (third) Defensive rating: 106.5 (first) The Week 1 Question: How do they hold up without Isaiah Hartenstein? The Thunder were 'only' 11-4 by the time Hartenstein made his debut with the team after missing the start of the season with a fractured shooting hand. What complicated things was Chet Holmgren missing nearly three months with a hip fracture — Oklahoma City went 32-7 while Holmgren recovered from that injury. The Thunder took a big hit this past week toward their quest to be only the fourth team in NBA history to outscore their opponents by at least 1,000 points for a season. They're at plus-977 with four games left; the all-time leaders are the 1972 Los Angeles Lakers (plus-1,007), the 1971 Milwaukee Bucks (plus-1,005) and 1996 Chicago Bulls (plus-1,004). Last ranking: 2 In the last week: W vs. NY, W at SA, L vs. SAC Offensive rating: 121.4 (first) Defensive rating: 112.0 (eighth) The Week 1 Question: Is this the year Evan Mobley becomes a star? A resounding yes. Mobley got his bag before the season then turned in an All-Star season while averaging a career-best in points (18.5). Mobley made more 3s this season (81) than his previous three seasons combined (67). Cleveland has a top-10 defense anchored by Mobley as well. Mobley's breakout has coincided with the Cavaliers leading the Eastern Conference all season despite being pushed by the defending champion Boston Celtics, as well as the top offense in the league. Last ranking: 3 In the last week: L vs. MIA, W vs. PHO, W vs. WAS Offensive rating: 120.0 (second) Defensive rating: 110.4 (fifth) The Week 1 Question: Is it simply 3-point or bust? I resent the notion that the Celtics are a one-dimensional team that merely shoots more 3s than their opponents, as if that's their only pathway toward success. With that said, they smashed the record for most 3s made by a team in a season. They averaged 17.9 3s per game, but note that Boston has a 9-6 record when it fails to make 15 3s this season. The only team that takes better care of the basketball than the Celtics is the Thunder, and Boston and Oklahoma City are the only teams with a top-five offense and a top-five defense. Advertisement Last ranking: 4 In the last week: L vs. GS, W vs. NO, W at OKC Offensive rating: 115.0 (12th) Defensive rating: 113.7 (15th) The Week 1 Question: How to keep LeBron James and Anthony Davis from wearing out? Well, you keep James from wearing out by holding him out of stretches where the team plays six games in eight days. You keep Davis from wearing out by trading him for Luka Dončić while both players are injured. Dončić is one of the few players who can help reduce James' workload. James missed 15 games and is averaging his fewest minutes per game (35.1) in four years, while Dončić averages 35.4 minutes per game as a Laker. Trading Davis has increased the Lakers' chances of getting out of the West, a threat that was renewed with how Dončić and the Lakers played in Oklahoma City over the weekend. Last ranking: 5 In the last week: W vs. UTA, W vs. OKC, W at GS Offensive rating: 115.0 (11th) Defensive rating: 109.4 (fourth) The Week 1 Question: Can the offense take the next step? Two things are true. A) The Rockets are a nasty shooting team, ranking only 23rd in field goal percentage, 25th in 3s made per game, 21st in 3-point percentage, 22nd in midrange field goal percentage and dead last from the free-throw line. But B) they are a shade outside of the top 10 offensively because volume is a part of efficiency! The Rockets are the best offensive-rebounding team in the NBA, and that allows them to get more shots than their opponents. Only the Thunder have a better field goal attempt margin. Houston actually isn't as good at protecting the ball or getting to the free-throw line this season compared to last season, so the improvement offensively has literally just come down to being the team most committed to chasing down its own bricks. Advertisement Last ranking: 7 In the last week: W vs. CHA, W vs. UTA, W at DEN Offensive rating: 115.8 (eighth) Defensive rating: 113.6 (14th) The Week 1 Question: Can they build on their run to the Eastern Conference finals? Indiana needs just one more win to surpass last season's win total, and three more wins for the franchise's first 50-win regular season in 11 years. While the offense isn't as potent as last season's unit that ranked second in the NBA, the Pacers have become a league-average defense for the first time since Rick Carlisle returned as coach in 2021. Most importantly, the Pacers are playing very well right now and have won 12 of 15 games. At the very least, the Pacers are giving themselves a good chance to keep the momentum going heading into the playoffs. Last ranking: 9 In the last week: W vs. NO, W vs. DAL, W vs. DAL Offensive rating: 113.8 (17th) Defensive rating: 109.0 (2nd) The Week 1 Question: When will Kawhi Leonard play? The Clippers were 19-15 when Leonard made his season debut Jan. 4, so that was already an accomplishment given the team's lowly external expectations. The Clippers were only 13-14 from the time Leonard debuted through the team's embarrassing blown lead in Phoenix on March 4. But the Clippers have now won 14 of 17 games, and Leonard just earned Western Conference Player of the Week honors after playing in both ends of a back-to-back for the first time while extending his streak of 20-point performances to 12 games. Playoff mode started early for the Clippers, but they're showing a powerful ceiling. If they can keep it up for one more week, they will stay out of the Play-In Tournament. The story of the greatest players in NBA history. In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process. The story of the greatest players in NBA history. Last ranking: 6 In the last week: W at MEM, W at LAL, W vs. DEN, L vs. HOU Offensive rating: 114.0 (15th) Defensive rating: 111.2 (seventh) The Week 1 Question: Have they addressed all their defensive inconsistencies? When Golden State started 12-3, it had the NBA's fourth-best defense. From that point until the trade deadline, the Warriors were 13-23 with the 20th-ranked defense. But since Jimmy Butler debuted, Golden State has the NBA's best defense. Not exactly the mark of consistency over the full season, but there is no denying the Warriors' ceiling is much higher with Butler defending with self-proclaimed Defensive Player of the Year candidate Draymond Green. Advertisement Last ranking: 11 In the last week: W vs. PHI, L at CLE, W at ATL, W vs. PHO Offensive rating: 117.5 (fifth) Defensive rating: 113.2 (13th) The Week 1 Question: Is this team too top-heavy? The minutes police have been loud all season. