NBA Power Rankings: Week 21
Week 21 of the NBA Power Rankings, we are getting closer and closer to the playoffs. Most if not all the teams have less than 20 games left. For some that means trying to get into the best position possible, for others that means getting healthy and for others is just trying to get through the end of the season.
1 - Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs have ridiculous depth and they showed that off in a win against Milwaukee last week by playing 14 players to reach a 14 game win streak. They can be as cautious as they need to be to remain the top seed in the East.
2 - Oklahoma City Thunder
Similar to the Cavaliers, for the Thunder they just need to stay healthy coming into the playoffs. Chet Holmgren played in his first back to back since fracturing his pelvis. The Thunder are rolling, ala Garth Brooks.
3 - Boston Celtics
Boston won a huge matchup with the Lakers last week, they are locked into the 2nd seed and I think most of us expect a Boston versus Cleveland matchup in the playoffs. Kristpas Porzingis has a weird viral infection that has kept him out of games lately, they will need to get that locked in.
4 - Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers lost a big matchup with the Celtics, but then lost Lebron James to a groin injury. For Lakes fans this is the best case scenario with an injury to Lebron, he should have ample time to come back before the playoffs. They are in a fight with Denver for the 2nd seed.
5 - Denver Nuggets
Watch out the rest of the NBA, Nikola Jokic said he is “playing the best basketball of his career”. He is already a 3x MVP and looking to lock down his 4th in 5 years. With Jokic the Nuggets are a threat and they will need him to play at an MVP level.
6 - Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are playing incredibly well since Jimmy Butler arrived in NorCal. They have surged up in the standing and now feel all but guaranteed for a top 6 finish. On top of the great play they are getting healthy.
7 - New York Knicks
The Knicks had a rough week, they lost in OT to the Lakers after giving up a large 4th quarter lead. On top of that, Jalen Brunson tweaked his ankle in that loss and will miss a couple of weeks. If Brunson is not 100% going into the playoffs that is a huge worry.
8 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Similar to the Warriors, the Timberwolves are starting to get healthy. This seems stupid to say, but when they are healthy they are a much better team. Julius Randle being healthy has helped them with their far better play and they have the easiest remaining schedule in the NBA.
9 - Indiana Pacers
Are the Pacers the team that relies the most on one player? As Tyrese goes the Pacers go. He had missed the last 3 games prior to last night and the Pacers had lost all three. He comes back and they get a huge win over the Bucks
10 - Houston Rockets
Houston just can’t seem to stay healthy. With Fred VanVleet coming back and Amen Thompson going out, they have an easy schedule during their upcoming homestand and will need to take care of business during that homestand to remain in the top 6.
11 - Memphis Grizzlies
Similar to the Rockets, the Grizzlies can’t seem to have their full cast of characters on the court at once. When the Grizzlies are healthy they have a legit shot to make a deep playoff run. But if they can’t get into a rhythm it is going to be hard.
12 - Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis needs to be healthy going into the playoffs. The last two years Giannis has not been healthy and the Bucks have lost in the 1st round. How much does the 4 seed mean to the Bucks?
13 - Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are in a fight for the 6th seed in the West. Kawhi is looking more like himself every day. If they can get Noman Powell and I guess even Ben Simmons back, that would be huge for them.
14 - Detroit Pistons
Detroit is sitting pretty in the 6th seed right now, with a 5.5 game lead over the 7th seed Hawks. This has been an incredible turn around for the Pistons and should make the playoffs with ease. Now can they win their first playoff series in a really long time?
15 - Sacramento Kings
It is looking like the play-in tournament again for the Kings this year. Domas Sabonis is hurt with a hamstring strain and they will need him if they want to make a run out of the play-in. Luckily for them Dallas and Phoenix are not playing well and they should be secure.
P.S. I am only doing the top 15 teams, if you want me to talk about you; be better, it’s that simple.