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The 2024-25 season has now flipped the calendar to March. The league is entering into the final third of the season as teams begin to gear up to make a run at the playoffs, or for some, the play-in tournament.
In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been a machine, and the Boston Celtics have been terrific, while the Philadelphia 76ers have been struggling all season as injuries have robbed them from what was expected to be a championship contender. The New York Knicks have been terrific, but injuries are beginning to hit, while the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Milwaukee Bucks are lurking.
Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been at the top while teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors will be teams to worry about as well.
Now is the time for the 17th edition of the NBA Power Rankings:
Previous ranking: 30
The Wizards have taken some steps forward with Khris Middleton providing a veteran presence for them. He and Marcus Smart have given Washington steady play on the floor which should help the youngsters grow while rookie Alex Sarr continues to build a strong ROY case.
Previous ranking: 29
The Jazz begrudgingly picked up a win over the Wizards on Wednesday on a night when both teams were trying to lose for the lottery race. Either way, Utah has some nice young pieces to build with going forward. This has been another tough season at the Delta Center, but the Jazz have pieces to work with.
Previous ranking: 28
The Hornets are working through another miserable season in Charlotte. While they go through the final stretch of the season, the focus has to be for coach Charles Lee to establish some sort of culture and a way for the Hornets to play every night. It has been miserable in Buzz City despite some good talent to work with.
Previous ranking: 27
The Pelicans are still working through an injury-plagued season, but on the bright side, at least Zion Williamson is out there to wow the few fans at Smoothie King Center on a nightly basis in the bayou. One has to believe that New Orleans can find a way to bounce back in 2025-26 if it can just have some health on its side.
Previous ranking: 26
Another team fighting through an injury-plagued season, the Sixers are looking to develop their younger players on the fly. Guys like Quentin Grimes, Justin Edwards, Jared Butler, and others need this necessary court time in order to make auditions for the future. Once Philadelphia has its star trio back in 2025-26, it should be back in title contention again.
Previous ranking: 25
The Nets are continuing to play hard in the 2024-25 season. They are teetering into the bottom 5 in terms of record in the league so they should be able to get a top pick. Even if it isn't for Duke star Copper Flagg, the Nets should be in a position to grab one of the Rutgers stars: Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey.
Previous ranking: 24
The Raptors have done some strategic tanking on the floor. While main guys like Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley have played, coach Darko Rajakovic has sat those players down the stretch of games. While it has led to some wins thanks to the scrappy play of the youngsters, Toronto is still in a good lottery position.
Previous ranking: 20
The Heat have been a disaster as of late. They have lost nine in a row and have dropped to No. 10 in the East. They have lost to the likes of the Bulls and the Hornets while blowing another double-digit lead in a loss to the Pistons on Wednesday. Miami needs others to step up around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Previous ranking: 23
The Bulls are now the No. 9 seed in the East and are slated to host a play-in tournament game. Coby White has been terrific as of late averaging 27.3 points over his last 10 games to lift Chicago as of late. One has to believe the Bulls are going to get it done and get into the play-in for the third consecutive season.
Previous ranking: 21
The Spurs appeared set to make a run to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Then, Victor Wembanyama went down and then new addition De'Aaron Fox went down as well. With those two done for the season, San Antonio needs to focus on their health and get them ready for the 2025-26 season while getting rookie Stephon Castle the reps he needs.
Previous ranking: 22
The Blazers are 15th in the league in defensive rating which is a good sign for a young group. It means they're buying into what coach Chauncey Billups is preaching on that end of the floor and Portland is going to be a trendy pick to make at least the play-in in 2025-26. Another young piece to this roster will do them some good.
Previous ranking: 17
Yes. The Sixers and Pelicans are going through an injury-plagued seasons, but the Mavericks take the cake for the most miserable 2024-25 season. The Luka Doncic trade was a disaster from the jump, but Anthony Davis has been hurt and played only one game thus far. Kyrie Irving is done for the season. The big men are hurt. Dante Exum is hurt. It's just been tough in Dallas.