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart are Nos. 1 and 2 in total minutes played this season. OG Anunoby ranks ninth. Karl-Anthony Towns ranks 26th. And Jalen Brunson ranks 50th. Brunson's injury allowed others to step up, though, and New York survived his absence by going 9-6. Brunson is back in time with him needing three more games to reach the 65-game award threshold. Last ranking: 8 In the last week: W at DEN, W at BRK, W at PHI Offensive rating: 115.3 (ninth) Defensive rating: 110.8 (sixth) The Week 1 Question: How long does it take Julius Randle to get acclimated? This was certainly an adjustment season for Randle, who averaged his fewest points per game in seven seasons. But despite Randle missing all of February with a groin injury, Minnesota seemed to benefit from his decreased shot volume. Randle hasn't averaged 20 points per game in a month since November, but he averaged 5.4 assists per game in March while Minnesota went 11-3. It doesn't always look pretty with this team, but the Wolves have gotten it done in big moments. Few games exemplify that sentiment more than the end of regulation and the overtimes in Denver last week, a game in which Randle finished with 26 points and seven assists. Last ranking: 14 In the last week: W vs. PHO, W at PHI, W at MIA, W at NO Offensive rating: 114.6 (13th) Defensive rating: 112.7 (12th) The Week 1 Question: Is this team too old to defend? The Bucks ceded the title of oldest team in the NBA back to the Clippers at the trade deadline, and they have actually had a decent defense this season. It helps to have Giannis Antetokounmpo's activity. The only players in the NBA who average more rebounds per game than Antetokounmpo are centers, and Antetokounmpo blocks more shots per game (1.2) than the three players who average more defensive rebounds per game (Domantas Sabonis, Nikola Jokić, Karl-Anthony Towns). Antetokounmpo was just named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, and the Bucks are eager to have him play a full playoff series for the first time in three years. Advertisement Last ranking: 12 In the last week: L at OKC, W at TOR, L vs. MEM, L vs. SAC Offensive rating: 114.3 (14th) Defensive rating: 112.1 (10th) The Week 1 Question: It has to get better for Cade Cunningham at some point, right? Yes! In fact, it got so much better that Cunningham became an All-Star and the Pistons became a winning team that clinched the postseason one year after the franchise hit rock bottom last season at 14-68. Cunningham deserves a great deal of credit for emerging as a 25-point scorer who averages more than nine assists per game. Detroit also did well to hire the right coach in J.B. Bickerstaff, while complementing the young talent on hand with veterans. Last ranking: 10 In the last week: L vs. MIN, L vs. SA, L at GS, L vs. IND Offensive rating: 118.7 (fourth) Defensive rating: 115.1 (20th) The Week 1 Question: Where are the shooters? You'll have to look hard to find them outside of the 3-point line. For the second season in a row, the Nuggets are last in 3-point attempts per game. But they're also fifth in 3-point percentage. All five starters (Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun) attempt at least 2.8 3s per game, and all five make at least 39.3 percent. The issues for the Nuggets come when their starting five is broken up, and that's where the Nuggets are currently with Murray out with hamstring concerns. They lack depth, and they lack defense. Last ranking: 13 In the last week: L vs. GS, W at MIA, W at DET Offensive rating: 117.1 (sixth) Defensive rating: 112.6 (11th) The Week 1 Question: Is the return of Ja Morant all this team needs? Morant has missed a lot of time this season, as usual. And the Grizzlies have won plenty of games without Morant (17-14 with him out). In Miami, Morant had his second career game-winning buzzer-beater, a reminder of his value. Obviously, Morant's presence wasn't enough to save head coach Taylor Jenkins' job before the playoffs. But there's enough time for the Grizzlies to save their season and get into the postseason, and Morant's buzzer-beater snapped a stretch in which the Grizzlies lost seven of eight games. 🥶 — NBA (@NBA) April 4, 2025 Last ranking: 19 In the last week: W vs. TOR, W vs. POR, W at CHA Offensive rating: 113.2 (20th) Defensive rating: 115.3 (23rd) The Week 1 Question: Will they acknowledge the 3-point line? Last season, only three teams made fewer 3s per game than the Bulls. This season, the only teams that made more 3s than Chicago were the Celtics and the Cavaliers. It's a complete 180 that hasn't necessarily made the Bulls a better team or a better offense. Only the Celtics get to the free-throw line at a lower rate, and only the Pacers and Bucks are worse on the offensive glass. Chicago has won 14 of 21, though, and the backcourt tandem of Coby White and Josh Giddey has been difficult to contain. Advertisement Last ranking: 15 In the last week: W at BOS, L vs. MEM, L vs. MIL, W vs. PHI Offensive rating: 112.0 (21st) Defensive rating: 112.1 (ninth) The Week 1 Question: How does Jimmy Butler approach this regular season? Butler's scoring and field goal attempt averages were at their closest levels in 11 seasons. It got to the point where Miami suspended Butler just for moving the wrong way at shootaround. Now Butler is a member of the Warriors, spurring a turnaround for a team that was lost. Andrew Wiggins hasn't had nearly the same level of impact in Miami, and now he's dealing with a hamstring injury. But Miami did start turning things around when Wiggins was on the floor, and the Heat have won four of six games with Wiggins out of the lineup. Last ranking: 18 In the last week: W at SA, W at WAS Offensive rating: 108.7 (27th) Defensive rating: 109.2 (third) The Week 1 Question: Can the offense take the necessary steps forward? Like the Rockets, the Magic are a woeful shooting team. Unlike the Rockets, the Magic also have issues taking care of the ball. Orlando has had a lost year on offense, and a lot of that is because of missing one of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner or Jalen Suggs for most of the season. They'll still be a rough team to play because of how rugged the defense has been. Last ranking: 16 In the last week: L vs. POR, L at DAL, L vs. NY, W vs. UTA Offensive rating: 113.4 (19th) Defensive rating: 115.1 (19th) The Week 1 Question: How can Zaccharie Risacher make his mark next to Trae Young? Risacher hasn't exactly been looked at as a co-star with Young. Jalen Johnson was that player for the Hawks this season until his season-ending shoulder surgery. Caris LeVert was acquired in place of De'Andre Hunter, and both players averaged more shots than Risacher. Even Dyson Daniels gets more touches and shots than Risacher. But Risacher has still been a steady contributor for an Atlanta team that is right in the middle of the postseason picture in the East, and he has found a way to score at least 30 points in three games this season. Last ranking: 20 In the last week: L at WAS, W at CHA, W at CLE, W at DET Offensive rating: 115.8 (seventh) Defensive rating: 115.2 (22nd) The Week 1 Question: How does this roster get stops? This question still needs an answer. The Kings put together a roster full of players who can score at will, ultimately cashing in on a move to end the De'Aaron Fox era to bring in DeMar DeRozan's former Bulls teammate Zach LaVine. To the surprise of few, the Kings have resembled the Play-In Tournament Bulls from the last few years, right down to their spot in the conference. Sacramento is the second-best defensive-rebounding team in the NBA. But actually forcing teams to miss has been an issue, whether the coach was Mike Brown or Doug Christie. Advertisement Last ranking: 17 In the last week: W vs. ATL, L at LAC, L at LAC Offensive rating: 114.0 (16th) Defensive rating: 115.0 (18th) The Week 1 Question: Can the late-season defense from 2023-24 carry over for a full year? I saw the Mavericks twice last weekend, once with Anthony Davis in the lineup. It is