NBA Power Rankings: Week 16
Rumors are flying with former MVP’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden looking to be traded by Thursday’s trade deadline. Should be an interesting few days in the NBA.
1. Detroit Pistons
Last: #2
I have moved the Pistons up to my number 1 spot, they have had a great January where the Thunder has been a little bit less consistent. Wins over the Nuggets and Warriors help.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Last: #1
OKC will be just fine, and don’t forget they have the assets to trade for Giannis if they really wanted to, I hope Adam Silver blocks that trade like Chris Paul to the Lakers all those years ago.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Last: #4
The Spurs had a great win over Houston last week, coming back after being down by double digits. They are finally getting healthy and that is scary for the rest of the league.
4. Houston Rockets
Last: #3
On the flip side of the coin, the Rockets had a bad loss to the Spurs last week. The offense just went silent in the 2nd half and they couldn’t keep pace. They can still fight for that all important 2 seed in the West.
5. Denver Nuggets
Last: #5
These top 4 teams in the West are so good, if this ends up being the final 4 in the Western Conference it is going to be an amazing playoff season. The Nuggets did get Jokic back, but are bringing him back slowly, a big matchup with the Pistons this week.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last: #6
I really like this team, but I want them to be more consistent. They had lost 5 in a row, now win 4 in a row, but they have beaten the Thunder 2 out of 3 tries. They also are now a top 5 defensive team in the NBA.
7. New York Knicks
Last: #9
The Knicks are getting back on track after a sluggish ten game stretch where they went 2-8. The Knicks have won 6 in a row and are back into the 2nd seed in the East. Do they make a move for Giannis?
8. Boston Celtics
Last: #7
The Celtics took care of business against some below .500 teams last week, and are comfortably the 3 seed in the East. Do the Celtics make a move at the deadline?
9. Phoenix Suns
Last: #8
It might be time to take the Suns seriously, they beat the Cavs and the Pistons last week and continue to play good basketball. They will need Devin Booker to be healthy if they want to sneak into the top 6 seed.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last: #11
The Cavaliers are the first team to make a decent size trade this deadline, sending out De’Andre Hunter and receiving Keon Ellis and Dennis Shroeder. This gives the Cavs even more depth, and Ellis can bring some defensive skill set to the Cavs.
11. Los Angeles Lakers
Last: #10
The Lakers are on their Grammy road trip, it happens every year and they are just 4-3. The defense has to get better or they really don’t have a shot. Do the Lakers trade Lebron? I think it might be time.
12. Toronto Raptors
Last: #12
The Raptors have hit their entire win total from last year already, that's awesome. They are going to be a playoff team, but it sure feels like everyone believes they will be a one and done. Do they make a deal to bolster a team that is maybe a year early?
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Last: #15
The Clippers have pulled themselves back from the brink and back into the play-in picture. But as we were recording the pod last night, it sounds like James Harden wants out again and is asking for a trade.
14. Philadelphia 76ers
Last: #14
In some shocking news around the league Paul George was slapped with a 25 game suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy. That is tough news for the 76ers who were finally getting back. Can they hold onto that 6 seed?
15. Miami Heat
Last: #13
Another team that is rumored to be in on the Giannis sweepstakes. If you are Miami you are definitely further back than some of the other teams vying for the superstar, but it could push you into contention. Does Miami go for it?