Because the calendar flips to March, the NBA is within the residence stretch of its 2024-25 common season. All 30 groups may have a jam-packed schedule the remainder of the way in which with simply six weeks left. Per common, there are many tight races with playoff seeding sans each conferences’ high spot.
The Philadelphia 76ers lastly waved the white flag on a depressing season. Joel Embiid was dominated out for the remainder of the yr with a knee harm that is plagued him. It is an ominous future for the previous MVP winner because the accidents have piled up.
In a showdown of the East’s high two groups, the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 22-point deficit of their finest win of the season in opposition to the Boston Celtics. Donovan Mitchell took over down the stretch as Boston melted away in a doable Japanese Convention Finals preview.
Talking of regular-season video games with a bit further juice, the Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic beat the Dallas Mavericks. It is the primary time the groups have met since Doncic was shockingly traded on the deadline. The deal continues to look terrible for Dallas as Anthony Davis misses time.
All through the 2024-25 season, Thunder Wire will conduct weekly NBA energy rankings. Right here is the newest version for the Feb. 24 – Mar. 2 week:
30. Washington Wizards (11-48)
Earlier Rating: 30
Contemplating their cushion within the reverse standings, the Wizards might get pleasure from their two wins from this previous week with out stressing over ruining their lottery odds. Bilal Coulibaly has scored double-digit factors in 4 straight video games. Participant improvement is all that issues the remainder of the way in which.
29. Charlotte Hornets (14-45)
Earlier Rating: 28
The Hornets have misplaced six in a row. They’ve rapidly plummeted down the standings. They misplaced to the Wizards in a matchup of the league’s two worst groups. Even with the poor document, no less than Charlotte is aware of LaMelo Ball is likely one of the finest gamers when wholesome with a stat-stuffing season.
28. Toronto Raptors (19-42)
Earlier Rating: 27
The Raptors have misplaced three in a row by double-digit factors. They perceive the mission. Moreover enhancing their lottery odds, the one intrigue left for his or her season is awaiting the debut of Brandon Ingrams. He was handed a good-looking extension that reveals Toronto sees him as a long-term piece.
Earlier Rating: 26
Even with the Jazz being one of many worst groups, a last-second win over a divisional rival is at all times enjoyable. Walker Kessler scored the go-ahead dunk in opposition to the Timberwolves to safe the upset. Utah has been within the basement all season however has surprisingly performed properly in opposition to higher groups.
26. New Orleans Pelicans (17-44)
Earlier Rating: 29
The Pelicans’ three-game win streak was snapped with a loss to the Suns. Earlier than that, Zion Williamson had his first profession triple-double in opposition to the identical Phoenix squad. Williamson and Trey Murphy III have been the one vivid spots of a misplaced New Orleans season.
Earlier Rating: 23
The Nets have misplaced 4 in a row. They flirted with being within the play-in event vary however have fallen again within the standings. That is what the Brooklyn entrance workplace needs because it hopes so as to add a blue-chip prospect this upcoming draft. Moreover that, Cam Thomas made his return from a prolonged absence this previous week.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (21-38)
Earlier Rating: 25
The Sixers pulled the plug when Joel Embiid was dominated out for the rest of the season with a knee harm. An injury-plagued season is lastly over for the previous MVP winner. The writing was on the wall when he was shut down and met with medical consultants. The remainder of the yr will probably be about Philadelphia holding its top-six protected decide.
Earlier Rating: 24
The hits maintain coming for the Bulls. They’ve struggled this previous month. They escaped with an additional time win over the Raptors that they desperately wanted to get. However afterward, Ayo Dosunmu was dominated out for the remainder of the season with shoulder surgical procedure. It is a brutal loss for Chicago’s rotation because it stays within the postseason image.
22. San Antonio Spurs (25-34)
Earlier Rating: 22
Nonetheless reminiscing on Victor Wembanyama’s loss, the Spurs lastly snapped a four-game shedding streak with an upset win over the Grizzlies. De’Aaron Fox hit the game-winner. San Antonio added him with the hopes he’d be Wembanyama’s co-star and might want to wait till subsequent season to see that materialize.