safe to say this is not going to be the NBA's next defensive powerhouse. Dallas allowed 80 points in the paint Saturday even though it was starting Davis in between center Dereck Lively II and small forward P.J. Washington. Davis can make great individual defensive plays. But his presence alone does not guarantee a strong defense, something that should have been apparent in Davis' time with the Lakers. Last ranking: 21 In the last week: L at MIL, L at BOS, L at NY Offensive rating: 115.1 (10th) Defensive rating: 117.7 (27th) The Week 1 Question: Did they figure out the point guard situation? Absolutely not. Tyus Jones started 57 games and stayed healthy. Jones did what Jones does, averaging 5.4 assists per game and only 1.2 turnovers, though the turnovers were a career high. But Jones is a small guard who doesn't contribute positively to defense. Phoenix had to resort to starting Collin Gillespie for a stretch last month despite having Jones, Monte Morris and Vasilije Micić all on standard contracts. Now, the Suns are trying to sneak into the Play-In Tournament with an arrangement they tried last season: Devin Booker and Bradley Beal starting together. This season has been a colossal failure, and it's mainly because the Suns could not win games with Kevin Durant out of the lineup, as he is now. Phoenix is 33-29 with Durant playing and 2-14 without Durant this season. Last ranking: 22 In the last week: W at ATL, W at TOR, L at CHI, W vs. SA Offensive rating: 111.3 (22nd) Defensive rating: 114.2 (17th) Advertisement The Week 1 Question: How does Scoot Henderson develop? The bar to improve was quite low for Henderson after a challenging rookie season. There were moments of improvement in Henderson's second NBA season but not yet enough to justify his draft status. The issue remains that Henderson is on the same team as too many other players who need touches and get so many more of them than Henderson gets. Henderson started 32 games as a rookie and only 10 this season. Portland is eliminated from playoff contention, but Henderson is also in concussion protocol and might not make it back this season. He only made 41.9 percent of his field goals. It will be interesting to see how Portland moves forward to put Henderson in position to succeed. General manager Joe Cronin had his contract extended, but coach Chauncey Billups' future still has to be determined. Last ranking: 23 In the last week: L vs. ORL, W at DEN, L vs. CLE, L at POR Offensive rating: 113.4 (18th) Defensive rating: 116.2 (25th) The Week 1 Question: What does Victor Wembanyama's takeover look like in Year 2? Wembanyama became an All-Star and looked poised to keep the Spurs in the Play-In picture before his season-ending deep vein thrombosis diagnosis after All-Star Weekend. It's clear Wembanyama's defense is ahead of his offense right now. Wembanyama is a world-class defender, and San Antonio was helpless on that end without him. On offense, Wembanyama is very comfortable with his shot, making improvements to all of his percentages. But the next step is for him to continue developing his shot selection and applying force offensively. There's no reason a player with Wembanyama's size and skill set should average only 4.1 free throws per game. Last ranking: 24 In the last week: L at CHI, L vs. POR, L vs. DET, W at BRK Offensive rating: 109.5 (26th) Defensive rating: 113.7 (16th) The Week 1 Question: How will they build around Scottie Barnes? Advertisement Barnes actually played in more games this season than last season. But the Raptors started the season 8-31 while going 2-9 when Barnes was out with an orbital fracture. We got a hint about what the Raptors want to do next season when they traded for Brandon Ingram, but Toronto decided the world didn't need to see Ingram suit up at all this season. Despite missing 17 games, the only Raptor who played in more games than Barnes was second-round rookie Jamal Shead. Immanuel Quickley missed more than half of the season, which leads to the biggest challenge of a Barnes-led squad going forward: Is there enough shooting considering the need for so many ballhandlers between Barnes, Ingram and RJ Barrett? Barnes' 3-point percentage plummeted to 26.3 percent this season. Last ranking: 25 In the last week: L vs. MIN, L vs. TOR Offensive rating: 108.2 (28th) Defensive rating: 115.2 (21st) The Week 1 Question: Why would Cam Thomas ever pass the ball? On one hand, Thomas did pass the ball enough to average a career-high 3.8 assists per game. On the other hand, Thomas' season was marred by hamstring issues, so he didn't reach 100 assists on the year. Only the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards had a worse offensive efficiency ranking than the Nets. Thomas is certainly a helpful offensive player, but his defense and durability make his next contract an interesting decision for the rebuilding Nets. Last ranking: 28 In the last week: W vs. SAC, L vs. ORL, L at BOS Offensive rating: 106.0 (30th) Defensive rating: 118.2 (28th) The Week 1 Question: How can Alex Sarr best be set up for success? Sarr has one more week to get over 40 percent field goals for the season. There were flashes of skill in Sarr's rookie season, but even in his nine games with at least 20 points, three of them came with Sarr being held under 50 percent from the field. Sarr was certainly the victim of shaky guard play while trying to adjust to playing center, but he needs to get stronger and utilize his skill set to produce more on his own. Last ranking: 29 In the last week: L at NY, L vs. MIL, L vs. MIN, L at MIA Offensive rating: 111.2 (23rd) Defensive rating: 117.5 (26th) The Week 1 Question: When will Joel Embiid play? While Kawhi Leonard is thriving in his first season without Paul George, Embiid faces even greater questions entering this offseason. Embiid's season lasted only 19 games after it was delayed by knee issues and a suspension for how he addressed a columnist. Embiid was done by the end of February, and he will get his knee scoped this week. The Sixers were only 8-11 with Embiid on the floor this season, a 35-win pace that still would not have had the Sixers in the trough of the East Play-In Tournament. Embiid's viability going forward is a major concern. Last ranking: 26 In the last week: L at LAC, L at LAL, L vs. MIL Offensive rating: 110.0 (25th) Defensive rating: 118.7 (29th) The Week 1 Question: What is this team supposed to be exactly? I asked this question before it all went to hell in New Orleans. The Pelicans never rolled out the lineup that they wanted to try when putting this team together. We never saw Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson on the floor together. And we never will, with Ingram traded and Murray suffering a torn Achilles tendon. Nothing illustrates how sideways this season went for the Pelicans more than the fact that rookie center Yves Missi led the team in minutes, and that three of the eight Pelicans to play at least 1,000 minutes this season included Jordan Hawkins, Jose Alvarado and the since-waived Javonte Green. Advertisement Last ranking: 27 In the last week: L at IND, L vs. SAC, L vs. CHI Offensive rating: 107.2 (29th) Defensive rating: 115.5 (24th) The Week 1 Question: What kind of identity can Charles Lee bring? Initially, it seemed like the Hornets would push the pace and get as many 3s up as