Previous ranking: 19
The Magic need to get Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner some help. Orlando is elite defensively which will get it into the playoffs, but in order for the Magic to do anything, they need to get some more offensive help. Some shooters would do this team wonders and make life easier for their stars.
Previous ranking: 18
The Suns have moved into the play-in tournament in the West thanks to the collapse of the Mavericks. Due to the talent they possess, the Suns should be able to sneak into the playoffs. A 1-game series and featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal should bode well for this group. If they get into the playoffs? That'll be a different story.
Previous ranking: 16
The Hawks have taken advantage of a soft schedule as of late to surge up into the No. 7 seed in the East. Atlanta is set to be in the play-in for the fourth consecutive season, but should make the playoffs in this scenario. Trae Young in a 1-game scenario at home should be a positive for Atlanta. With that being said, a win in the play-in is a ticket to face the Celtics in Round 1.
Previous ranking: 15
The Kings will have to try and stay afloat over the next week or so without Domantas Sabonis who will miss time with an ankle injury. With that being said, Sacramento has some impressive wins in its last two games with wins over the Grizzlies and the Cavaliers at home. With the season winding down, the Kings have to earn home-court in the play-in tournament.
Previous ranking: 13
The Pistons picked up a 46-point blowout win over the Pelicans before Cade Cunningham lifted them to a last-second win over the Heat in Miami. Detroit is 6-4 over its last 10 games and have a comfortable lead over the Hawks for the No. 6 seed and the final guaranteed playoff spot in the East. Coach JB Bickerstaff (not Chauncey Billups, sorry Shaq) has done a terrific job with this group.
Previous ranking: 9
The Bucks have an elite star duo in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. There is no doubt about that. With that being said, one has to wonder if they have enough to defeat a team like the Celtics in a 7-game series. While Milwaukee has star power, the supporting cast is questionable as coach Doc Rivers looks to piece things together.
Previous ranking: 12
The Timberwolves are 6th in defense and 10th in offense which has allowed them to pull to within a game of the final guaranteed playoff spot in the West. After a run to the Western Conference finals in 2024, Minnesota will look to rely on Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle to get it back to that level when the playoffs begin in less than a month.
Previous ranking: 14
The Clippers have won four in a row to get themselves back in the race for the top 6 and avoid the play-in tournament. Los Angeles is in a good spot as long as James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are healthy and leading the way. Once Norman Powell returns from injury, he should give the Clips a big boost with his 3-and-D ability.
Previous ranking: 10
The Pacers have pulled off some miraculous wins as of late. Tyrese Haliburton had a 4-point play late to knock off the Bucks while Obi Toppin drilled a drift away 3 to lead Indiana past the Wolves on the road. The Pacers are a team that relies on their speed and shot-making to get the job done and should be a scary team to face in the playoffs.
Previous ranking: 11
The Warriors are 15-2 since acquiring Jimmy Butler as they have now positioned themselves to move into the top 4 to get home court advantage in the West. They sit only 3.5 games back of the Nuggets for the No. 4 seed and with Butler, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green continuing to jell, Golden State will be tough in the postseason.
Previous ranking: 5
This is how tight the race in the West is. The Grizzlies were the No. 2 seed, but a quick 2-game skid drops them to No. 5 and looking to hold off the hard-charging Warriors in the standings. Memphis can get home court advantage in the playoffs and will need to do so in order to have a chance at advancing. The Grizz are 25-11 at home compared to 18-16 on the road.
Previous ranking: 6
The Knicks might be in trouble. Injuries to Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have slowed them down a bit and with the playoffs right around the corner, they need to find a way to stay afloat and find ways to win without their two stars. New York is comfortably the No. 3 seed in the East, but it needs to find a way to find a groove again.
Previous ranking: 4
The Nuggets have been dealing with injuries and resting players as of late as they have fallen to No. 4 in the West. Led by Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets should be considered contenders in the West. The issue will be them staying healthy and the supporting cast playing their roles in order to push forward.
