With a light week of games due to the NBA Cup, there wasn’t a lot of movement in the rankings, but with their Cup win Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks keep climbing in the weekly NBC Sports NBA Power Rankings.
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1. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-5, Last Week No. 1). Losing the NBA Cup championship game doesn’t impact the Thunder’s regular season record (officially they have still won five in a row), so we’re not going to punish them here. However, the way they lost — an ice-cold shooting night and their halfcourt offense bogging down against a good defense with size — looked all too similar to how Dallas eliminated Oklahoma City from the playoffs last year. The Thunder still have to prove they can win these kinds of grinding, playoff-style games, but it will be April or May before they get another chance (losing in December is not the same).
2. Boston Celtics (21-5, LW 2). The NBA Cup was kind to Boston despite being eliminated in group play. Boston’s two added games to get to 82 were against Washington and Detroit, and with that, the Celtics kept rolling. All the talk about the Celtics this season focuses on their record-setting barrage of 3-pointers, but what goes unnoticed is that they are not fouling — Boston gives up a league-low 18 free throws a game. Despite being an average team at getting to the line (due to all the 3s), they are still +3.9 free throw attempts a game, second-best in the league.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (23-4, LW 3). The Cavaliers are expected to get sharpshooting wing Max Strus back this weekend, giving Kenny Atkinson more options and depth on the wing. Isaac Okoro will likely stay the starter for the foreseeable future, with Strus and Caris LeVert coming off the bench, but that is a stronger wing rotation than we have seen in Cleveland for a long time. That Friday night game where Strus might return is against the Bucks, who are hot right now but also will be coming off the relative high of the NBA Cup and may not be in the right headspace (remember both finalists, the Lakers and Pacers, stumbled after the tournament a season ago).
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4. Dallas Mavericks (17-9, LW 4). The Mavericks’ last two games show the value of P.J. Washington in Dallas. He was unavailable in the Mavericks NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to Oklahoma City but returned over the weekend against Golden State and — starting next to Dereck Lively II — played quality defense, scored 13 points, and was a +20 for the game in a 10-point Mavericks win. He’s the glue that makes Dallas work. The Mavs have a two-game set against the feisty Clippers this week, both in Los Angeles.
5. Memphis Grizzlies (18-9, LW 6). Memphis leads the NBA in points in the paint, 59.1 a game average, higher than Nikola Jokic and Denver (second at 57.8). The fact that the Grizzlies want to play fast and downhill should be obvious with Ja Morant as the primary shot creator, but the commitment to working inside out goes well beyond him. That said, the loss to the Lakers on Sunday was a reminder that big teams who can protect the paint and slow the game down cause a real challenge for these Grizzlies.
6. New York Knicks (16-10, LW 5). Mikal Bridges’ struggles to open the season on offense have been well documented, but quietly he has started to put things together. In December (his last seven games), Bridges is averaging 21.1 points a game while shooting 42% from 3 (more than 7 attempts a game) and has a true shooting percentage of .670. Bridges improved play might not have been obvious during the Knicks’ offensive struggles against the Hawks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals at home (New York was the only home team to lose in that round) but the Knicks had an important bounce-back win against the Magic (who are near them in the standings but now very banged up).
PLAYOFFS OR BUST
7. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-11, LW 10). The game of the week is Thursday night when the Knicks come to town and Karl-Anthony Towns returns to Minnesota and the Target Center after nine seasons as the anchor and face of that franchise. The Timberwolves come into that game red hot, having won 6-of-7, and playing like Tom Thibodeau was still their coach (and not on the other bench) — they are doing it with an elite defense anchored by Rudy Gobert that is giving up less than a point per possession in those seven games. The Knicks’ league-best offense, led by Towns, will be a real test of that D.
8. Milwaukee Bucks (14-11, LW 13). The Bucks hoisted the NBA Cup because Giannis Antetokounmpo has stopped trying to be what he is not to focus on what he is: He’s no longer trying to become a 3-point threat, averaging less than one attempt a game. Instead, he’s putting his head down and bullies his way to the rim: Antetokounmpo is averaging 21.5 points per game in the paint this season, which not only leads the league but is the most since Shaq in 1999-00. Doc Rivers has done a good job setting up an offense where the Greek Freak can operate at the elbow or in the post, where teams can’t just build a wall in front of him. Antetokounmpo is playing like an MVP and sparked Milwaukee had won 10-of-12 before the NBA Cup championship.
9. Denver Nuggets (14-10, LW 11). Trade rumors are flying around the Nuggets now after the report they are actively considering a move to bring in Zach LaVine or a number of other shot creators and scorers. It’s an acknowledgment that, even with Jamal Murray, what is happening in Denver is all about Nikola Jokic, and the franchise needs to take advantage of its championship window. The challenge in any trade will be that Denver is over the first tax apron and ownership will not suddenly take on more tax to make this work. Calvin Booth will have to be creative.