possible while defending with some urgency. But this was a woeful 3-point shooting team, as only the Wizards and Magic were less accurate. LaMelo Ball got All-Star consideration, but he only made 40.5 percent of his shots while missing 35 more games. Brandon Miller only made it through 27 games of shooting 40.3 percent before season-ending wrist surgery. And the center position was a hot mess because of trades, injuries and trades that couldn't be completed because of injury concerns. This is going to be the first time the Hornets lose 60 games in back-to-back seasons since 1990. Last ranking: 30 In the last week: L at HOU, L at IND, L at ATL Offensive rating: 110.3 (24th) Defensive rating: 119.4 (30th) The Week 1 Question: Who is helping Lauri Markkanen? Hopefully Danny Ainge gets his lottery luck, because this was a waste of a season in Utah in so many regards. Markkanen played a career-low 47 games and made a career-low 42.3 percent from the field. The other veterans on the team like John Collins and Jordan Clarkson were aggressively limited this season, while Utah's young perimeter players were overwhelmed. It is hard to imagine putting together multiple seasons like this while waiting on a blue-chip talent to arrive in Salt Lake City. (Top photo of Kawhi Leonard: Luke Hales / Getty Images)
USA Today
03-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA Power Rankings: Sixers nearing finish line of miserable season
NBA Power Rankings: Sixers nearing finish line of miserable season The 2024-25 season is nearing as the calendar has flipped to April. The league is entering into the final stretch of the season as teams begin to gear up to make a run at the playoffs, or for some, the play-in tournament. In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been a machine, and the Boston Celtics have been terrific, while the Philadelphia 76ers have been struggling all season as injuries have robbed them from what was expected to be a championship contender. The New York Knicks have been terrific, but injuries are beginning to hit, while the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Milwaukee Bucks are lurking. Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been at the top while teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors will be teams to worry about as well. Now is the time for the 19th edition of the NBA Power Rankings: Previous ranking: 29 The Jazz have lost seven in a row and have put on a tanking masterclass. Coach Will Hardy has this team play hard every night, but come up just short every time in order to take the losses needed to prepare for the lottery. If the Jazz can add a talent like Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper to this group, it would be a big help with the infusion of talent. Previous ranking: 30 The Wizards are slogging through another season, but there appears to be hope for this group. The deadline additions of Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart have brought some professionalism to a locker room in need of it and rookie Alex Sarr has proven he can be a starter in this league. Add another top young talent to this group and the Wizards could be in business. Previous ranking: 28 The Hornets continue to be a disaster. There is a talent here. A lot of it, in fact. They just can't stay healthy nor get on the same page. A team with LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Mark Williams, and Brandon Miller should at least be in the play-in conversation. However, nothing has gone right as Charlotte will miss the postseason for a ninth straight season. 27. New Orleans Pelicans (21-55) Previous ranking: 27 The Pelicans have dealt with a ton of injuries and have officially ruled Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum out for the season. Therefore, their focus is on staying in front of the Sixers in the lottery standings and develop their youngsters. Veteran Kelly Olynyk is a solid example for them to learn from. 26. Philadelphia 76ers (23-53) Previous ranking: 26 The Sixers are in the midst of a miserable season where nothing has gone right for them. Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey played 15 games together and the Sixers went 7-8 in those games. Now, they are just looking to get to the finish line and see what somebody like Quentin Grimes can do out on the basketball court. Previous ranking: 25 On the one hand, the Nets are building a culture. Coach Jordi Fernandez has this group playing hard every night. On the other hand, the Nets are ruining their chances in the tank. They have won two in a row and are now two games back of the Sixers in the lottery standings. Brooklyn can only hope it gets some luck on lottery night on May 12 and move into the top 3. 24. Toronto Raptors (28-48) Previous ranking: 24 Coach Darko Rajakovic deserves so much credit for getting the most out of this Toronto roster. Even when he benches guys like Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley down the stretch of games in an effort to tank, the Raptors still find ways to win as Ja'Kobe Walter and others have stepped up. Toronto's future could be bright with Rajakovic leading the way. 23. San Antonio Spurs (32-44) Previous ranking: 22 The Spurs were having a solid season before Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox went down with their ailments. With that being said, the Spurs should make it into the playoffs in 2026 if they can get everybody back healthy and ready to go. Young players like Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell are getting some important reps. 22. Portland Trail Blazers (33-43) Previous ranking: 21 The Blazers are going to come up short of the play-in tournament, but that shouldn't be viewed as a bad thing. This group took a big step forward this season under coach Chauncey Billups and the Blazers have gotten good play out of everybody. Toumani Camara is now considered one of the better perimeter defenders in the league and Portland should be able to build off this season. 21. Chicago Bulls (34-42) Previous ranking: 20 The Bulls are officially locked into the play-in tournament for the third straight season. They will give themselves a good chance to sneak into the playoffs when considering how well they have been playing as of late. If Chicago can continue getting consistent play out of Coby White and Josh Giddey then it will be in a good spot. 20. Phoenix Suns (35-41) Previous ranking: 18 The Suns have been a huge disappointment. Yes, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have missed time with injuries, but Phoenix should not be fighting just to get into the play-in. The Suns are a game back of the Kings with six to play and when considering Sacramento is slumping, there is still a chance, but Phoenix shouldn't be considered a serious threat. 19. Miami Heat (35-41) Previous ranking: 23 The Heat have followed up a 10-game losing streak with a 6-game winning streak to solidify themselves as they have moved up to No. 9 in the East. The Heat aren't the most talented group, but coach Erik Spoelstra is a genius, and he will have a solid core led by All-Stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. 