The NBA has resumed its schedule after the All-Star break. Just one-third of the season is left earlier than the playoffs begin. Whereas there will probably be loads of drama for a lot of the seeding, the highest of every convention is mainly settled with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Earlier than they might even play a recreation, the San Antonio Spurs obtained devastating information. Victor Wembanyama will probably be out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder blood clot. That knocked him out of eligibility for a DPOY he was going to run away with.
The New York Knicks additionally had a tough week with blowout losses to the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. They’d an opportunity to make a press release and as a substitute confirmed the huge hole between them and the perfect groups within the East.
In the meantime, the Los Angeles Lakers did not miss their probability to ship a message. They blew out the Denver Nuggets with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. They confirmed them that this is not the identical squad they’ve beforehand owned over time.
All through the 2024-25 season, Thunder Wire will conduct weekly NBA energy rankings. Right here is the most recent version for the Feb. 17-23 week:
30. Washington Wizards (9-47)
Earlier Rating: 30
The Wizards have misplaced six in a row. They have been one of many worst groups. Whereas numb to losses, it doubtless stung a bit extra once they misplaced to Kyle Kuzma and the Bucks by three factors. Khris Middleton tried to tie it on the buzzer however his 3-pointer missed.
Earlier Rating: 29
The Pelicans will head into the lottery. It has been an injury-plagued season. And even when Zion Williamson has been wholesome, he hasn’t modified their fortune. To additional show New Orleans has given up on the 12 months, it waived Javonte Inexperienced so he may signal with a contender for the playoffs.
28. Charlotte Hornets (14-41)
Earlier Rating: 28
The Hornets suffered an embarrassing 53-point loss to the Path Blazers. They have been unhealthy this season. The Mark Williams non-trade hoopla and the fixed complaints about it from Charlotte present how massive of a clown present it has been for many of its existence.
27. Toronto Raptors (18-39)
Earlier Rating: 26
Already unhealthy, the Raptors have had a tricky post-All-Star break schedule. Losses to the Cavaliers and the Warmth proceed to drop their document. They have been one of many worst groups. The one factor left to sit up for is Brandon Ingram’s debut as he recovers from an ankle sprain.
26. Utah Jazz (14-42)
Earlier Rating: 27
Regardless of their document, the Jazz have performed strong basketball over the past week. They pressured the Clippers to beat them in time beyond regulation and upset the Rockets. Keyonte George had 30 factors off the bench towards Houston. Whereas Utah hopes so as to add a blue-chip prospect, it has some good items already.
25. Philadelphia 76ers (20-36)
Earlier Rating: 23
It could be time to surrender on the Sixers. They’ve misplaced seven in a row. It feels like Joel Embiid might want to have surgical procedure once more. Despite the fact that they’re nonetheless inside putting distance of the tenth seed, Philly followers have begged them to drag the plug and hope to get a top-six choose.
Earlier Rating: 24
The Bulls have misplaced six in a row. Their dropping streak has stored the Sixers’ season alive. Each groups will combat for the tenth spot the remainder of the best way. They suffered shut losses to the Knicks and Suns. At the very least Josh Giddey continues to point out out in MSG with 27 factors and 16 rebounds.
23. Brooklyn Nets (21-35)
Earlier Rating: 25
After hoping to tank, the Nets might discover themselves within the postseason image. A mixture of a foul East and a 7-3 stretch over the past 10 video games has put them proper again within the play-in race. Nic Claxton scored a game-winner towards the Sixers. Whereas Brooklyn doubtless hoped to get a excessive lottery choose, it is robust to complain about successful basketball. Exhibits that Jordi Fernandez is a strong head coach.
22. San Antonio Spurs (24-31)
Earlier Rating: 20
No person has been hit tougher with unhealthy information for the reason that All-Star break than the Spurs. Earlier than they even performed their first recreation, Victor Wembanyama was shockingly dominated out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder blood clot. That is a scary harm that hopefully stays remoted. Gregg Popovich can even be out the remainder of the season after he suffered a stroke in November. Hopefully, he makes the perfect resolution for his well being. Simply an terrible week for San Antonio.
