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NBA Energy Rankings: Prime contenders maintain regular whereas Pistons climb

Game RecapBy No Comments18 Mins Read
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Jan 29, 2025, 07:00 AM ET

We’re one week from the 2025 NBA commerce deadline, and whereas there have not been any main strikes main as much as Feb. 6, there have been developments throughout each conferences.

On Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Sacramento Kings are open to commerce talks relating to star guard De’Aaron Fox. Plus, so as to add to the continued Jimmy Butler commerce saga, Charania additionally reported the Miami Warmth are in “energetic conversations” with “a number of groups” to maneuver the disgruntled famous person.

With All-Star guards doubtlessly on the transfer, groups can be retaining a detailed eye on the standings as they push via the common season. Are there any league-shifting trades within the works? How will that have an effect on a crew’s technique shifting ahead? Additionally, how will it have an effect on our energy rankings?

All good issues to ponder as our NBA insiders break down this week’s record.

Observe: Group rankings are based mostly on the place members of our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) assume groups belong this season.

Earlier rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1 | Jan. 8 | Jan. 15 | Jan. 22

Soar to a crew:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS

1. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder

Middle Isaiah Hartenstein picked up the place he left off after sitting out 5 video games due to a decrease calf pressure, recording 14 factors, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and a block in a win over Portland on Sunday. The Thunder are 23-2 when Hartenstein performs. 4 of Oklahoma Metropolis’s eight losses have occurred when the Thunder did not have Hartenstein or fellow 7-footer Chet Holmgren, with one loss approaching the night time Holmgren fractured his pelvis earlier this season. — Tim MacMahon

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2024-25 document: 37-9

  • Earlier rating: 2

  • Subsequent video games: @ MIA (Jan. 29), vs. ATL (Jan. 30), vs. DAL (Feb. 2), vs. BOS (Feb. 4)

To start out the season, it took Cleveland 20 video games earlier than it picked up its third loss. Final week, the Cavs dropped three in a row, their longest dropping streak this season. Every of the defeats was gutting in its personal means: Darius Garland missed two potential successful free throws with 2.1 seconds left towards Houston; Ty Jerome‘s career-high 33 factors weren’t sufficient to get by a Joel Embiid-less Sixers squad; after which one other loss to the Rockets regardless of a 17-point rally within the fourth. — Dave McMenamin

3. Boston Celtics

  • 2024-25 document: 32-15

  • Earlier rating: 3

  • Subsequent video games: vs. CHI (Jan. 29), @ NO (Jan. 31), @ PHI (Feb. 2), @ CLE (Feb. 4)

Boston suffered one other loss Monday, this time to the Rockets on a last-second shot, dropping the Celtics to 13-11 since Dec. 7. However over that stretch, Boston nonetheless ranks eighth in offense, fourth in protection and third in internet score. Contemplating that Boston is coming off yet one more deep Finals run, had three gamers within the Olympics, went to Abu Dhabi in the course of the preseason and the overall malaise that comes with a protracted season, it is onerous to get too involved a few crew that has stayed constantly close to the highest of the Jap Convention standings. — Tim Bontemps

4. Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis gained six in a row earlier than a tough highway setback Monday towards the Knicks. Jaren Jackson Jr. has developed right into a go-to scorer because the Grizzlies proceed to tinker with a brand new wide-open offense that might show problematic for groups within the postseason. First, Memphis wants to resolve its points coping with bodily groups and the Grizzlies will get one other take a look at in that respect Thursday towards a Rockets squad that has overwhelmed them thrice this season. — Michael Wright

5. Houston Rockets

  • 2024-25 document: 32-14

  • Earlier rating: 5

  • Subsequent video games: @ MEM (Jan. 30), vs. BKN (Feb. 1), @ NYK (Feb. 3), @ BKN (Feb. 4)