Earlier Rating: 20
It has been a disastrous season for the Suns. They’ve misplaced eight of their final 10 video games and have utterly fallen out of the postseason image. All people in Phoenix is simply ready on the inevitable Kevin Durant commerce this upcoming offseason. Contemplating their high expertise and hype, the Suns are probably the most disappointing groups in latest historical past.
20. Atlanta Hawks (27-33)
Earlier Rating: 19
In one other basic case of benefiting from being within the East, the Hawks stay within the thick of the postseason image regardless of their struggles. They’ve misplaced 5 of the final six video games however will possible be within the play-in event. Atlanta will want Trae Younger to place up online game numbers if it needs an opportunity to make noise within the playoffs.
19. Portland Path Blazers (27-34)
Earlier Rating: 21
The Path Blazers had a four-game win streak admirably snapped with an additional time loss to the Cavaliers. Shaedon Sharpe has taken the following leap as a scorer. His career-high 36 factors in a win over the Wizards had been highlighted with the most effective poster of the season. Portland’s younger guards have led its squad to among the finest data during the last two months.
18. Orlando Magic (29-33)
Earlier Rating: 16
As quickly because it felt just like the Magic prevented the harm bug, they had been hit with merciless harm information. Jalen Suggs will probably be sidelined for the foreseeable future due to knee surgical procedure. An injury-plagued season continues for Orlando as he joined Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as gamers with in depth absences.
17. Miami Warmth (28-31)
Earlier Rating: 18
The Warmth picked up two important wins over the Hawks and Pacers. They will play within the play-in event once more this season. The one query is that if they’re going to host a house recreation for it. Give Miami credit score; its retooled its roster round Tyler Herro and hasn’t missed a beat regardless of coping with drama all yr.
Earlier Rating: 17
The Kings have gained three in a row as Zach LaVine has seamlessly transitioned into their high scorer. They’re proper again within the postseason race. That stated, all eyes will probably be on Domantas Sabonis. He suffered a hamstring harm of their win over the Rockets. If he misses time, that may harm Sacramento’s aspirations.
15. Dallas Mavericks (32-29)
Earlier Rating: 13
A nightmare season continues to worsen for the Mavericks. All eyes within the NBA world had been on their journey to Los Angeles. It was the primary time they confronted Doncic as an opponent. It was a surreal scene for everyone concerned, as no one dared to think about a commerce like that occuring in the midst of the season. The deal’s fallout continues to be felt and will probably be felt for the foreseeable future.
Earlier Rating: 10
At this level, the Clippers should be apprehensive about Kawhi Leonard. The scoring numbers have dipped and he is seemed a step sluggish on protection. All of LA’s playoff hopes fall on his shoulders. They’ve struggled not too long ago, however that pales compared to Leonard’s subpar outing. They’re in severe hazard of falling into the play-in vary, too.
Earlier Rating: 11
The Timberwolves made franchise historical past. A 25-point comeback win over the Thunder marked the largest comeback victory Minnesota has ever skilled. With Anthony Edwards on the bench, the backup gamers slowly chipped away for the stunning win. Moreover that anomaly outcome, the Timberwolves have struggled. Edwards was suspended for reaching 16 technical fouls on the season.
12. Golden State Warriors (32-28)
Earlier Rating: 14
Since they added Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have performed with an additional pep of their step. The veteran squad wanted his arrival to herald some juice after an up-and-down begin to their season. Stephen Curry has felt rejuvenated as he scored 56 factors and shot 12-of-19 from the skin of their win over the Magic. They are a playoff sleeper.
Earlier Rating: 12
The Pacers hope to get a top-four seed for the playoffs. Whereas not ultimate, final yr’s run confirmed that seeding does not matter when a crew will get scorching on the proper time. Tyrese Haliburton had 33 factors and 11 assists in a win over the Raptors. Indiana wants that model of him the remainder of the way in which if it hopes to make postseason noise once more.