21. Portland Path Blazers (24-33)
Earlier Rating: 22
The Path Blazers have performed strong for the final two months. It is a disgrace they’re within the West as a result of they’re nonetheless far-off from the postseason image. But it surely’s good to see them play good basketball for the primary time in years. They collected a franchise-record 141-88 win over the Hornets. Toumani Camara has been a defensive beast and has gained nationwide notoriety.
Earlier Rating: 18
The Suns snapped a four-game dropping streak with a win over the Bulls. It was a much-needed win for his or her postseason hopes and vibes. Simply from studying physique language and reviews, Phoenix has the worst vibes in all the league. Barring a miracle playoff run, it is inevitable they will break up with Kevin Durant within the offseason.
Earlier Rating: 19
The Hawks’ sluggish slide within the standings has boiled over. After a loss to the Magic, Trae Younger known as out the officers for an unfair whistle. They then misplaced a high-scoring heartbreaker to the Pistons the place he had 38 factors and 13 assists. They hopefully can flip their season round as a result of Younger has had one other stellar season the place he is main the league in assists.
Earlier Rating: 21
The Warmth snapped a four-game dropping streak with an time beyond regulation win over the Raptors. Tyler Herro led the best way with 28 factors. One factor they’ll depend on is to be aggressive. Even after they traded Jimmy Butler, Miami may make the postseason.
17. Sacramento Kings (28-28)
Earlier Rating: 16
A blowout loss to the Warriors has triggered interim coach Doug Christie to carry a group assembly. After a sizzling begin to his tenure, the Kings are again to being a foul squad. Despite the fact that they traded De’Aaron Fox, they nonetheless wish to profit from this season however an excessive amount of chaos from simply this 12 months will doubtless damage that. Transferring on from a head coach and franchise star will try this to any franchise.
16. Orlando Magic (29-30)
Earlier Rating: 17
After struggling for the previous month, the Magic have discovered a rhythm. They’ve received three of their final 4 video games. Paolo Banchero seemed the perfect since his return from harm with 36 factors towards the Hawks. If Orlando hopes to make noise within the playoffs, Banchero should step up.
Earlier Rating: 14
The Pistons have received six in a row. They’ve had one in every of their finest seasons in years. Cade Cunningham has performed like an All-NBA participant. He had 38 factors and 12 assists in a 148-143 win over the Hawks. Out of all of the surprises this season, Detroit has been the largest one. No person may’ve seen this coming.
14. Golden State Warriors (30-27)
Earlier Rating: 15
After internet hosting All-Star weekend, the Warriors are again to enterprise. Butler’s novelty has given them a pleasant morale increase. They blew out the Mavericks in an necessary recreation for standings functions. The remainder of the season will probably be about getting a top-four seed together with integrating him into their roster. Stephen Curry solely has a number of years left and Golden State cannot afford to waste a marketing campaign like this.
13. Dallas Mavericks (31-27)
Earlier Rating: 13
The video games and vibes across the Mavericks have been such an oxymoron since they traded Luka Doncic. They’ve received three of their final 4 video games regardless of being hampered by accidents. However none of that issues if Anthony Davis cannot keep wholesome. He is missed time with an adductor pressure and all updates have been very ominous. They do not wish to take into consideration this, but when he cannot come again this season, it will be an utter catastrophe.
12. Indiana Pacers (32-23)
Earlier Rating: 10
The Pacers proceed to thoughts their very own enterprise and accumulate wins. They might be a playoff risk after a sluggish begin. Whereas no person stands out because the undisputed franchise star, they’ve a pleasant group of gamers the place anyone can go off on any night time. There’s worth in that within the common season.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (31-27)
Earlier Rating: 11
It is fascinating to see the Timberwolves play with out Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. Compelled to go small, they play a a lot faster tempo and provides Naz Reid extra alternatives that he is taken benefit of. Anthony Edwards would be the face of Minnesota’s offense, however enjoying with out the 2 bigs offers it a novel identification that is had first rate outcomes.
