NBA Power Rankings: Week 24

We have about 2 weeks left in the regular season, and we officially know which teams will be in the play-in/playoffs.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Last: #1

The Thunder lost a good game to the Celtics, but they hold a 2.5 game lead over the Spurs for the top spot in the West. The biggest news is Jalen Williams is back after missing 16 games.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Last: #2

An eight game win streak for the Spurs has them still fighting for that top spot in the West. I don’t think they can catch the Thunder, but what a season for the Spurs

3. Boston Celtics

Last: #4

Remember when the Celtics were supposed to have a gap year? Well they just won their 50th game of the year. That is the basic bench mark for a great season.

4. Detroit Pistons

Last: #3

The Pistons are doing a great job holding up without Cade. They are 5-1 without him and the only loss was to the Hawks in OT after coming back from 21 down.

5. New York Knicks

Last: #5

The Knicks have dropped two in a row and are now fighting with Cleveland for the 3rd spot in the East. They should be fine, but I think they would love to hold onto that 3rd spot.

6. Los Angeles Lakers

Last: #6

The Lakers had their win streak snapped in a close one with Detroit, but bounced back with two more wins and can easily hold onto the 3rd spot. Luka is suspended for a game after receiving his 16th technical foul.

7. Denver Nuggets

Last: #7

The Nuggets are so back, they are only a game back of the Lakers for the 3rd spot and they are rolling right now. They definitely still have question marks on the defensive end, but the offense has been incredible.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers

Last: #9

Cleveland has won five of their last 6 after not playing super well over the last couple of weeks. The Cavs will need to figure out how to lock down on defense in the playoffs.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last: #10

An absolutely huge comeback win for the Wolves in OT against the Rockets in a tight battle in the West. They are 4-2 without Ant so far, pretty good.

10. Houston Rockets

Last: #8

I am worried about the Rockets, they have had some huge collapses against teams that they need to beat. They lost a game they led in OT by double digits, first time that has happened in at least 30 years.

11. Atlanta Hawks

Last: #12

The Hawks split two games with Celtics and Pistons and they had leads in both. They are playing well and are getting hot at the right time. If they can hold this hot streak to the playoffs, watch out.

12. Phoenix Suns

Last: #11

The Suns feel pretty locked into that 7th seed, but they still need to fight off the Clippers. Keeping that 7th seed, means home court advantage and missing out on playing the Thunder in the 1st round.

13. Charlotte Hornets

Last: #NR

The Hornets are 23-8 since late January, but they will be fighting with the Magic and Heat for seeding in the East Play-In. A top half defense and a top 10 offense for the Hornets this year.

14. Los Angeles Clippers