NBA Power Rankings: Week 23
Week 23 of the NBA Power Ranking, we have about 2.5 weeks before the NBA regular season is over. The East is all but wrapped up, the top 6 are going to be the top 6.. The West has three of four intriguing seeding battles, the 2 seed, the 6th seed and I guess the 10 seed. Last couple of weeks will be really fun.
1 - Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have already clinched the number 1 seed in the West. They have been the best team in the Western Conference all year and will be the favorite to make the NBA finals.
2 - Cleveland Cavaliers
A little hiccup in the Cavaliers season with a four game losing streak, but a relief game against the Jazz helps. The Cavs use their offense to blow teams away so when the offense goes cold it can get scary.
3 - Boston Celtics
Boston got a scare when Jayson “No Aura” Tatum sprained his ankle, young people did I use that right? A more severe Tatum injury would really derail the Celtics chance at a repeat.
4 - Houston Rockets
Yes, the Rockets had a soft schedule. But James, soft tacos are still tasty, and the Rockets ate during that soft schedule to climb back into the 2 seed in the West. I like this team more than most, if they can lock down in the playoffs they have a real shot.
5 - Los Angeles Lakers
I know the Lakers are on a bit of a skid and got blown out by Chicago and lost to Orlando. But does this team really care? I think they would love to be a 4 seed or higher and have a healthy Lebron and Luka.
6 - Denver Nuggets
Look the Nuggets go as Jokic goes, he has been out for the last 5 games with an ankle injury. If he is hurt or limited in the first round that is a huge huge worry. If not, they are a force.
7 - Golden State Warriors
The Warriors also got a scare with Steph Curry injured and missing some games, but it happened at the right time and he should be back from the playoffs. The Warriors are in a fight with some other teams to reach that top 6 in the West.
8 - Memphis Grizzlies
This team is so frustrating. They can’t stay healthy and they really go as Ja Morant goes. He has missed a lot of time and can’t find a rhythm. If you match up with the Grizzlies in the first round do they scare you?
9 - New York Knicks
The theme of these power rankings are star players missing time. Jalen Brunson has been out since turning his ankle a few weeks ago. They have been just average, but they need him back if they are going to go on a run.
10 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Do we trust this team? They had an eight game win streak and then lost three out of 4. I don’t know why, but they just can’t seem to give us the juice. They are a top 10 in offense and defense, but it does not feel that way.
11 - Los Angeles Clippers
Clippers are in a similar boat, they are going to be fighting all the way to the end of the season to make it as a 6 seed. We were all out on the Clippers to start the season, but they will need to score effectively to make a run.
12 - Milwaukee Bucks
Bad news in Milwaukee, Dame has a blood clot in his leg and is out indefinitely. They average 7 points less a game and are 8-5 without him. They are fighting with Indiana and Detroit for that 4 seed. But that is a huge blow.
13 - Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are playing really well right now and I do think they can be a sneaky team in the East. Tyrese Haliburton has been incredible of late and will need to carry this team in the playoffs.
14 - Detroit Pistons
This is the best record wise the Pistons have had in 17 seasons. This year is already a huge accomplishment for them. But don’t just sit back, they have a legit shot to win at least one series.
15 - Sacramento Kings
If the Kings were in the East, would we call them the 6th best team? They already get slept on for the market they are in and being overshadowed by two huge California based teams. They need Sabonis if they want out of the play-in.
P.S. I am only doing the top 15 teams, if you want me to talk about you; be better, it’s that simple.