18. Sacramento Kings (36-40) Previous ranking: 15 The Kings are sliding at the worst time. They have lost three in a row and are 3-7 in their last 10 games as they cling to the final play-in spot in the West. Sacramento will be a tough group in the play-in, thanks to Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, but this team could probably use yet another retooling. 17. Atlanta Hawks (36-40) Previous ranking: 16 The Hawks are going to be a tough team to beat in the play-in as Trae Young can go off at any moment while Dyson Daniels continues to be one of the better perimeter defenders in the league. Atlanta has a scrappy bunch, but coach Quin Snyder and Co. will have work to do in order to take another step in the East. 16. Orlando Magic (37-40) Previous ranking: 17 For the love of everything that is good about basketball, the Magic need some offense. While Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are two elite scorers off the bounce, the front office needs to get some shooters. Orlando ranks 27th in offensive rating as the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has flopped a bit as he is shooting only 34.3% from deep. Even Wagner's shooting only 29% from deep. 15. Dallas Mavericks (38-39) Previous ranking: 19 The Mavericks are alive. Anthony Davis is somewhat healthy and he has been terrific for Dallas on the floor. He put on a masterclass in a win over the Hawks on Wednesday and one has to wonder if this team has a shot to do something in the postseason as long as Davis healthy and ready to go. The Mavs are no longer contenders, but they are dangerous when they're healthy. 14. Milwaukee Bucks (41-34) Previous ranking: 14 Are the wheels falling off in Milwaukee? There is a strong chance the Bucks will enter the playoffs as the No. 6 seed. That isn't the worst case in the world when considering their potential opponent would be a banged up Knicks team, but that means a potential Round 2 matchup with the Celtics. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still an elite talent and Damian Lillard--if he returns--will help, but this could be the end of this era in Milwaukee. Previous ranking: 8 The Grizzlies are in disarray. They made a surprising move by firing coach Taylor Jenkins so close to the playoffs beginning and they have dropped to the play-in tournament as the No. 8 seed at the moment. Ja Morant was looked into by the NBA for his gesture in a loss to the Warriors and Memphis needs some type of pick-me-up to help push them back forward. Previous ranking: 12 The historic turnaround in Detroit continues. The Pistons are the first time in NBA history to triple their previous season's win total and they are currently the No. 5 seed in the East. A big concern is the injury to All-Star guard Cade Cunningham as one has to wonder if that could derail Detroit's plans. Tobias Harris is also dealing with a nagging right Achilles issue so the Pistons need to get healthy quickly. 11. Los Angeles Clippers (44-32) Previous ranking: 10 The Clippers are ranked 4th in defensive rating which is what will give them a chance in the playoffs, but they will need Kawhi Leonard healthy enough to make a run in the postseason. While James Harden is still playing at a high level and has shown that he still has what it takes, he will need some help. That's where Leonard has to come in and produce. 10. Minnesota Timberwolves (44-32) Previous ranking: 13 The Wolves had a fantastic win over the Nuggets in Denver and they have a chance to really move up. Minnesota is sitting at No. 6 in the West, and have two contests against the tanking Nets, one against the tanking Sixers, another one with the Jazz, and another one with the dysfunctional Grizzlies. There is an excellent chance for Anthony Edwards and Co. to move up. 9. Golden State Warriors (44-31) Previous ranking: 11 The Warriors have won three in a row and are making a push up the standings. They have a huge contest against the Lakers--who they trail in the standings by two games--on Thursday. If Golden State can string a few wins together, then it could move back into the top 4 in the West and have home court advantage in the playoffs. A big development for Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry, and Co. 8. Indiana Pacers (45-31) Previous ranking: 9 The Pacers have clinched another playoff berth and are now in position to have home court advantage in Round 1 of the playoffs. Their possible Round 1 opponents will either be an inexperienced Pistons team or the banged up Bucks so there is a chance for Indiana to make things happen and make another run in the playoffs. 7. New York Knicks (48-28) Previous ranking: 7 The Knicks are talented. They are experienced. However, they are banged up. Jalen Brunson is still working his way back from an ankle injury while Karl-Anthony Towns is dealing with nagging injuries. New York will be tough in the postseason, but one has to wonder if it will truly be able to make a run when considering the injuries at the moment. Previous ranking: 6 The Lakers are going to be a serious challenge in the playoffs. As long as LeBron James and Luka Doncic are healthy, then LA is going to be able to make a run in the postseason. Austin Reaves continues to take steps forward while Jaxson Hayes deserves a lot of credit for stepping up and producing at the center spot. Previous ranking: 5 The Nuggets have to be kicking themselves at the moment. They wasted a 61-point triple-double from Nikola Jokic in a double OT loss to the Timberwolves as Russell Westbrook committed some big mistakes down the stretch. Give Westbrook a ton of credit for being able to bounce back against the Spurs, but Denver can't afford those mistakes in the playoffs. 4. Houston Rockets (50-27) Previous ranking: 4 The Rockets are headed back to the postseason for the first time since 2020 and they should be able to make things happen in the playoffs. Led by the duo of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun and the steady play of Fred VanVleet plus the edginess Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson bring, they will be a tough out in the postseason. Coach Ime Udoka has done a great job with this group. Previous ranking: 3 Despite the record and the seeding, the Celtics should be considered the favorites in the East. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will continue to be a dominant duo, but there are questions for this group at the moment. One has to wonder whether Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis will hold up in the playoffs. Either way, the defending champs should be the favorites again. 2. Cleveland Cavaliers (61-15) Previous ranking: 2 The Cavaliers have the best offense in the league and are ranked 8th in defense. That combination will make them tough in the playoffs, but it will come down to Evan Mobley continuing to take that next step in his development. Cleveland will get strong play out of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, but the Cavs will need Mobley in order to take that next step. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (64-12) Previous ranking: 1 The Thunder have the best defensive rating in the league and are ranked third in offense. However, the playoffs will come down to stars, and while OKC has the brightest one in the league at the moment in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, there are other teams in the league who have more star power. It will be interesting to see how things shake out in the postseason.