10. Houston Rockets (17-9, LW 7). Forget the loss to Oklahoma City, it was the win over Golden State in the NBA Cup quarterfinals that Houston should remember and try to build upon (even if the foul that sent Jalen Green to the line was generous). While you will hear a ton of Rockets trade rumors over the coming six weeks, just know Houston has no intention of making a bold move to change its core at the deadline. Any trades will be smaller and on the fringes. Rockets management wants to see what this group looks like in the playoffs.
11. Miami Heat (13-11, LW 12). The Heat are quietly in the top 10 in the league in offense and defense this season — one of the statistical signs of a title contender (they are 10th in both, but that still counts). As trade rumors swirl around him (ones unlikely to come to fruition), and playing for his next contract (teams have been told he will opt out of the $52.4 million he is owed next season), Jimmy Butler is playing at an All-NBA level averaging 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5 assists a game — when he is healthy and engaged, the Heat are at worst a top-four team in the East (and maybe higher than that).
12. Golden State Warriors (14-11, LW 8). Dennis Schroder is a quality pickup for the Warriors this season, an experienced veteran — one Steve Kerr saw up close this summer when the USA played Germany in a pre-Olympic exhibition. Schroder knows how to create for himself and others. He can play off the ball next to Stephen Curry (as he did next to LeBron with the Lakers a few years ago) and run the offense when Curry sits. Sorry Warriors fans, this is also an acknowledgment that the big, bold move for a star a lot of people are hoping to see is more of an offseason move than one we see at the deadline.
13. Orlando Magic (17-11, LW 9). The Magic are 1-2 without Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero (the one win was against a KD-less Suns team) but will have to continue in this mode for a while, there is no timetable for a return for either star. One thing that could help the Magic keep their heads above water during this stretch is their next six games are at home, the problem is the opponents include the Thunder, Heat (2x), Celtics and Knicks.
14. Sacramento Kings (13-14, LW 16). At some point, the Kings’ luck is going to turn. Sacramento is the second unluckiest team in the league, based on the idea that they have a +3 net rating — that reflects a 16-11 team, not one under .500 and looking up at the play-in. In clutch games (within five points in the final five minutes, the Kings have a +4 net rating but are 6-10. These kinds of numbers tend to even out over time. Maybe it starts to turn around with the Kings having their next 7-of-8 at home (and the one road game is just down in Los Angeles against the Lakers).
15. Phoenix Suns (14-11, LW 17). Bradley Beal for Jimmy Butler trade talk gained an unexpected momentum this past week. Two quick thoughts on that: 1) Beal has a no-trade clause, he’s not leaving if he doesn’t want to (he has had interest in Miami in the past, but that was the past); 2) Miami is not a franchise that tanks and it has been playing well of late in an East that feels open outside Boston. Would the Heat really make that trade? Kevin Durant returned last week and the Suns went 2-0 (against the Jazz and Trail Blazers, but still). And sorry Kevin, but you’ll be an All-Star this year and have to play in that new format.
16. Los Angeles Clippers (15-12, LW 14). This stat blew my mind: Monday night James Harden scored 34 points in the first half against the Jazz, that was the 10th time in his career that he’s scored 34+ points in a half (all the rest were with the Rockets). For the record, the only player to have done it more since the 1997 season was Kobe Bryant (12 times). Kawhi Leonard is practicing with the Clippers and should return soon. Once he gets his legs under him, we’ll see just how big a threat this team could be in the West.
17. Atlanta Hawks (14-13, LW 15). What the NBA Cup showed was the potential of this team — Trae Young was a ball-moving leader, Jalen Johnson broke out as a star, and Dyson Daniels is a lock-down defender — this looked like a playoff team that could be a first-round problem for whomever they face. Can the Hawks, who have won 7-of-9, do this consistently? It will be a little harder without center Onyeka Okongwu, who will miss at least the next four games with left knee inflammation (he will be re-evaluated in approximately one week, the team says).
PLAY IN HOPEFULS
18. Los Angeles Lakers (14-12, LW 19). While the focus off the court continues to be on potential Laker trades (think mid-sized ones for someone such as Jonas Valanciunas, that’s where this is headed) or unfounded speculation, on the court the focus is on a new starting lineup that is betting on Max Christie to be the 3&D wing the Lakers could use next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis (with Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves). That group will get tested this week with two games in Sacramento against the Kings.
19. San Antonio Spurs (13-13, LW 18). San Antonio hasn’t fully unlocked the passing potential of Victor Wembanyama, but this is still one of the best ball movement teams in the league — their 28.3 assists a game accounts for 71.3% of their made baskets, the highest percentage in the league. It was good to get a statement from Gregg Popovich this week and hear he plans to return to the bench (even if there is no timeline). He has earned the right to walk away on his own terms, whenever he is ready.
