NBA Power Rankings: Week 14
We are at about the halfway point of the NBA season! But really the most important thing is on this week's podcast, the tier list episode! Enjoy the power rankings.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Last: #1
The Thunder are going to remain as my number 1 this week. They had a good win over the Spurs and they are comfortably sitting atop the Western Conference.
2. Detroit Pistons
Last: #4
The Pistons have won 3 in a row, and are now 5.5 games ahead of the Boston Celtics for the top spot in the East. They beat Boston on Monday night to stretch that lead to 5.5.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Last: #6
The Spurs finally did lose to the Thunder, but hey they are easily the team that plays the Thunder the toughest. The Spurs and Patriots really only have 2-3 down years before becoming elite again, it's really annoying.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last: #10
Anthony Edwards is very important to the Timberwolves, they are barely above .500 without him. Rudy Gobert is a polarizing player as well, but when he's healthy he does affect the defense side of the ball. They need them both.
5. Denver Nuggets
Last: #7
The Denver Nuggets are so damn good, they are playing extremely well without Jokic. They are 6-4 in their last ten and have survived without their multi-MVP. When the Joker comes back, can he push them to the 2 seed?
6. Boston Celtics
Last: #8
This was supposed to be a down year for the Celtics. But they are comfortably in the 2nd spot in the East and should be fighting for a playoff seed for the rest of the year.
7. Houston Rockets
Last: #9
The Rockets are still slumping a bit, but they have survived their down play to remain a top 6 seed in the West. They are an elite team at home, I think getting into the top 4 will be huge for them.
8. Phoenix Suns
Last: #6
Phoenix has a real shot to catch the Lakers and sneak into the top 6. They have a top 5 defense, which helps them as their offense is just okay. Do I think they can go on a run in the playoffs, probably not.
9. New York Knicks
Last: #5
The Knicks are 2-8 in their last 10 games, have fallen to the 3rd seed and are just a half game ahead of Toronto. As you know I am not a Jalen Brunson guy, but without him they just can’t win.
10. Toronto Raptors
Last: #11
Toronto has just been hanging around all year, I think there are three other teams in the East with better rosters who are below them in the standings. They have had a rough stretch, but they have been more consistent than those other teams.
11. Philadelphia 76ers
Last: #12
Similar to the Raptors the 76ers are not playing fantastic, but they are hanging around as the 5th seed right now. They will need to keep fighting and stay healthy to remain a top 6 team in the East.
12. Los Angeles Lakers
Last: #10
I am sorry, if Lebron and Luka combine for 68 points, and the Lakers still lose to the Hornets by double digits. This team either won’t or can’t play defense, please make a trade for a defensive first guy.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last: #13
Spoiler Alert these last 3 teams are going to stay where they were last week. What are the Cavs doing though? Why are they losing to the Jazz? This team should still scare teams in the playoffs.
14. Miami Heat
Last: #14
The Heat and Bam Adebayo are playing well, they beat the Thunder which is always an impressive win. They have a long road trip coming up which will be big for them if they can continue their good play.
15. Orlando Magic
Last: #15
A strange week for the Magic with games in Europe, but getting Franz Wagner back is big. This team is still frustratingly consistently inconsistent. Does that make sense? They can go on a run for sure, but it’s looking less likely.