NBA Power Rankings: Week 22

With the Heat cruising to their 26th win in a row, let’s see where the rest of the league stands. The Heat continue to be the #1 spot, and the Bobcats take the other side. The Nets took the biggest jump this week (3 spots), and the Lakers took the biggest fall (4 spots).

 

Power Rankings Week 22:

(W-L Season) followed by (W-L From previous week)

Ranking from previous week in parentheses. 

1 (1). Miami Heat (55-14) (4-0) – The 14 in the loss column may be permanent for the rest of the year.

2 (2). San Antonio Spurs (53-17) (2-1) – With a healthy Parker back, the Spurs will likely finish the year atop the West.

3 (3). Oklahoma City Thunder (52-19) (2-2) – Very curious to see what would have happened had Harden still been on the Thunder.

4 (4).  Denver Nuggets (49-22) (4-0) – Quietly have won 15 games in a row.

5 (5). Los Angeles Clippers (48-22) (2-1) – Now slipping (or just the Nuggets keep winning) to the 4 seed in the West. Difference of opponent is huge. Would have to face the Grizzles over the Warriors/Rockets.

6 (6). Memphis Grizzlies (47-22) (3-1) – Marc Gasol hurt, and they may have to rest him the rest of the year.

7 (7). Indiana Pacers (43-27) (3-1) – Almost spun off a 4-0 week, but suffered a tough loss in Chi-town.

8 (9). Houston Rockets (39-31) (3-0) – A great week for the Rockets capping it off with a huge win at home against the Spurs.

9 (8). Golden State Warriors (40-31) (2-1) – Curry again bothered by an ankle injury, and if he has to sit, they may fall a seed or two in the West.

10 (11). New York Knicks (42-26) (4-0) – A huge bounce back week for the Knicks as they fight for the second seed.

11 (14). Brooklyn Nets (41-29) (3-1) – Hard to tell how this team will compete in the playoffs. A good week for them, even though they just narrowly escaped with a win in PHX.

12 (13). Chicago Bulls (38-31) (2-2) – As we get closer to the end of the season, reports of Rose’s return will likely increase.

13 (15). Atlanta Hawks (39-31) (2-2) – The team that arguably lost their best player last year (well definitely their most expensive), just keeps on fighting.

14 (10). Los Angeles Lakers (36-34) (0-2) – To fall to both the Suns and Wizards in their only two games in a week, says something about this team.

15 (12). Boston Celtics (36-33) (0-4) – It seems like losing Rondo has finally caught up to them.

16 (18). Dallas Mavericks  (34-36) (3-1) – I’m sure Nowitzki can’t wait to get that beard off of him.

17 (16). Utah Jazz (34-36) (0-4) – Jazz just 2 out of 8 seed even with a terrible week. They can thank the Lakers for a bad week as well.

18 (17). Milwaukee Bucks (34-35) (1-3) – Everyone loves the under .500 playoff team!

19 (19). Portland Trail Blazers  (33-37) (2-3) – Still just 3 games out of a playoff spot. It’s now or never. 

20 (20). Washington Wizards (25-44) (2-2) – Beat the Lakers but lose to the Bobcats. Interesting week.

21 (22). Philadelphia 76′ers (27-42) (2-2)  – Feel bad for 76’ers fans. Could possibly lose Bynum for nothing.

22 (21). Toronto Raptors (26-44) (0-3) – Bright spot of the week: Amir Johnson’s strong play.

23 (23). Minnesota Timberwolves (24-44) (1-3) – Adding a potential top pick to Love/Rubio would definitely be interesting. 

24 (24). Detroit Pistons (23-45) (0-3) – How about them Lions making moves this offseason?!?

25 (26). Sacramento Kings (25-46) (2-2) – They still believe the franchise could stay in SAC. Will be an interesting next few months.

26 (28). New Orleans Hornets (24-46) (2-1) – Not worst in the West anymore.

27 (25). Cleveland Cavaliers (22-47) (0-3) – Blew the chance to end the Heat’s winning streak. 

28 (27). Phoenix Suns (23-48) (1-3) – Two losses to the Wizards, but beat the Lakers and almost beat the Nets.

29 (29). Orlando Magic (18-52) (0-3) – The way Vucevic has played all season, makes the Howard trade seem pretty solid.

30 (30). Charlotte Bobcats (16-54) (2-2) – .500 week in Charlotte! CELEBRATION! 

 

What do you guys think of these rankings? Someone too high? Too low? Leave a comment or tweet me @YoniPollak.