Coming off its sixteenth clutch win of the season Monday at Boston, Houston bested Atlanta on the highway Tuesday on the second night time of a again to again. The Rockets are tied with the Suns for clutch victories this season, they usually’ve gained 10 of their previous 12 outings and 10 of their previous 11 on the highway. Second-year ahead Amen Thompson is surging, scoring 20-plus factors in three of his previous six video games as Houston collected three wins within the final week over the East-leading Cavaliers and Celtics earlier than Wednesday’s win at Atlanta. — Wright

6. New York Knicks

  • 2024-25 document: 31-16

  • Earlier rating: 7

  • Subsequent video games: vs. DEN (Jan. 29), vs. LAL (Feb. 1), vs. HOU (Feb. 3), @ TOR (Feb. 4)

The Knicks had gone 45 years with no 143-point displaying in a regulation contest earlier than doing it in back-to-back video games Saturday and Monday. The NBA’s second-most environment friendly offense notched consecutive wins over the Kings and Grizzlies by that tally — the Knicks’ sixtieth straight win when holding no less than a 15-point lead, the longest energetic streak within the NBA. The Knicks will proceed to be examined, although: They’ve the East’s hardest remaining slate as they head into February and are just one sport behind the second-place Celtics. — Chris Herring

7. Denver Nuggets

  • 2024-25 document: 28-18

  • Earlier rating: 6

  • Subsequent video games: @ NYK (Jan. 29), @ PHI (Jan. 31), @ CHA (Feb. 1), vs. NO (Feb. 3)

After successful eight of 9 video games, the Nuggets opened a five-game highway swing with consecutive losses at Minnesota and Chicago. Aaron Gordon has been ramping up in his return from a calf damage and has but to play greater than 25 minutes in his previous eight video games coming off the bench. However Russell Westbrook has performed properly, taking pictures 62.7% and averaging 13.1 factors and 5.6 assists, in his previous six video games. — Ohm Youngmisuk

8. Milwaukee Bucks

With wins in 9 of their previous 12 video games, the Bucks have taken maintain of the No. 4 seed within the East as they attempt to no less than safe home-court benefit within the first spherical. The following three video games for Milwaukee will present a take a look at towards playoff groups from the Western Convention: on the highway towards San Antonio earlier than internet hosting Memphis then heading to Oklahoma Metropolis on a back-to-back. — Jamal Collier

9. LA Clippers

  • 2024-25 document: 26-20

  • Earlier rating: 9

  • Subsequent video games: @ SA (Jan. 29), @ CHA (Jan. 31), @ TOR (Feb. 2), vs. LAL (Feb. 4)

The Clippers have three gamers who’ve arguments to make the All-Star Sport: James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac. Harden has a double-double in six of his previous eight video games, averaging 23.1 factors and 10.2 assists in that span. After having 40 factors and 9 assists in a win over Milwaukee final Saturday, Harden turned the seventh participant with no less than three 40-point video games in a season at age 35 or older in NBA historical past. He additionally has 10 video games with 20 factors and 10 assists this season, becoming a member of LeBron James, Steve Nash and Lenny Wilkens as the one gamers 35 or older to take action, in response to ESPN analysis. — Youngmisuk

10. Los Angeles Lakers

Over the Lakers’ four-game win streak coming into Tuesday, Anthony Davis averaged 32.8 factors on 58.2% taking pictures, 15 rebounds and a pair of.5 blocks. The dominant stretch occurred to coincide with Davis telling ESPN’s Sham Charania that, “I feel we’d like one other large,” earlier than the commerce deadline passes. That momentum got here crashing down for each Davis and L.A. in Philly on Tuesday night time, with Davis exiting early due to an belly pressure and the Lakers getting blown out. — McMenamin

11. Minnesota Timberwolves

  • 2024-25 document: 25-21

  • Earlier rating: 15

  • Subsequent video games: @ PHX (Jan. 29), @ UTA (Jan. 30), vs. WAS (Feb. 1), vs. SAC (Feb. 3)

Wolves coach Chris Finch took problem with the crew’s second-half efficiency throughout a win over the Hawks on Monday, calling out one of the best gamers for not popping out with extra depth. Minnesota has nonetheless gained three video games in a row, climbing as much as seventh place within the Western Convention. They’re going to have an opportunity to win again the arrogance of their coaches, starting with back-to-back highway video games in Phoenix and Utah. The Wolves then return dwelling to host the Wizards and Kings. — Collier

