NBA Power Rankings: Week 23

We are in the last 3 weeks of the NBA regular season, and I didn’t change my top 10. I am so ready for the playoffs.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Last: #1

They are good. What else do you need to know? Oh and the best rated defense in the NBA.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Last: #2

San Antonio is the 2nd best team in the league, it’s annoying. A Thunder and Spurs WCF would be awesome.

3. Detroit Pistons

Last: #3

The Pistons had a huge win last night against the resurgent Lakers. But Cade is out for at least two weeks. They are still 5 games up on the Celtics.

4. Boston Celtics

Last: #4

Can the C’s hang onto the 2nd spot in the East? They have one of the toughest schedules remaining.

5. New York Knicks

Last: #5

The Knicks took care of business against a soft schedule. They would love to overtake the Celtics for the 2 seed.

6. Los Angeles Lakers

Last: #6

The Lakers win streak came to an end last night against the Pistons. But Luka is an MVP candidate and their defense has improved immensely. They are a threat.

7. Denver Nuggets

Last: #7

The Nuggets can score, but can they make stops in the playoffs? Getting Peyton Watson back should help get the Nuggets back on track.

8. Houston Rockets

Last: #8

Kevin Durant passed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list. But can he get the Rockets past the 1st round? They lost two very important games to the Lakers last week.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers

Last: #9

We talked about it last night, the Cavs are still in our top 4 in the East. But, they are still slipping and are starting to feel like a tier on their own below the top 3. Can they turn it around before the playoffs?

10. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last: #10

The Wolves are going to need Ant if they want to go on a run in the playoffs. It's been a week and half since he played and it looks like it will be a little longer before he is back.

11. Phoenix Suns

Last: #11

The Suns are going to be the 7th seed. If they can win that first play-in spot they will play the Spurs. Have fun.

12. Atlanta Hawks

Last: #NR

The Hawks are on a roll, yes the teams they have played aren't great, but they have soared into the top 6 in the East. That is a win on its own for a Hawks franchise that was stuck in play-in purgatory.

13. Toronto Raptors

Last: #12

The Raptors are in a fight with Atlanta, Philadelphia and I guess Orlando for the 5-6 seed. They have an easier schedule ahead and they would love to avoid the play-in.

14. Miami Heat

Last: #14

Miami is probably going to end up in the play-in. I don’t think they can make a run, but hey the culture or whatever right?

15. Philadelphia 76ers