Julie Henne We’re moving closer and closer to that time when only the top sixteen NBA teams will make it to the playoffs.
Every week we take a look at the power rankings to let you know where the different teams are right now and what you can expect when you’re ready to see your favorite teams in the post-season tournament.
The Brooklyn Nets Continue to Rank at the Top
The Nets have a powerful lineup and everything you want when you’re building a team that could make a deep run to the championship. The only thing in the way of this team could be injuries, which they will hopefully not have to deal with from their four top players going down the stretch. Currently, the Nets hold a 29-14 record and one of the best scoring offenses in history.
The Milwaukee Bucks make the Leap to the Second Spot
With a huge jump from sixth to second, the Bucks might be the only one of the NBA teams in the East that could give the Nets a hard time. The Buck have won 11 of their last 12 games while outscoring opponents by 18.9 points per 100 possessions. That’s an amazing number and with a 27-14 record, the Buck are poised to go deep in the playoffs.
A Short Drop for the Philadelphia 76ers
Moving from second to third in the power rankings, the 76ers hold a 30-13 record, which is one of the best in the league. This team is looking for consistency from its starting rotation and if they find it, they will be extremely tough to beat. Defense is the name of the game for this team, holding teams to 99.4 points per 100 possessions since the All-Star break.
The First Western Team on the List is the Phoenix Suns
Normally, the NBA Power Rankings features Western Conference teams at the top, but we have to move to fourth before we see any of the teams from that side of the NBA. The Phoenix Suns fall from third to fourth and have a 28-13 record after 14 weeks of play. This team is ready to make a strong push against some of the NBA big dogs in the postseason.
The Utah Jazz Come in the Fifth Spot
Once the top of the NBA teams in the Power Rankings week after week, the Utah Jazz continue to fall and are now in fifth. This team brings a strong 30-11 record through 14 weeks to show off with strong play and a team that has everything you want on the floor. Expect the Jazz to be standing tall as we get past the first or second round of the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Lakers Could Be In Trouble
Currently, the Lakers are sixth in the NBA Power Rankings, but with both of their major stars out with injuries for the next month, it’s going to be a tough road for this team to find themselves back near the top. Of course, if the Lakers enter the playoffs with a healthy team, there aren’t very many teams that will be able to beat them.
The Los Angeles Clippers Hold Serve at Seventh
Not moving in the Power Rankings, the Clippers are one of the NBA teams we expect to go deep in the playoffs, but that’s going to depend on the play of their two superstars. It’s going to be interesting to see which version of the Clippers shows up during each round of the playoffs. They certainly have the talent for a deep run but might not have what it takes otherwise.
The Eighth Position Belongs to the Dallas Mavericks
Sticking to the same position as last week, the Dallas Mavericks continue to be the eighth team in the NBA Power Rankings. This team has a 22-19 record, which doesn’t shout “top ten” team at all, but they have a great lineup and know how to play well. Expect the Mavericks to make a big push in the playoffs.
Let’s See How the Rest of the NBA Teams Rank
9. Denver Nuggets 25-17
10. Portland Trail Blazers 25-17
11. San Antonio Spurs 22-17
12. Golden State Warriors 22-21
13. Atlanta Hawks 22-20
14. Memphis Grizzlies 19-20
15. Miami Heat 22-21
16. Boston Celtics 21-21
17. Indiana Pacers 19-22
18. New York Knicks 21-22
19. New Orleans Pelicans 18-24
20. Charlotte Hornets 20-21
21. Chicago Bulls 19-22
22. Oklahoma City Thunder 18-24
23. Sacramento Kings 17-25
24. Cleveland Cavaliers 16-26
25. Washington Wizards 15-26
26. Detroit Pistons 12-30
27. Toronto Raptors 17-25
28. Orlando Magic 14-28
29. Minnesota Timberwolves 10-32
30. Houston Rockets 11-30
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