Earlier Rating: 9
The Clippers had a three-game win streak snapped in a loss to the Bucks. Additionally they misplaced to the Pacers as Kawhi Leonard sat out. They’re hoping to keep away from the play-in event and are a part of a jumble of groups in that vary of the standings. James Harden has had a bounce-back season.
9. Milwaukee Bucks (32-24)
Earlier Rating: 12
The Bucks visited Middleton and the Wizards for the primary time since he was traded. It was a sentimental outing contemplating all the things he is performed for the franchise. That stated, Milwaukee was pressured to make the transfer because it was in a win-now window with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Additionally they misplaced Bobby Portis for 25 video games attributable to a suspension.
Earlier Rating: 8
The Rockets had fairly the back-to-back popping out of the All-Star break. They beat the Timberwolves in a powerful win as Jalen Inexperienced dropped 35 factors. The subsequent day, they misplaced to the Jazz. Houston continues to go up and down within the final month and is now in fifth place within the West.
7. New York Knicks (37-20)
Earlier Rating: 7
The Knicks will be the fakest contenders within the league. In one other probability to get a resume win, they suffered a blowout loss to the Celtics. They’re now winless towards the perfect three groups within the league the Cavaliers, Thunder and Celtics. New York may win a playoff sequence, however there is a clear hole between it and the cream of the crop. Such a disappointing end result contemplating the loud offseason that they had.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (37-20)
Earlier Rating: 5
Quite a lot of dialogue about Ja Morant’s long-term future occurred this week. After being rumored to be probably moved within the offseason, Memphis’ GM got here out to dispel that. We’ll see. Do not suppose it is a coincidence that they’ve gone away from him being their franchise participant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has usurped him this season. In the event that they fail within the playoffs, there might be some main shakeups.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (34-21)
Earlier Rating: 6
Be careful for the Lakers. They could be again. Because of Luka Doncic’s finest recreation since he was traded, they exorcised their Denver demons with a lopsided win over the Nuggets. It simply reveals that no matter you consider Los Angeles will probably be thrown out the window. Doncic modifications the franchise’s trajectory for this season and the long-term future.
4. Denver Nuggets (37-20)
Earlier Rating: 4
The Nuggets had a nine-game win streak snapped with a uncommon loss to the Lakers. Afterward, Nikola Jokic puzzled if the prolonged win streak had extra to do with the basement dwellers they confronted than them truly turning round their season. It is a bit dramatic to counsel that however the Lakers made it recognized they might be a risk to Denver with their new-look squad.
3. Boston Celtics (41-16)
Earlier Rating: 3
Despite the fact that they will doubtless accept the second seed, the Celtics proceed to be a preferred choose to repeat as champions. They’ve received 5 straight. Straightforward to see why once they dominate the Knicks. The one actual threats to dethrone Boston are the Thunder and Cavaliers. And even within the latter’s case, the Celtics have had their quantity.
2. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (46-10)
Earlier Rating: 1
The Thunder have mainly locked the primary seed. Meaning the remainder of the common season will probably be about getting Chet Holmgren again to regular. He seemed the half of their blowout win over the Jazz with 20 factors and towards the Timberwolves in a detailed win with 19 factors. Coming off a three-month absence, OKC hopes Holmgren can return to type by the playoffs.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (47-10)
Earlier Rating: 2
The Cavaliers have received seven in a row. They dominated the Knicks in a 142-105 win and beat the Grizzlies in a detailed contest. They have not slowed down regardless of the All-Star break. They have been the only real group to ship three representatives to the weekend occasion. Cleveland has been a traditionally dominating group and may enter the playoffs as an NBA Finals favourite with its offense.
This text initially appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Energy Rankings: Wemby out for season; LeBron, Luka beat Nuggets
