Thunder Wire NBA energy rankings
The 2024-25 common season is formally over. Like most years, Sunday’s finale had a March Insanity really feel. A number of high-stakes video games had been performed on the identical time. 10 groups had been despatched residence for the yr and solely 20 stay as this week will see the play-in match play out to finish the total NBA playoff image.
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It is solely becoming that the LA Clippers and Golden Staten Warriors fought it out on a nationwide stage. Because the final sport left, the Clippers outlasted the Warriors to clinch a playoff spot. That sends Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler to the dangerous play-in vary.
In a season full of surprising mid-season strikes, the Denver Nuggets fired Michael Malone with lower than per week left within the common season. Essentially the most achieved head coach in franchise historical past was booted as they believed that they had an opportunity at a playoff run.
This previous week additionally featured Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas for the primary time since he was shockingly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Feelings had been excessive and he scored a season-high 45 factors in a blowout win. Dallas Mavericks followers spent the entire sport chanting for GM Nico Harrison to get fired.
All through the 2024-25 season, Thunder Wire will conduct weekly NBA energy rankings. Right here is the most recent version for the Apr. 7-13 week:
30. Utah Jazz (17-65)
Apr 11, 2025; Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz ahead Brice Sensabaugh (28) tries to get previous Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) throughout the second half at Delta Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 30
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Basketball gods, please give the Jazz a excessive draft choose. They have been directionless for years and are reaching some extent the place the fixed dangerous years aren’t value it. Utah bottomed out for the primary time this season and put out a nasty product hoping so as to add a premier expertise like Cooper Flagg.
29. Washington Wizards (18-64)
Apr 13, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Warmth guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) defends Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (8) throughout the second half at Kaseya Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Rhona Sensible-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 29
It is solely becoming for the Wizards to get the NBA’s second-worst report. All this was intentional as they began over final season. Washington enters the draft lottery with excessive odds to land one other blue-chip prospect. Alex Sarr had an honest yr contemplating the circumstances however this yr’s class is infinitely higher.
28. Charlotte Hornets (19-63)
Apr 13, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Charlotte Hornets heart Jusuf Nurkic (11) shoots throughout the second half in opposition to the Boston Celtics at TD Backyard. Obligatory Credit score: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 28
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The Hornets are again in acquainted territory. Let’s face it, they have been a historic loser for many of their franchise historical past. Nothing goes to vary in Charlotte with the present regime. At this level, LaMelo Ball possible will not be the franchise savior they hoped for as fixed accidents and dangerous playstyle have hampered him. Only a dangerous tradition there.
27. New Orleans Pelicans (21-61)
Apr 13, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) dribbles in opposition to Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) throughout the second half at Smoothie King Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen Lew-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 27
In all probability, the Pelicans will clear the home. They want a contemporary begin after a disastrous season. Even accounting for accidents, there is not any cause for them to be as lifeless as they had been all yr. Zion Williamson is one other one in all these franchise gamers whose sturdiness is a significant concern and it is reached some extent of persistence working skinny.
26. Philadelphia 76ers (24-58)
Apr 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) drives to shoot in opposition to the Chicago Bulls within the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Kyle Ross-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 26
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Mission achieved. The Sixers will finish the season with top-five lottery odds. The odds favor them to maintain their top-six protected choose. They pivoted to that being their prime objective as soon as they realized Joel Embiid would not be wholesome sufficient to salvage their season. Philly wants a shot within the arm and a blue-chip prospect might simply be that to save lots of one of many NBA’s worst conditions with an costly and outdated roster.
25. Brooklyn Nets (26-56)
Apr 13, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets heart Nic Claxton (33) goes to the basket after the sport New York Knicks ahead Valuable Achiuwa (5) throughout the second half at Barclays Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 25
The Nets will want some lottery luck. They’re ranging from the bottom up with prospects. Jordi Fernandez did a wonderful job as a head coach by squeezing each drop of juice from his roster. That is each a blessing and a curse because it might jeopardize Brooklyn’s possibilities so as to add its first prime participant. The roster leaves quite a bit to need full of journeymen and non-NBA gamers.
24. Toronto Raptors (30-52)
Apr 9, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors ahead Scottie Barnes (4) shoots in opposition to Charlotte Hornets guard DaQuan Jeffries (3) throughout the third quarter at Scotiabank Area. Obligatory Credit score: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 24
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Every part mentioned concerning the Nets might be mentioned concerning the Raptors, too. They wished to be dangerous however a strong coach and a greater roster made it not possible to be a basement dweller. They’ll no less than get enthusiastic about Brandon Ingram. He was added on the commerce deadline however an ankle sprain has delayed his debut till subsequent season. He has an injection to assist with the rehab course of.