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA Power Rankings: Grizzlies fire Jenkins; Bulls stun Lakers; Lillard out with blood clot
NBA Power Rankings: Grizzlies fire Jenkins; Bulls stun Lakers; Lillard out with blood clot As March nears its end, the 2024-25 regular season enters its final stages with just two weeks left. Outside of the two first seeds, plenty of drama remains to be figured out for the rest of the playoff picture. It's that time of the year when wins and losses get magnified. To show how serious it can get, the Memphis Grizzlies shocked the NBA world when they fired Taylor Jenkins with the playoffs around the corner. The surprising move is pretty unprecedented this late in the season for a playoff squad. The Milwaukee Bucks also received a potential season-altering blow. Damian Lillard will be out for an unknown amount of time with blood clots on his calf. With the playoffs around the corner, his possible absence could prematurely end their season. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to defend with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. That could spell doom for their playoff aspirations. Their best route for a possible title is to outscore opponents with video-game-esque numbers. Throughout the 2024-25 season, Thunder Wire will conduct weekly NBA power rankings. Here is the latest edition for the Mar. 24-30 week: Previous Ranking: 30 The Jazz have lost five in a row. They pulled out all the stops to gain the NBA's worst record. If games are too close, Utah has sat its starters in the second half. They desperately need a blue-chip prospect and you can bet they've paid close attention to March Madness. Previous Ranking: 29 As the season is nearly over, Alex Sarr has played his best stretch of basketball. He won't win Rookie of the Year but the Wizards must be excited about his future. Especially once they add a top prospect. They don't have the worst record anymore but as long as they have top-three lottery odds, it's all good. Previous Ranking: 27 It's that time of the season when tanking squads rule out players dealing with nagging injuries. LaMelo Ball is an example. He was ruled out for the rest of the season and will have wrist and ankle surgery. It's a tough season to evaluate Ball. He put up monster stats but the Hornets were one of the worst teams in the league. He also struggled to stay healthy. 27. New Orleans Pelicans (21-54) Previous Ranking: 28 Trey Murphy III's ascension was one of the rare bright spots from this awful Pelicans season. He's developed from a 3-point shooter to a complete scorer. If New Orleans bounces back next season, he'll play a big role. Who they add from the draft could also be a factor. Previous Ranking: 25 The Sixers have lost eight in a row. They've done an amazing job over the last two months to catch up in the reverse standings. They're forced to do that hoping to keep their top-six protected pick. Nick Nurse even went as far as to say they want a high lottery pick in their locker room, which is as close as you'll get to hearing an NBA head coach admit to tanking. 25. Brooklyn Nets (24-51) Previous Ranking: 26 March is almost over and the Nets added a last-second addition to the wacky cast of characters at this time of the year. They added Drew Timme from the G League and he's had a strong first impression. He scored a game-winner against the Wizards. It's always fun to see which random role players go off. 24. Toronto Raptors (28-47) Previous Ranking: 23 It's bittersweet to see the Raptors go on a three-game win streak. At this point of the season, the clock is ticking. The Raptors have jeopardized their lottery odds with these last wins. Toronto must be stressed out that it could ruin its lottery odds with these meaningless victories. Previous Ranking: 22 The Spurs are another team that's gone all out to tank. TheVictor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox have been ruled out for the season. They entered the season with playoff hopes but will return to the lottery. Perhaps it's for the best as San Antonio is still a little bit away from being a serious contender. 22. Portland Trail Blazers (32-43) Previous Ranking: 21 The Trail Blazers have lost four in a row after a four-game win streak. Chauncey Billups might've saved his job with how they played since the All-Star break. They won't make the postseason but could be a contender to be a surprise squad next season. Deni Avdija has been a stellar addition to Portland. 21. Miami Heat (33-41) Previous Ranking: 24 After a 10-game losing streak, the Heat have won four straight. Tyler Herro has had a strong scoring week with two straight 30-plus point outings. They also enjoyed some vengeance with a blowout win over Jimmy Butler and the Warriors on national TV. Miami is stuck in the play-in range. The only thing it needs to do is enter that tournament with some momentum. 20. Atlanta Hawks (36-38) Previous Ranking: 15 Everything said about the Heat can be copied and pasted here. The Hawks are another squad stuck in the play-in tournament picture. They have little room to move up or down the standings. Atlanta has hovered around mediocrity over the last few weeks. If it makes noise in the playoffs, Zaccharie Risacher could be an X-factor. He scored 36 points in a blowout win over the Bucks. 19. Phoenix Suns (35-40) Previous Ranking: 17 Given the teams ahead of them, the Suns have a slim window to make the play-in tournament. Once there, all they need is for Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to take over for two games. That sounds doable but bad losses could erase that chance for Phoenix. Booker's game-winner against the Bucks highlighted their week but they need more wins as their margin of error is thinner. 18. Sacramento Kings (36-38) Previous Ranking: 16 Even though they're still technically in the play-in race, the vibes are at an all-time bad in Sacramento. The Kings are determined to make the postseason despite drastic roster changes. Domantas Sabonis even rushed back from injury to help that cause. But another blowout loss to the Thunder was a cruel reminder of what awaits them as their prize if they make the playoffs. Previous Ranking: 20 Down one point with three seconds left, Josh Giddey walked the ball up to the midcourt logo and swished in a halfcourt game-winner. The buzzer-beater headlined a game-of-the-year candidate as the Bulls stunned the Lakers. Giddey has been a triple-double machine since the All-Star break and will handsomely get paid in the offseason as a Chicago cornerstone. 16. Orlando Magic (36-39) Previous Ranking: 18 The Magic picked up a much-needed win over the Lakers. Not because of the result, but for a morale boost. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined for 62 points. Orlando has hovered around mediocrity for a few months now and its playoff aspirations will fall on how those two look as scorers. 15. Dallas Mavericks (37-38) Previous Ranking: 19 Don't count out the Mavericks yet. At least to make the playoffs. He hasn't had a monster outing yet but Dallas remains undefeated when Anthony Davis plays. All they need to do is sneak into the play-in range. After that, Davis could easily win two games by himself and go from there. 14. Milwaukee Bucks (40-34) Previous Ranking: 12 The Bucks had their hearts drop to their stomach when Damian Lillard was ruled out for an indefinite period after he discovered blood clots in his calf. There's been way too many of those medical scares this season and he's the latest example. On the court, Milwaukee can't afford to start the playoffs without Lillard. If so, a first-round exit is very much on the table, which could create an ominous environment for Giannis Antetokounmpo's long-term future. 13. LA Clippers (42-32) Previous Ranking: 10 The Clippers are another team that's gotten hot. They've won seven of their last nine games with their only losses being close defeats against the Thunder and Cavaliers. Not bad. If you're LA, you can accept that. Kawhi Leonard has turned into a scoring machine and hopes to have a healthy playoff run to lead the veteran squad. 12. Detroit Pistons (42-33) Previous Ranking: 14 The Pistons have played their best basketball with the playoffs about to start. A double-digit win over the Cavaliers ranks near the top of their most impressive victories this season. What makes Detroit's recent hot run even more stunning is Cade Cunningham's been out with a calf injury. The All-NBA candidate has seen his teammates step up and that's enough reason to take them seriously as a playoff squad. 