12. Indiana Pacers

  • 2024-25 document: 25-20

  • Earlier rating: 10

  • Subsequent video games: vs. DET (Jan. 29), vs. ATL (Feb. 1), @ UTA (Feb. 3), @ POR (Feb. 4)

After a two-game journey to Paris, the Pacers return dwelling for a sport for the primary time in 11 days on Wednesday towards the Pistons. Indiana break up video games with San Antonio whereas in France and has continued to appear like a unique crew for the reason that calendar flipped to 2025. Because the starting of January, the Pacers rank sixth in offensive effectivity and fourth in defensive effectivity. Indiana’s 10.2 internet score this month is the second finest within the NBA, behind solely Oklahoma Metropolis. — Collier

13. Dallas Mavericks

  • 2024-25 document: 25-22

  • Earlier rating: 11

  • Subsequent video games: @ NO (Jan. 29), @ DET (Jan. 31), @ CLE (Feb. 2), @ PHI (Feb. 4)

Klay Thompson‘s 21-point explosion within the first quarter of Monday’s blowout win over the Wizards was greater than he had scored in his earlier three video games mixed. He matched a franchise document and his personal this season by making seven 3-pointers within the quarter. “You do this, it reminds you that there is greatness nonetheless inside you,” Thompson mentioned postgame. — MacMahon

14. Phoenix Suns

  • 2024-25 document: 24-21

  • Earlier rating: 19

  • Subsequent video games: vs. MIN (Jan. 29), @ GS (Jan. 31), @ POR (Feb. 1), @ POR (Feb. 3)

Benched heart Jusuf Nurkic brought about some waves final week when he advised the Arizona Republic that he and coach Mike Budenholzer “haven’t got a relationship.” However it’s onerous to argue with Budenholzer’s religion in newly-acquired large man Nick Richards. Since buying and selling with Charlotte for Richards earlier this month, the Suns are 4-1 and he has slot in swimmingly — averaging 11.8 factors on 62.9% taking pictures and 11.2 rebounds. — McMenamin

15. Sacramento Kings

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday the Kings are anticipated to open up talks to commerce De’Aaron Fox earlier than subsequent Thursday’s deadline, which might take Sacramento in a unique path. At present constructed to win now with veteran starters DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings may have a troublesome time changing Fox who’s averaging 25.2 factors and 6.2 assists. Sacramento’s resolution has a ripple impact on the Hawks, who get the Kings’ first-round choose from the Kevin Huerter commerce if it lands outdoors the highest 12 picks. — Kevin Pelton

16. Detroit Pistons

  • 2024-25 document: 23-23

  • Earlier rating: 18

  • Subsequent video games: @ IND (Jan. 29), vs. DAL (Jan. 31), vs. CHI (Feb. 2), vs. ATL (Feb. 3)

Since their five-game successful streak to start out January, the Pistons have been not more than two video games in both path from .500. A formidable pair of wins final week at Houston and Atlanta had been adopted by extra disappointing performances in a loss at Orlando and a 19-point defeat Monday towards the East-leading Cavaliers. After wrapping up their five-game journey Wednesday in Indiana, Detroit can be dwelling via the All-Star break. — Pelton

17. Miami Warmth

With Jimmy Butler now suspended via the commerce deadline, the Warmth will get a 10-day respite from the nonstop drama surrounding their star ahead. The query continues to be the identical one which has lingered over the franchise for months: Will there be an acceptable deal for Butler by 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 6, or will this standoff drag on for the remainder of the season and into the summer time? — Bontemps

18. Orlando Magic

On Saturday, the Magic had their high three gamers (Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner) obtainable on the similar time for a sport since October, they usually ended a five-game dropping streak with a win over Detroit. The great well being was short-lived: Suggs subsequently sat out Monday due to a quadriceps contusion as Orlando misplaced a double-overtime heartbreaker in Miami. The Magic are 16-9 with a plus-4.2 differential within the 25 video games Suggs and Wagner have performed collectively, regardless of Banchero sitting out the vast majority of them. — Pelton

19. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are in the midst of a stretch through which they play eight of 9 video games at dwelling however have misplaced three of the primary six video games in that span. Stephen Curry has mentioned that this stretch might “make or break” the Warriors’ season as they attempt to keep above water with out Draymond Inexperienced and Jonathan Kuminga. Inexperienced (calf) has been cleared to return to apply later this week, however Kuminga can be out for no less than one other two weeks after injuring his ankle on Jan. 4. The Warriors, who beat Utah on Tuesday, host Oklahoma Metropolis, Phoenix and Orlando. Following that, Golden State performs seven consecutive highway video games and will not return to Chase Middle till after the All-Star break. — Youngmisuk

20. San Antonio Spurs

  • 2024-25 document: 20-23

  • Earlier rating: 21

  • Subsequent video games: vs. LAC (Jan. 29), vs. MIL (Jan. 31), vs. MIA (Feb. 1), @ MEM (Feb. 3)

    • Losers of 4 of their final 5, San Antonio hosts former Spur Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers on Wednesday at Frost Financial institution Middle. The Spurs must be well-rested after spending final week in Paris for 2 video games towards Indiana, which included a 38-point loss through which San Antonio coughed up a season-high 24 turnovers. Victor Wembanyama scored solely three factors on three field-goal makes an attempt within the second half. However he has produced three consecutive showings with no less than 20 factors and 10 rebounds, one shy from tying a career-high 4 straight outings placing up these numbers. — Wright

    21. Atlanta Hawks

    • 2024-25 document: 22-25

    • Earlier rating: 16

    • Subsequent video games: @ CLE (Jan. 30), @ IND (Feb. 1), @ DET (Feb. 3), vs. SA (Feb. 5)

    Atlanta has taken six straight losses since beating the defending champion Celtics on the highway in extra time. How unhealthy has the Hawks’ offense been in that span? The Hawks be part of the tanking Nets and Wizards as the one groups to attain lower than 100 factors per 100 possessions over the previous 5 outings. To be truthful, Trae Younger sat out Monday in a loss towards the Wolves, however that also does not clarify the Hawks’ struggles. De’Andre Hunter had a career-best 35 factors towards Minnesota, however the Hawks will want different gamers stepping as much as keep in competition. — Herring

    22. Philadelphia 76ers

    • 2024-25 document: 18-27

    • Earlier rating: 23

    • Subsequent video games: vs. SAC (Jan. 29), vs. DEN (Jan. 31), vs. BOS (Feb. 2), vs. DAL (Feb. 4)

    To indicate how weak the underside of the Jap Convention is: The 76ers misplaced seven video games in a row earlier this month earlier than pulling off back-to-back victories over the Cavaliers and Bulls and gained a sport on the Tenth-place Bulls in that span. For this reason the continued perception is that irrespective of how onerous Philadelphia tries, it is in all probability going to stay within the struggle for a play-in spot till the top of the season. — Bontemps

    23. Chicago Bulls

    • 2024-25 document: 20-27

    • Earlier rating: 22

    • Subsequent video games: @ BOS (Jan. 29), @ TOR (Jan. 31), @ DET (Feb. 2), vs. MIA (Feb. 4)

    The Bulls picked up an upset victory over the Nuggets this week earlier than heading out on a three-game journey, which takes them via Boston, Toronto and Detroit. However the Bulls are anticipated to be with out their main scorer Zach LaVine, who will sit out the journey for private causes. LaVine’s spouse posted on social media that she’s anticipating the start of their third little one. — Collier

    24. Portland Path Blazers

    • 2024-25 document: 18-29

    • Earlier rating: 24

    • Subsequent video games: vs. ORL (Jan. 30), vs. PHX (Feb. 1), vs. PHX (Feb. 3), vs. IND (Feb. 4)

