NBA Power Rankings: Week 16
The second week after the trade deadline and buyout has some teams still working in their new players. The west has become even more interesting after the Lakers injuries and teams like the Mavs, Blazers, Nuggets, Suns, and Jazz are playing so well. In the East, injuries and inconsistent play has really enlarged the gap between the top three teams and the rest of the field. All standings are as of the afternoon of April 6th. Let’s get it!
16. Memphis Grizzlies (24-23)
Previously: #14
This was a big week for the Memphis Grizzlies, they had three wins to pull into a virtual tie with the Spurs for eighth in the standings. They finished off the week by beating the 76ers, albeit with a missing Joel Embiid. Ja Morant is the star, but without Jaren Jackson Jr., Jonas Valanciunas has been the Grizzlies unsung hero this season, he’s been a double double machine this year with 29.
15. New York Knicks (25-26)
Previously: #11
Well we're back to the Knicks offense being anemic, they dropped three straight last week and only cracked the century mark once. Their offense is what is going to hold them back in the playoffs, they only averaged 88.00 points a game during that three game losing streak. If they can be even slightly consistent on offense the Knicks could be a threat to upset some top teams in the playoffs.
14. Boston Celtics (25-25)
Previously: #15
The C’s went 2-2 last week but if something broke right it could have been 3-1 or 4-4. Robert Williams III had a great week after being put into the starting lineup following the trade of Daniel Theis, averaging 14.3 points, 9 boards, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. If he can continue the hot play the Celtics center problem might finally be fixed.
13. Charlotte Hornets (25-24)
Previously: #12
Man the Hornets can’t catch a break, after losing LaMelo Ball to a broken wrist. This week they lost both Malik Monk (sprained ankle) and Gordon Hayward (sprained foot), which will keep the latter out for a month. This will put a lot of pressure on Terry Rozier, he’s having a good season for the Hornets but with these injuries starting to pile up they might not be able stay afloat.
12. Atlanta Hawks (26-24)
Previously: #13
The Hawks are back in the playoff picture after their win streak. Injuries could keep them from going deep in the playoffs as both Danilo Gallinari and Trae Young missed time last week. Luckily Bogdan Bogdanovic played well last week averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 boards. Keeping him playing well might be the key to Atlanta’s stretch run towards the playoffs.
11. Miami Heat (26-24)
Previously: Not Ranked
This team is so freakin frustrating. They went on a four game win streak after losing six straight before that. It wasn’t a great offensive week for the Heat, but they did get contributions from Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro, two young players the Heat will need to play more consistently if they want to reach the finals for a second straight year.
10. Portland Trail Blazers (30-19)
Previously: #9
The Trail Blazers are playing really well of late, they won four straight before dropping one to the Bucks. Out of the 30 games Portland has won, 16 have been close, it helps when Dame is on your team. They will be playing some huge games this week against the Clippers and Jazz, could be a make or break year.
9. Los Angeles Lakers (31-19)
Previously: #7
Remember how the Hornets could’t catch a break? Well the Lakers finally get Andre Drummond on their side after weeks and weeks of rumors, and he hurts his toe in the first game. The good news is that he shouldn’t be out too long, luckily for Lakers fans, Kyle Kuzma has elevated his game during this time. The Lakers picked up a win over the Kings but lost games to the Bucks and Clippers. The Lake show will need to tread water until Lebron and AD can get back.
8. Dallas Mavericks (28-21)
Previously: #10
The Mavs have only lost once during their five game road trip, and Luka and Kristaps both sat out. Since then Luka has been playing at an MVP level, averaging 28.3 points during that stretch. They have some ground to make up if they want to catch up to the Blazers or the free falling Lakers to avoid the play in tourney.
7. Los Angeles Clippers (33-18)
Previously: #5
Damn it Clippers, you need to be better than this. They had a good win over the Bucks where they actually played well in the fourth quarter. Then followed that up with a terrible loss to the Magic, you know the ones who just traded almost their entire team? They followed it up by beating the injury riddled Lakers. Rondo has only played one game so far and made a minimal impact, the Clippers did sign Demarcus Cousins to help shore up the front count with Ibaka out with a back injury.
6. Denver Nuggets (31-18)
Previously: #8
Denver has been on fire since the trade deadline, they have won five straight games after adding Aaron Gordon. The starting five of Gordon, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Nikola Jokic, and Will Barton have been tearing it up. They have a real shot to end the season back in the top 3 in the West if they can continue to stay hot.
5. Philadelphia 76ers (34-16)
Previously: #4
Joel Embiid is back! That is good news for the 76ers who have held water well without their star big man. Tobias Harris has been amazing in his absence, leading the 76ers to a 7-3 record without Embiid. Now the question is what can Embiid bring with that bone bruise, which we learned has some lasting effects. He sat out the next game and Philly dropped the game by 16 to the Grizzlies.
4. Milwaukee Bucks (32-17)
Previously: #2
The Bucks are wrapping up their west coast swing, it started off poorly with a loss to the Clippers but they rebounded and won the next 3 out of 4. Giannis is an MVP candidate again, but Jrue Holiday had his best week as a Buck. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds. The Bucks that rewarded him with a 4 year-160 mil extension.
3. Phoenix Suns (35-14)
Previously: #6
The Suns might be the best quietest team in the NBA this year. They just keep taking care of business, including a 140 point blowout of the Thunder. Their big three are playing really well right now. Devin Booker is averaging almost 30 points a day, while Chris Paul is dropping almost 9 assists a game. They play the Jazz later this week, which will be a must watch game.
2. Brooklyn Nets (35-16)
Previously: #1
For the first time in awhile the Nets have dropped out of my top spot in the rankings. They just can’t get healthy, Kyrie comes back and James Harden goes down with a hamstring strain. Kyrie stepped up during that absence by handing out 11.5 assists per game. Luckily for the Nets KD could be suiting up again this week. The only reason they dropped is the team in 1st is playing so hot right now.
1. Utah Jazz (38-12)
Previously #3
A nine game winning streak has the Jazz back on top of my rankings. They are clicking on all cylinders right now and are a top 5 offense and defense. Donovan Mitchell can be a team's leading man, he is shooting the crap out of the ball. Rudy Gobert is the front runner for the defensive player of the year. They still have some tough competition coming down the stretch but as long as they continue their hot streak they should keep the top spot in the West.