11. Memphis Grizzlies (44-30) Previous Ranking: 9 Even though they have a better record than the teams in front of them, firing your head coach with two weeks left in the season will cause you to slip down. After a bad loss to the Thunder, the Grizzlies shocked the NBA world when they fired Jenkins. Tuomas Iisalo was named the interim coach as he hopes to revive Memphis by the playoffs. It's a pretty unprecedented move that shows Jenkins lost the locker room a while ago. It's certainly a Hail Mary but let's see if the bold decision can pay off in the playoffs. 10. Minnesota Timberwolves (43-32) Previous Ranking: 13 The Timberwolves continue to own the Suns. After sweeping them in the playoffs last year, they swept them again in their four-game regular-season series this year. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle combined for 45 points. Minnesota has gotten hot and is a prime upset candidate in the first round if they advance past the play-in tournament. They're a better squad than their raw record indicates. 9. Golden State Warriors (43-31) Previous Ranking: 7 Back-to-back bad losses put the Warriors in a tough spot. After flirting with homecourt advantage in the first round, they just hope to be a top-six seed. Stephen Curry's return from a pelvis injury should certainly help with that. Golden State avoided an apocalypse when he first had the scary fall. It needs him in the playoffs if it wants to have its first real playoff run in years. 8. Indiana Pacers (43-31) Previous Ranking: 11 The Pacers scored a franchise-best 162 points in a blowout win over the Wizards. The regulation result certainly caught the attention of everybody in the NBA. That was sandwiched between losses to the Lakers and Thunder. Because of the East, Indiana is a wildcard to have another playoff run. If so, they need to rely on their high-scoring offense to repeat last year's success. 7. New York Knicks (47-27) Previous Ranking: 8 The Knicks picked up some much-needed wins over the Clippers and Bucks this week. They've learned to play without Jalen Brunson as he recovers from an ankle sprain. At this point, all New York needs is for him to be back by the playoffs. It can cruise through the rest of the regular season and still likely secure a top-four seed. 6. Los Angeles Lakers (45-29) Previous Ranking: 6 Defense may be a problem for the Lakers. A colossal choke job against the Bulls highlighted that as they scored nine points in the final 12 seconds. LeBron James and Luka Doncic are a textbook superstar duo but none of that matters if Los Angeles bleeds points on the other end. JJ Redick has his work cut out for him to make the most of his roster. Previous Ranking: 5 It didn't take Nikola Jokic to return to his dominating self. He had a monster 39-point triple-double in a win over the Bucks. The reigning MVP winner has been the best player in the world for a while now. All of the Nuggets' playoff hopes will fall on his shoulders. That's Denver's top priority with the MVP race all but lost at this point. Previous Ranking: 4 Credit the Rockets, they've won 12 of their last 13 games. Sure, it's mostly against cupcakes but you can only play the team in front of you. Houston has skyrocketed through the standings and holds a decent lead on the second seed. It won't be much longer until we find out how newbies like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green perform in the playoffs. Previous Ranking: 2 This is the first time in a long time the Cavaliers have dropped below second. They've had a historic season and run away with the East's first seed. That said, it's a little unsettling to see them play their worst basketball so close to the playoffs. They're a modest 5-5 in their last 10 games. Cleveland should still enter as the East favorite but will need to earn it against the team ahead of them. Previous Ranking: 3 The Celtics have sharpened up. They've won eight in a row and are playing their best basketball. As the playoffs near, they coasted through most of the regular season. But the reigning NBA champions know what it's like to win playoff battles considering Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have done that their entire careers. Previous Ranking: 1 The Thunder are 50 games above .500. Think about that sentence for a minute. They've won nine in a row and could touch 70 wins if they win out the rest of the way. They're also on the verge of history with a current 27-1 record against the East. Another win guarantees them having the best record ever against the opposing conference. Oh, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has likely locked down the MVP award with one of the best-scoring campaigns ever.
USA Today
27-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA Power Rankings: Sixers nearing the end as lottery race heats up
NBA Power Rankings: Sixers nearing the end as lottery race heats up The 2024-25 season is nearing the end of March as April is right around the corner. The league is entering into the final third of the season as teams begin to gear up to make a run at the playoffs, or for some, the play-in tournament. In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been a machine, and the Boston Celtics have been terrific, while the Philadelphia 76ers have been struggling all season as injuries have robbed them from what was expected to be a championship contender. The New York Knicks have been terrific, but injuries are beginning to hit, while the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Milwaukee Bucks are lurking. Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been at the top while teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors will be teams to worry about as well. Now is the time for the 18th edition of the NBA Power Rankings: 30. Washington Wizards (16-56) Previous ranking: 30 The Wizards have a nice foundation to build on for the future. Alex Sarr is a Rookie of the Year candidate--although he probably won't win it because of Stephon Castle--and guys like AJ Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and others are intriguing. Washington has a nice squad to build on which will be bolstered by another lottery pick in June. 29. Utah Jazz (16-57) Previous ranking: 29 Nobody has tanked harder than the Jazz. This team has put on a tanking masterclass all season as they have strategically rested players--and got fined for it--and have had Walker Kessler start taking 3s in games. Utah is putting itself in a nice position for the lottery and bring in another impactful young player. 28. Charlotte Hornets (18-54) Previous ranking: 28 The Hornets have to do something to help LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller get this franchise back to the playoffs. They currently have the league's longest playoff-less streak as they have not made it since 2016. Grabbing one of the top players such as Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, or Dylan Harper would be a big help to this group. Previous ranking: 27 The Pelicans can bounce back easily in the 2025-26 season with a clean bill of health. This team has a lot of talent led by Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones so one has to believe adding a lottery talent to this roster will do New Orleans a lot of good in the future. 26. Philadelphia 76ers (23-50) Previous ranking: 26 Much like the Pelicans, as long as the Sixers get a clean bill of health in 2025-26, they should bounce back and be back in championship contention. A trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey is one talented Big 3. With that being said, this roster could use an infusion of youth so they have to find a way to keep their top 6 protected pick. Quentin Grimes has been terrific as a Sixer. Previous ranking: 25 The Nets are going to be in the mix for a top 5 pick come June which would be a big help to a group that needs a guy to build around. Brooklyn has some solid players on the roster, but it needs a guy who can be the center of the rebuild. Cooper Flagg perhaps? Maybe Dylan Harper? The Nets can only dream. 24. Toronto Raptors (26-47) Previous ranking: 24 The Raptors are in the midst of a tough season, but one has to believe they're in good shape even if they don't get a top pick in June's draft. Led by a quartet of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Brandon Ingram, Toronto could be a sneaky playoff team in 2026. Coach Darko Rajakovic has done a great job getting the most out of this roster. Previous ranking: 23 The Heat are destined for another trip to the play-in. They led Toronto by 5.5 games with only 10 to play so it's unlikely they fall out of the No. 10 seed in the East. With that being said, Miami has to figure out the future. They have been a disaster as of late, but did pick up a win over Jimmy Butler and the Warriors, and Pat Riley and Co. will have to figure out how to get this team back into contention. 