    The Blazers’ four-game successful streak, together with an ideal 3-0 journey to the Southeast, was their longest since beginning the 2022-23 season 4-0 when Damian Lillard led the best way. Even the loss that ended the streak was spectacular: a 10-point loss at dwelling to the league-leading Thunder. It is no coincidence the uptick got here with Deni Avdija‘s return to the lineup. Avdija averaged 19.0 factors, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and a pair of.0 steals in these 5 video games. After combining for less than 17 factors in his first three video games again on the bench, all wins, Scoot Henderson had 25 towards Oklahoma Metropolis. — Pelton

    25. Toronto Raptors

    • 2024-25 document: 14-32

    • Earlier rating: 29

    • Subsequent video games: @ WAS (Jan. 29), vs. CHI (Jan. 31), vs. LAC (Feb. 2), vs. NYK (Feb. 4)

    After beating New Orleans on Monday night time, Toronto has now gained six of its final seven video games, together with sweeping a two-game sequence in Atlanta and beating the defending champion Celtics. It has been a pleasant uptick in type for a Raptors crew that gained solely two video games in December and is once more with out Immanuel Quickley, this time due to a left hip pressure. — Bontemps

    26. Brooklyn Nets

    It has been powerful sledding for Brooklyn, which has misplaced seven straight — and 12 of its previous 13 — heading right into a Wednesday matchup with the Hornets. Middle Nic Claxton has struggled this season and is amid a career-worst 54.0% in effectivity taking pictures from the sector. However with the Nets in a rebuilding season, the younger large has proven nice potential and instincts. — Herring

    27. Charlotte Hornets

    • 2024-25 document: 12-31

    • Earlier rating: 26

    • Subsequent video games: vs. BKN (Jan. 29), vs. LAC (Jan. 31), vs. DEN (Feb. 1), vs. WAS (Feb. 3)

    The crew had a unique main scorer for every of its previous 4 video games, a constructive for a membership whose main scorer, LaMelo Ball, averages upward of 28 factors. The Hornets, now second-to-last within the Jap Convention standings, can desperately use some growth past Ball’s means to attain; notably with second-year wing Brandon Miller out indefinitely due to a wrist damage. — Herring

    28. New Orleans Pelicans

    New Orleans completed its most up-to-date three-game journey winless, after cobbling collectively 4 straight victories earlier than the beginning of the trek. The Pelicans face a banged-up Dallas squad Wednesday with Zion Williamson coming off back-to-back video games with 28 factors or extra with seven-plus rebounds. Brandon Ingram, a mainstay in trade-deadline rumors, hasn’t performed since Dec. 7 (left ankle sprain), and it does not seem he’ll be again quickly. New Orleans is 4-22 this season towards sub-.500 groups with an upcoming schedule that features the Mavericks, Celtics and two highway clashes towards the Nuggets. — Wright

    29. Utah Jazz

    Veteran energy ahead/heart John Collins does not play usually as of late, however his uncommon performances have not diminished commerce curiosity in him. Collins performed in solely two video games throughout Utah’s 3-14 stretch getting into Tuesday night time’s matchup with the Warriors through which Collins sat out. He averaged 23.0 factors, 10.5 rebounds and a pair of.0 blocks whereas taking pictures 62.1% from the sector in his two appearances over the previous month. — MacMahon

    30. Washington Wizards

    • 2024-25 document: 6-39

    • Earlier rating: 30

    • Subsequent video games: vs. TOR (Jan. 29), vs. LAL (Jan. 30), @ MIN (Feb. 1), @ CHA (Feb. 3)

    Washington has misplaced 14 straight video games and has gained a complete of solely 21 video games for the reason that starting of final season. Kyle Kuzma indicated he wished to be extra aggressive, which implies not becoming into the franchise’s path of growing its younger prospects. After having 30 factors and 11 rebounds in a 119-109 loss at Phoenix on Saturday, Kuzma advised reporters, “I simply determined to be myself and not likely simply attempt to match into all the things that we’re doing right here, and simply actually performed within the second.” Maybe Kuzma can be extra open to commerce discussions this time than he was final season on the deadline. — Youngmisuk

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