Previous ranking: 7
It is mind boggling that the Mavericks really traded Luka Doncic. Truly, it is. One still can't fathom trading a guy of his stature. He has been fantastic with the Lakers and one has to believe LA can make a deep run into the playoffs with him and LeBron James leading the way. The supporting cast is playing well and coach JJ Redick has done an excellent job.
Previous ranking: 8
The Rockets are on fire as they have won eight in a row after a skid dropped them in the standings. The duo of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun should do wonders in the playoffs and Houston should be able to do some damage. The steady play of veteran Fred VanVleet is a big help for this group and should be able to make the Rockets formidable.
Previous ranking: 3
The Celtics are continuing to chug along. They are 6 games back of the Cavs for the No. 1 seed so they are probably not catching them, but Boston is going to be considered the favorites in the East. That's just because they're the defending champs and the play of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will make life miserable for anybody in the playoffs.
Previous ranking: 1
The Cavs are on a mini skid as they have lost three in a row. With that being said, the No. 1 seed is safe after a 16-game winning streak as long as they pick up a few wins here and there. Cleveland has a strong core in Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen who will make it a serious challenger to the Celtics.
Previous ranking: 2
The Thunder picked up a blowout win over the Sixers despite missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Jalen Williams. This OKC team is deep and has a lot of talent which will make the Thunder the favorites in the West entering the playoffs. With that being said, this is still a very young roster that still needs to go through the fires before it reaches the mountaintop.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: NBA Power Rankings: Sixers continue tough season while others surge
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In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been a machine, and the Boston Celtics have been terrific, while the Philadelphia 76ers have been struggling all season as injuries have robbed them from what was expected to be a championship contender. The New York Knicks have been terrific, but injuries are beginning to hit, while the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Milwaukee Bucks are lurking.
Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been at the top while teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors will be teams to worry about as well.
Now is the time for the 17th edition of the NBA Power Rankings:
30. Washington Wizards (15-53)
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Previous ranking: 30
The Wizards have taken some steps forward with Khris Middleton providing a veteran presence for them. He and Marcus Smart have given Washington steady play on the floor which should help the youngsters grow while rookie Alex Sarr continues to build a strong ROY case.
29. Utah Jazz (16-54)
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Previous ranking: 29
The Jazz begrudgingly picked up a win over the Wizards on Wednesday on a night when both teams were trying to lose for the lottery race. Either way, Utah has some nice young pieces to build with going forward. This has been another tough season at the Delta Center, but the Jazz have pieces to work with.
28. Charlotte Hornets (17-51)
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Previous ranking: 28
The Hornets are working through another miserable season in Charlotte. While they go through the final stretch of the season, the focus has to be for coach Charles Lee to establish some sort of culture and a way for the Hornets to play every night. It has been miserable in Buzz City despite some good talent to work with.
27. New Orleans Pelicans (19-51)
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Previous ranking: 27
The Pelicans are still working through an injury-plagued season, but on the bright side, at least Zion Williamson is out there to wow the few fans at Smoothie King Center on a nightly basis in the bayou. One has to believe that New Orleans can find a way to bounce back in 2025-26 if it can just have some health on its side.
26. Philadelphia 76ers (23-46)
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Previous ranking: 26
Another team fighting through an injury-plagued season, the Sixers are looking to develop their younger players on the fly. Guys like Quentin Grimes, Justin Edwards, Jared Butler, and others need this necessary court time in order to make auditions for the future. Once Philadelphia has its star trio back in 2025-26, it should be back in title contention again.
25. Brooklyn Nets (23-46)
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Previous ranking: 25
The Nets are continuing to play hard in the 2024-25 season. They are teetering into the bottom 5 in terms of record in the league so they should be able to get a top pick. Even if it isn't for Duke star Copper Flagg, the Nets should be in a position to grab one of the Rutgers stars: Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey.
24. Toronto Raptors (24-45)
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Previous ranking: 24
The Raptors have done some strategic tanking on the floor. While main guys like Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley have played, coach Darko Rajakovic has sat those players down the stretch of games. While it has led to some wins thanks to the scrappy play of the youngsters, Toronto is still in a good lottery position.