22. San Antonio Spurs (31-40) Previous ranking: 21 The Spurs are struggling through a tough end of the season. The injuries to De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama derailed any type of success San Antonio was trying to build, but a positive development has been the play of Devin Vassell who has been fantastic as of late. The Spurs should be looking to develop a solid supporting cast for the future at this point. 21. Portland Trail Blazers (32-41) Previous ranking: 20 The Blazers are only three games back of the Suns for the final play-in spot in the West. While Portland is likely going to come up short in that race, coach Chauncey Billups can take solace in the fact that this group is building something. They're not a terrible defensive team and Anfernee Simons continues to take steps forward as a player in this league. Previous ranking: 22 Have the Bulls stumbled into something? The trio of Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Kevin Huerter has been fantastic on the perimeter while Nikola Vucevic continues to chug along at the center spot. Chicago has surged into the No. 9 spot in the East and are nipping at the heels of the Magic for No. 8 in the East. Maybe the Bulls can work with this. 19. Dallas Mavericks (35-38) Previous ranking: 19 The Mavericks got Anthony Davis back from injury which is a big help, but Dallas is going to have to hold off the Suns for the final play-in spot in the West. The Suns currently hold the tiebreaker with nine games to go. That will be one interesting race to keep an eye on as the Mavs look to get into the play-in and hope for the best from there. 18. Phoenix Suns (35-38) Previous ranking: 17 Let's get this out of the way: Kevin Durant is phenomenal. Amazing. Fantastic. Whatever adjective you want to describe him works. However, it might not be enough to help this Suns team get to where they want to go. It has been a tough season all year in Phoenix and the greatness of Durant and Devin Booker might not be enough to lift the Suns into the postseason. Previous ranking: 19 The Magic may be finding their stride again. They had an impressive win on the road in Cleveland before returning home and knocking off the Lakers and then taking care of business against a bad Hornets team. Orlando needs to stack wins and recover from what was a terrible stretch. If the Magic can get the No. 7 seed and host a play-in game, it would be a big help. Previous ranking: 16 The Hawks have been up-and-down all season. This is a talented roster who relies a lot on Trae Young to create while guys like Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Georges Niang all play their roles on this team. Atlanta will be feisty in the playoffs if it gets there because Young can change any singular game if he gets going on the offenisve end. 15. Sacramento Kings (35-37) Previous ranking: 15 The Kings might be in danger of falling out of the play-in. They have lost four in a row and face some tough teams coming up in the form of the Blazers, Magic, and Pacers. Sacramento has to be able to get some help for Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan to get into the postseason for only the second time since 2006. 14. Milwaukee Bucks (40-32) Previous ranking: 13 The Bucks may be in trouble. Damian Lillard is now dealing with a blood clot while Giannis Antetokounmpo is dealing with a nagging injury. Milwaukee won't fall into the play-in tournament, but coach Doc Rivers has to get the most out of guys like Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., and others to be sure it earns a top 4 seed. The Bucks are now two games back of the Pacers for the No. 4 seed. 13. Minnesota Timberwolves (41-32) Previous ranking: 12 The Wolves have surged a bit as they are now only half a game back of the Clippers for a guaranteed playoff spot in the West. The race for spots 2 through 8 in the Western Conference will be a shootout as it is completely jumbled up. Minnesota has a strong chance of getting out of the play-in and hoping to earn a top 6 spot in the West. Previous ranking: 14 The Pistons continue to be the best story in the league, hands down. With one more win, Detroit would clinch its first winning record since the 2015-16 season and would triple its win total from the previous season which has never been done in NBA history. He probably won't win it, but JB Bickerstaff has to be in conversations for Coach of the Year. He's been phenomenal. 11. Golden State Warriors (41-31) Previous ranking: 9 The Warriors are going to be a scary bunch for anybody to face in the playoffs come April and May. The legend of "playoff Jimmy" will take place in The Bay while Golden State will be able to rely on Steph Curry to do the heavy lifting. With the game on the line, Butler has proven time and time again that he can get the job done. The Warriors have to be considered contenders out West. Previous ranking: 11 The Clippers feel like a team that as long as James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are healthy--a really big "if" for Leonard--then they can challenge anybody in the playoffs. This is a well-balanced roster with a terrific head coach in Ty Lue leading the way and a lot of reliable players. LA can be a tough out in the postseason. 9. Indiana Pacers (42-30) Previous ranking: 10 The Pacers are ranked No. 9 in offense and No. 15 in defense as it continues to steamroll toward home-court advantage in Round 1 of the playoffs. Indiana is No. 4 in the East and only three games back of the Knicks for the No. 3 seed. The Pacers play at a different speed so they will be a tough opponent to game plan for. Especially, if Tyrese Haliburton has it going on his 3-point shot. Previous ranking: 8 The chances for the Grizzlies hinge on the health of Ja Morant. He has had an up-and-down season amid injuries and inconsistent play, but if Morant is back to the superstar level he was once at, then Memphis is going to have a shot in the playoffs. This team is supremely talented and coach Taylor Jenkins gets the most out of the supporting cast. 7. New York Knicks (45-27) Previous ranking: 7 The Knicks need Jalen Brunson back. While Karl-Anthony Towns deserves a lot of credit for holding down the fort on offense, New York needs its leader back on the floor. Without Brunson, the Knicks won't have much of a shot in the playoffs and a are a popular pick to be upset in Round 1. Especially, if they face a Bucks team with their two stars healthy. Previous ranking: 5 The Lakers have been inconsistent as of late, but they had a terrific performance on the road in Indiana where they were able to come up with an impressive win on a LeBron James tip in. This is a sneaky contender in the West no matter the seed just because of the greatness of both James and Luka Doncic coming into play. A lack of size might hurt them in some matchups, though. 5. Denver Nuggets (46-28) Previous ranking: 6 The Nuggets are just chugging along in the West. They had a little slide with Nikola Jokic sidelined, but Jokic returned in a win over the Bucks on Wednesday and was able to lead Denver to a much-needed win. The Nuggets are 2.5 games back of the Rockets for the No. 2 seed with eight games left. Previous ranking: 4 One has to wonder how the Rockets will handle the postseason once they get there. Led by a young duo in Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, Houston will be a tough out for anybody in the playoffs. Throw in veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks who have been through some playoff wards and the Rockets will have a chance to make some noise. Previous ranking: 3 The Celtics have won seven in a row and have re-established themselves as the favorites in the East. As long as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are out there, then the Celtics will be in a great spot. Once the playoffs roll around, Boston will rely on its star power, shooting, and experience to get the job done. 2. Cleveland Cavaliers (58-14) Previous ranking: 2 The Cavs have won two in a row following a 4-game losing skid. Cleveland is in that weird spot of seeing the playoffs over the horizon, but still needing work to do in order to clinch the No. 1 seed in the East. They have yet to do so as they lead the Cs by 4.5 games with 10 games still to go for the Cavs. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (60-12) Previous ranking: 1 Who's going to stop the Thunder in the playoffs? Seriously. Who? Oklahoma City is the best defensive team in the league and is ranked No. 3 in offense. One can make the case that their youth and inexperience could hold them back, but this team has playoff battles under their belt. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren all have playoff experience to lean on. This team is the favorite in the West.