23. San Antonio Spurs (34-48)
Apr 13, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Fort (5) appears to be like to the scoreboard throughout the second half in opposition to the Toronto Raptors at Frost Financial institution Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Scott Wachter-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 23
The Spurs entered the season with postseason aspirations. As a substitute, accidents derailed that. Victor Wembanyama was the headliner in that unlucky division as a blood clot price him the post-All-Star break. No less than San Antonio will possible take residence one other Rookie of the 12 months award with Stephon Fort. He is performed higher in current months with a much bigger function.
22. Portland Path Blazers (36-46)
Apr 13, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Path Blazers heart Donovan Clingan (23) blocks Los Angeles Lakers heart Trey Jemison III (55) within the second half at Moda Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 22
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The Path Blazers did not make the postseason however performed their finest stretch in years. They’ve a strong mixture of younger gamers and veterans. Deni Avdija was higher than anyone might’ve anticipated. Shaedone Sharpe and Scoot Henderson took steps in the fitting route. For his or her constructive momentum, Chauncey Billups was rewarded with an extension on the ultimate day of the season.
21. Phoenix Suns (36-46)
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles previous Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) throughout the first half at Footprint Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 21
The Suns had been lastly put out of their distress. Their postseason hopes had been on life assist this previous week and the short-handed Thunder lastly pulled the plug. Phoenix ended some of the disappointing seasons the NBA has seen in recent times. Anticipate Kevin Durant to possible be traded this offseason because the Suns are in a wasteland occupied by a horrible and costly roster with a delusional proprietor.
20. Miami Warmth (37-45)
Apr 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Miami Warmth guard Tyler Herro (14) brings the ball up court docket in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans throughout the first half at Smoothie King Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen Lew-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 20
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The Warmth have performed higher in these final two weeks. They’re again in a well-recognized spot as a play-in workforce. In a preview to their ninth vs. tenth matchup this week, they misplaced to the Bulls regardless of Tyler Herro’s 30 factors. It was a pleasant tune-up for his or her upcoming week’s rematch with their season on the road. Miami hopes for the other outcome.
19. Sacramento Kings (40-42)
Apr 13, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings ahead DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles in opposition to the Phoenix Suns throughout the second quarter at Golden 1 Middle. Obligatory Credit score: John Hefti-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 18
The Kings limp their manner into the play-in match. The sweetness is that they solely must get scorching for 2 video games to make the playoffs. The ugliness is that they have been a strolling carcass of a franchise that refuses to remain useless. Sacramento will want the whole lot to go proper in its play-in video games, together with DeMar DeRozan to step up as a clutch participant.
18. Atlanta Hawks (40-42)
Apr 11, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Hawks ahead Zaccharie Risacher (10) dunks in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers within the third quarter at Wells Fargo Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Kyle Ross-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 20
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The Hawks are again within the play-in match. This can be a spot they need to be used to. Atlanta has had one other strong season with an excellent combination of veterans and youth. Zaccharie Risacher would not get the identical love as different rookies however he scored a career-high 38 factors in a win over the Nets.
17. Chicago Bulls (39-43)
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) reacts after making a 3 level basket in opposition to the Miami Warmth throughout the second half at United Middle. Obligatory Credit score: David Banks-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 17
The Bulls are one other workforce caught in play-in purgatory. No less than they’ve performed a enjoyable model of basketball since Zach LaVine was traded. One participant they need to be enthusiastic about is Josh Giddey. He turned a self-gamble into an incoming good-looking extension. He is been a triple-double machine for the reason that All-Star break and can get an opportunity to guide Chicago to a playoff spot.
16. Dallas Mavericks (39-43)
Apr 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks ahead Anthony Davis (3) comes out of the sport throughout the second half in opposition to the Toronto Raptors on the American Airways Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 16
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A nightmarish season added its newest chapter. The Mavericks welcomed again Luka Doncic of their blowout loss to the Lakers. It was the primary time he returned to Dallas since he was shockingly traded. Feelings crammed the world because the celebrity cried throughout his tribute video and the gang chanted for Nico Harrison to be fired. It has been two months for the reason that deal went down. The ramifications of will probably be felt for the subsequent decade.
