NBA Power Rankings: Week 16
Week 16 of the NBA Power Rankings, wow what a boring week in the NBA. Not much has happened and we are all just waiting for the playoffs? Come listen to the pod and we will give you our takes on all the huge trades that went down.
1 - Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are just going through the paces. They are easily going to be the 1 seed in the west. They have the best defense rating in the NBA and the best net rating. Just wait until Chet comes back.
2 - Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have followed their first small bump in the road with a four game win streak and have their lead back over the Celtics. Look, there isn’t going to be much movement in these top spots unless something crazy happens.
3 - Houston Rockets
The Rockets had a strange week, a huge win over Boston. But have since lost 3 in a row including a huge matchup with the Grizzlies. This has dropped them to 3rd in the West, but I am taking that with a grain of salt since Alperen Sengun has missed some time.
4 - Boston Celtics
The Celtics haven’t dropped out of my top five all year, at least that is what I can remember. But, they haven’t given us that dominant feeling they did last year on their way to a NBA title. A 26 point comeback against the 76ers did give them something to build upon.
5 - Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has climbed to 2nd place in the Western Conference. Realistically that could be very important and could mean avoiding the Thunder until the Western Conference finals. The win over the Rockets was big for them as they had lost 3 in a row to their Texas rivals.
6 - New York Knicks
I honestly don’t know what to think of this team. They had quality wins over the Grizzlies and Nuggets last week and then lost to the AD less Lakers (who I think something happened to right after that game). Maybe this is why we put them in the playoffs tier and not the finals contender tier.
7 - Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have a glaring issue, and it's the D, just like Tyler. That’s a dick joke in case you didn't get it. They are the 20th ranked defense and at points during this season they have looked downright awful on defense. I think we give them a pass because they have the best player on the planet.
8 - Indiana Pacers
2025 has been the year of the Pacer. They are pacing the league with a 11-2 record since the calendar flipped. That was a phenomenal pun. On top of the great record they are ranked top five in both offense and defense in the last month plus. Another surprise Eastern Conference Finals run?
9 - Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are just holding firm, they would obviously love to remain in the top 6 and avoid the play-in. Kawhi is taking it very slow in his return and hasn’t played more than 30 minutes yet. Do the Clippers have a move in them before the trade deadline?
10 - Los Angeles Lakers
What a weekend for the Lakers. Lebron carried the team to a win over the Knicks at MSG. Then they trade for LUKA DONCIC. AD, you were a fantastic Laker, and thank you for the 2020 championship. The Lakers still need a center, but man this is a really interesting time to be a Lakers fan.
11- Minnesota Timberwolves
I know Ant and Randle were out, but losing to the Wizards is embarrassing. They are the worst team in the league and potentially the worst team ever. The five game win streak prior to that loss was great, but similar to the Knicks, I need to see more.
12 - Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have slipped out of the top 4 in the East. But when you have Giannis and Dame your championship window is always open. After rebounding (yes, another pun) from that awful start, Milwaukee has been great. Could they be in the market for a star? Cough Cough Jimmy Butler?
13 - Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie and Anthony Davis. Both have won a championship and are in what could potentially be their last window to win another. With the addition of AD the Mavericks might be able to win it all based on their defense. But we know that AD also disappears during playoff games.
14 - Phoenix Suns
The Suns have been playing better since KD came back, again not a shock. They have not been able to make up any ground in the Western Conference though. It is feeling more and more like a play-in team. A very dangerous play-in team, don't get me wrong. Is Bradley Beal a Sun when I do these rankings next week?
15 - Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler has been suspended for a third and what sure feels like a final time. His trade stock is all over the place right now. They need to move on, one way or another. Are Bam and Tyler Herro enough for this team? I don’t really think so.
P.S. I am only doing the top 15 teams, if you want me to talk about you; be better, it’s that simple.