10. Detroit Pistons (34-27)
Earlier Rating: 15
The Pistons had an eight-game win streak snapped by the Nuggets. However that should not spoil what they’ve achieved this season. After being the league’s laughingstock during the last three years, Detroit’s turnaround is likely one of the NBA’s finest tales. Cade Cunningham has performed at an All-NBA stage. What he is achieved for that franchise deserves all of the reward.
Earlier Rating: 8
The Rockets picked up a resume win over the Bucks. Jalen Inexperienced had 25 factors within the shut victory. Houston is a part of the jumbled West the place it might rise to the second seed or fall as little as fifth place. It will be a good end between these 4 squads. Inexperienced will probably be a wildcard for the Rockets within the playoffs, as he is their finest hope of a go-to scorer.
Earlier Rating: 6
This previous week encapsulated what’s fallacious with the Grizzlies. Positive, they beat the cupcakes, however in opposition to contenders, they fail to get signature wins. Losses to the Cavaliers and Knicks confirmed that. Ja Morant had 29 factors in a high-scoring 151-148 additional time win over the Suns, exhibiting that Memphis wants him to play like that to have an opportunity.
Earlier Rating: 7
Every part stated concerning the Grizzlies will be utilized to the Knicks. Virtually as in the event that they’re mirror copies of one another throughout conferences. The Knicks haven’t any downside beating up on inferior groups however have at all times struggled to indicate up in opposition to counterparts just like the Cavaliers and Celtics. Possibly Mitchell Robinson’s return might change their fortune.
6. Milwaukee Bucks (34-25)
Earlier Rating: 9
The Bucks have discovered a movement, with six wins of their final seven video games. In a matchup of multi-time MVP winners, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 factors and 19 rebounds in a win over the Nuggets. They have been inconsistent this season, however Milwaukee has the championship pedigree and expertise to make a deep playoff run if all the things goes proper.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (38-21)
Earlier Rating: 5
The Lakers have been one of many hottest groups with six straight wins which have them again up because the second seed. What’s scary is Doncic hasn’t seemed like himself but. He scored 31 factors in a win over the Clippers. Los Angeles additionally prevented an harm scare when Austin Reaves suffered a calf harm. All people views the Lakers as a contender, and so they look the half since they modified their roster on the commerce deadline.
Earlier Rating: 4
Regardless that the Nuggets are within the dialog for the second seed, losses to the Celtics and Bucks this previous week proceed a disturbing development the place they struggled to indicate out in opposition to the league’s finest groups. Guess time will inform how legit this Denver squad is. That stated, Nikola Jokic continues his brilliance as he hopes to win MVP for the fourth time.
3. Boston Celtics (43-18)
Earlier Rating: 3
An entire meltdown in opposition to the Cavaliers embarrassed the Celtics on a nationwide stage. The reigning NBA champions have not been the butt of jokes for a while, however a 22-point collapse is worthy of it. Particularly after Jayson Tatum advised Cleveland to go residence within the first quarter simply to soften away an enormous lead. Alas, a win over the Nuggets served as some good medication for them to recover from the loss.
2. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (49-11)
Earlier Rating: 2
Just like the Celtics, the Thunder additionally embarrassed themselves, because of a historic collapse. Main by 25 factors, they need to’ve overwhelmed the Timberwolves. As a substitute, Minnesota clawed again into the sport with its bench lineup and surprised the OKC crowd. Alas, only a blip within the radar for the Thunder’s dominating season this yr. They may spend the remainder of the common season attempting to get Chet Holmgren again to kind, however an ankle sprain may cost a little them time.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (50-10)
Earlier Rating: 1
The Cavaliers proceed of their successful methods. After it seemed just like the Celtics had their quantity, Mitchell led the comeback win with 41 factors. Cleveland has gained 10 in a row, and largely all by blowouts. At this level, the season is just too outdated to be skeptical of their title odds. The Cavaliers ought to enter the playoffs as a heavy championship favourite.
This text initially appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Energy Rankings: Cavs have comeback vs Celtics; Embiid out for yr