20. Chicago Bulls (12-15, LW 21). Genuine interest in Zach LaVine (from the Denver Nuggets) is welcome news in Chicago, although much of the front office’s focus has been on finding a new home for Nikola Vucevic as well. Josh Giddey will likely miss a game or two after rolling his ankle Monday night against Toronto, but that’s a lot better than feared after how ugly it looked at the time.
21. Indiana Pacers (12-15, LW 23). Can someone please explain Tyrese Haliburton’s home/road splits this season? At home he’s the All-NBA breakout star of a season ago: 21.4 points and 9 assists a game, a .628 true shooting percentage and the Pacers are +4.6 per 100 possessions when he is on the court. However, on the road it’s 15.4 points and 8.2 assists a game, his true shooting percentage falls to a depressing .513, and the Pacers get outscored by -6.7 per 100 possessions when he plays. Indiana plays 5 of its next 6 on the road.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (8-16, LW 20). Joel Embiid is missing time with a sinus fracture — the third facial fracture of his career, that is just wildly unlucky — but more painful for 76ers fans the loss of rookie Jared McCain for an extended period due to a meniscus tear. Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey have been on the court together for just 45 minutes this season across three games, and in two of those games one of the three couldn’t play the second half due to injury.
23. Detroit Pistons (11-16, LW 24). Detroit will be involved in a deadline trade, but it likely will not be sending out Tim Hardaway Jr. or anyone else. The Pistons’ front office’s little cap game with Paul Reed this week — waiving him then re-signing him — added about $3 million to the team’s available cap space. The Pistons are the only NBA team with cap space heading into the trade deadline, $14 million, and they will be the third team in a trade taking on a troublesome contract into that cap space and being given a draft pick/picks for their trouble.
CAPTURE THE (COOPER) FLAGG
24. Brooklyn Nets (10-16, LW 22). With Dennis Schroder traded to the other coast, the front office’s plan for this team is clear — focus on youth and the draft — and with that that every veteran on the roster is available in a trade heading toward the deadline. This is not the Nets’ last trade before the Feb. 6 deadline. On the court, the plan without Schroder to play faster in Brooklyn, putting the ball in Ben Simmons’ hands more and having him push the pace. Brooklyn is young and athletic, although the Nets may not have the defense to run like they hope.
25. Toronto Raptors (7-20, LW 25). On the court, the math is pretty simple for the Raptors: No Scottie Barnes or Immanuel Quickley equals no wins (or few of them). Off the court, if Bruce Brown can play a little and show he is healthy, the veteran wing could draw interest from teams who remember how critical he was to the Nuggets’ playoff run. The challenge will be matching his $23 million salary in a trade, but teams will kick the tires on a deal.
26. Charlotte Hornets (7-19, LW 26). LaMelo Ball’s return to the court Monday against Philadelphia was a good sign (even if the Hornets dropped the game), Charlotte was 1-6 while he was out. That game felt like another punch to the gut because it was the first time all season coach Charles Lee got to put out his preferred starting five — Ball, Brandon Miller, Josh Green, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams — and then Miller had to leave the game early with an ankle sprain.
27. Utah Jazz (5-20, LW 27). It’s a little surprising there isn’t more trade buzz around John Collins, who has shown off an improved and steadier offensive game this season averaging 18 points a night on 53.4% shooting. He’s an athletic four who can space the floor and has shown an improved outside shot. Part of the challenge in trading Collins is his salary, at $26.6 million that’s not easy to match (and is a lot for a minus defender) and he has a player option for that amount next season.
28. Portland Trail Blazers (8-18, LW 28). Portland is playing teams close of late, but blowing a 17-point fourth quarter lead to a very shorthanded San Antonio team was rough. Expect a lot of Deandre Ayton trade rumors, but the reality of his play and $34 million salary this season (and guaranteed $35.6 million next season) make it more likely that Robert Williams is the big on the roster who actually gets moved.
29. New Orleans Pelicans (5-22, LW 29). Unsurprisingly, the Pelicans are winless in their last nine games without either Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram. Despite role players like CJ McCollum, Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III playing, New Orleans lacks shot creation without its stars. Starting Saturday, the Pelicans have 8-of-10 at home, although there are some tough games in there (the Knicks and Nuggets start the homestead).
30. Washington Wizards (3-21, LW 30). There will be trades. The most likely Wizard to be on the move is Jonas Valanciunas, there are multiple teams interested in him. However, the name that will get mentioned the most is Kyle Kuzma — don’t bet on that deal getting done. That’s because he’s making $29.7 million this season, has a fully guaranteed $65.9 million for the two seasons after that, and has played in just 12 games this season due to injury, shooting 26.7% on 3-pointers when he does play.