23. Miami Heat (29-40)
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Previous ranking: 20
The Heat have been a disaster as of late. They have lost nine in a row and have dropped to No. 10 in the East. They have lost to the likes of the Bulls and the Hornets while blowing another double-digit lead in a loss to the Pistons on Wednesday. Miami needs others to step up around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
22. Chicago Bulls (29-40)
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Previous ranking: 23
The Bulls are now the No. 9 seed in the East and are slated to host a play-in tournament game. Coby White has been terrific as of late averaging 27.3 points over his last 10 games to lift Chicago as of late. One has to believe the Bulls are going to get it done and get into the play-in for the third consecutive season.
21. San Antonio Spurs (29-39)
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Previous ranking: 21
The Spurs appeared set to make a run to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Then, Victor Wembanyama went down and then new addition De'Aaron Fox went down as well. With those two done for the season, San Antonio needs to focus on their health and get them ready for the 2025-26 season while getting rookie Stephon Castle the reps he needs.
20. Portland Trail Blazers (31-39)
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Previous ranking: 22
The Blazers are 15th in the league in defensive rating which is a good sign for a young group. It means they're buying into what coach Chauncey Billups is preaching on that end of the floor and Portland is going to be a trendy pick to make at least the play-in in 2025-26. Another young piece to this roster will do them some good.
19. Dallas Mavericks (33-37)
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Previous ranking: 17
Yes. The Sixers and Pelicans are going through an injury-plagued seasons, but the Mavericks take the cake for the most miserable 2024-25 season. The Luka Doncic trade was a disaster from the jump, but Anthony Davis has been hurt and played only one game thus far. Kyrie Irving is done for the season. The big men are hurt. Dante Exum is hurt. It's just been tough in Dallas.
18. Orlando Magic (32-38)
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Previous ranking: 19
The Magic need to get Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner some help. Orlando is elite defensively which will get it into the playoffs, but in order for the Magic to do anything, they need to get some more offensive help. Some shooters would do this team wonders and make life easier for their stars.
17. Phoenix Suns (33-37)
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Previous ranking: 18
The Suns have moved into the play-in tournament in the West thanks to the collapse of the Mavericks. Due to the talent they possess, the Suns should be able to sneak into the playoffs. A 1-game series and featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal should bode well for this group. If they get into the playoffs? That'll be a different story.
16. Atlanta Hawks (33-36)
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Previous ranking: 16
The Hawks have taken advantage of a soft schedule as of late to surge up into the No. 7 seed in the East. Atlanta is set to be in the play-in for the fourth consecutive season, but should make the playoffs in this scenario. Trae Young in a 1-game scenario at home should be a positive for Atlanta. With that being said, a win in the play-in is a ticket to face the Celtics in Round 1.
15. Sacramento Kings (35-33)
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Previous ranking: 15
The Kings will have to try and stay afloat over the next week or so without Domantas Sabonis who will miss time with an ankle injury. With that being said, Sacramento has some impressive wins in its last two games with wins over the Grizzlies and the Cavaliers at home. With the season winding down, the Kings have to earn home-court in the play-in tournament.
14. Detroit Pistons (39-31)
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Previous ranking: 13
The Pistons picked up a 46-point blowout win over the Pelicans before Cade Cunningham lifted them to a last-second win over the Heat in Miami. Detroit is 6-4 over its last 10 games and have a comfortable lead over the Hawks for the No. 6 seed and the final guaranteed playoff spot in the East. Coach JB Bickerstaff (not Chauncey Billups, sorry Shaq) has done a terrific job with this group.
13. Milwaukee Bucks (38-30)
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Previous ranking: 9
The Bucks have an elite star duo in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. There is no doubt about that. With that being said, one has to wonder if they have enough to defeat a team like the Celtics in a 7-game series. While Milwaukee has star power, the supporting cast is questionable as coach Doc Rivers looks to piece things together.
12. Minnesota Timberwolves (40-31)
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Previous ranking: 12
The Timberwolves are 6th in defense and 10th in offense which has allowed them to pull to within a game of the final guaranteed playoff spot in the West. After a run to the Western Conference finals in 2024, Minnesota will look to rely on Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle to get it back to that level when the playoffs begin in less than a month.
11. Los Angeles Clippers (39-30)
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Previous ranking: 14
The Clippers have won four in a row to get themselves back in the race for the top 6 and avoid the play-in tournament. Los Angeles is in a good spot as long as James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are healthy and leading the way. Once Norman Powell returns from injury, he should give the Clips a big boost with his 3-and-D ability.
10. Indiana Pacers (39-29)
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Previous ranking: 10
The Pacers have pulled off some miraculous wins as of late. Tyrese Haliburton had a 4-point play late to knock off the Bucks while Obi Toppin drilled a drift away 3 to lead Indiana past the Wolves on the road. The Pacers are a team that relies on their speed and shot-making to get the job done and should be a scary team to face in the playoffs.
9. Golden State Warriors (40-29)
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Previous ranking: 11
The Warriors are 15-2 since acquiring Jimmy Butler as they have now positioned themselves to move into the top 4 to get home court advantage in the West. They sit only 3.5 games back of the Nuggets for the No. 4 seed and with Butler, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green continuing to jell, Golden State will be tough in the postseason.
8. Memphis Grizzlies (43-27)
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Previous ranking: 5
This is how tight the race in the West is. The Grizzlies were the No. 2 seed, but a quick 2-game skid drops them to No. 5 and looking to hold off the hard-charging Warriors in the standings. Memphis can get home court advantage in the playoffs and will need to do so in order to have a chance at advancing. The Grizz are 25-11 at home compared to 18-16 on the road.
7. New York Knicks (43-25)
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Previous ranking: 6
The Knicks might be in trouble. Injuries to Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have slowed them down a bit and with the playoffs right around the corner, they need to find a way to stay afloat and find ways to win without their two stars. New York is comfortably the No. 3 seed in the East, but it needs to find a way to find a groove again.
6. Denver Nuggets (44-26)
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Previous ranking: 4
The Nuggets have been dealing with injuries and resting players as of late as they have fallen to No. 4 in the West. Led by Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets should be considered contenders in the West. The issue will be them staying healthy and the supporting cast playing their roles in order to push forward.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (43-25)
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Previous ranking: 7
It is mind boggling that the Mavericks really traded Luka Doncic. Truly, it is. One still can't fathom trading a guy of his stature. He has been fantastic with the Lakers and one has to believe LA can make a deep run into the playoffs with him and LeBron James leading the way. The supporting cast is playing well and coach JJ Redick has done an excellent job.
4. Houston Rockets (45-25)
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Previous ranking: 8
The Rockets are on fire as they have won eight in a row after a skid dropped them in the standings. The duo of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun should do wonders in the playoffs and Houston should be able to do some damage. The steady play of veteran Fred VanVleet is a big help for this group and should be able to make the Rockets formidable.
3. Boston Celtics (50-19)
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Previous ranking: 3
The Celtics are continuing to chug along. They are 6 games back of the Cavs for the No. 1 seed so they are probably not catching them, but Boston is going to be considered the favorites in the East. That's just because they're the defending champs and the play of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will make life miserable for anybody in the playoffs.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers (56-13)
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Previous ranking: 1
The Cavs are on a mini skid as they have lost three in a row. With that being said, the No. 1 seed is safe after a 16-game winning streak as long as they pick up a few wins here and there. Cleveland has a strong core in Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen who will make it a serious challenger to the Celtics.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (57-12)
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Previous ranking: 2
The Thunder picked up a blowout win over the Sixers despite missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Jalen Williams. This OKC team is deep and has a lot of talent which will make the Thunder the favorites in the West entering the playoffs. With that being said, this is still a very young roster that still needs to go through the fires before it reaches the mountaintop.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: NBA Power Rankings: Sixers continue tough season while others surge
Continue reading...