15. Orlando Magic (41-41)
Apr 9, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic ahead Franz Wagner (22) goes to the basket in opposition to Boston Celtics ahead Sam Hauser (30) throughout the second quarter at Kia Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Mike Watters-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 15
Caught within the play-in vary, the Magic have gotten scorching on the proper time. They’ve received 5 of their final six video games. Even with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner again, Orlando has struggled to supply factors with one of many worst offenses. They’ll salvage their season with a play-in win and be a attainable first-round risk.
14. Detroit Pistons (44-38)
Apr 10, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) controls the ball subsequent to New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) throughout the second half at Little Caesars Area. Obligatory Credit score: David Reginek-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 14
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The Pistons put the ultimate touches to their finest common season in a decade. Cade Cunningham’s ascension headlined their turnaround as he’ll possible earn All-NBA nods. They’re going to face off in opposition to the Knicks within the first spherical. That might be an thrilling sequence. Detroit has revamped its tradition from a recognized loser to a pesky opponent.
13. Memphis Grizzlies (48-34)
Apr 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) throughout the second quarter in opposition to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Area. Obligatory Credit score: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 13
It has been a tumultuous month for the Grizzlies. They fireplace Taylor Jenkins and Ja Morant is again into getting in hassle with the NBA for his celebration gestures. On the precise court docket, they’ve slid down the standings and are caught within the play-in match. Such a disappointment contemplating they flirted with the second seed for many of the season. Memphis should advance previous the play-in if it desires to make the playoffs.
12. Indiana Pacers (50-32)
Apr 10, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the ball within the second half in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Obligatory Credit score: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 11
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The Pacers’ first-round opponent is ready. Put together for the Bucks. They’re going to have a homecourt benefit with the fourth seed. Indiana has gone beneath the radar all season. It may not play essentially the most fashionable model of basketball however it has been an upper-echelon squad for many of the yr with an excellent group of gamers led by Tyrese Haliburton.
11. Denver Nuggets (50-32)
Apr 13, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) talks to heart Nikola Jokic (15) on the finish of the Houston Rockets timeout within the second quarter at Toyota Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Thomas Shea-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 8
Discuss surprising. Wow. This season was full of a number of jaw-dropping mid-season transactions. The Nuggets had the final one. Days earlier than the playoffs, they fired Michael Malone and Calvin Sales space. David Adelman would be the interim coach. That is an unprecedented transfer. No one has ever been fired this late within the common season. This can be a Hail Mary try by Denver to salvage Nikola Jokic’s finest season. Simply an unreal transfer that caught your complete NBA world’s consideration.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (48-34)
Apr 10, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket in opposition to New Orleans Pelicans heart Kylor Kelley (35) within the third quarter at Fiserv Discussion board. Obligatory Credit score: Benny Sieu-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 12
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The Bucks enter the playoffs with a scorching streak with eight straight wins. Even with out Damian Lillard, Milwaukee’s function gamers have stepped as much as assist Giannis Antetokounmpo. They’re going to face the Pacers within the first spherical. That needs to be an thrilling sequence contemplating how their 4 video games went within the common season. Hopefully, Lillard shall be cleared of his blood clots by then.
9. New York Knicks (51-31)
Apr 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks heart Karl-Anthony Cities (32) reacts throughout the first half in opposition to the Boston Celtics at Madison Sq. Backyard. Obligatory Credit score: John Jones-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 7
The Knicks would be the widespread alternative as an upset elimination. It is simple to see why. They went winless in 10 video games in opposition to the Thunder, Cavaliers and Celtics. Whereas Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Cities have lived as much as their hype on offense, their protection has taken a step again from final yr. New York enters the playoffs with little momentum. Anticipate quite a lot of people to select the Pistons of their playoff sequence.
8. Golden State Warriors (48-34)
Apr 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) argues with referee Kevin Scott (24) in opposition to the LA Clippers throughout extra time at Chase Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Robert Edwards-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 6
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In a pseudo-playoff matchup, the Warriors could not do sufficient in a win-and-you’re-in sport in opposition to the Clippers within the regular-season finale. Stephen Curry had 36 factors and Jimmy Butler had 30 factors however Golden State nonetheless fell at residence and can now be within the harmful play-in match. It hopes to beat the Grizzlies and get a good playoff matchup in opposition to the Rockets.
7. LA Clippers (50-32)
Apr 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) and ahead Jimmy Butler III (10) defend in opposition to LA Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard (2) throughout the first quarter at Chase Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Robert Edwards-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 10
The Clippers enter the playoffs with the entire momentum. James Harden had 39 factors and Kawhi Leonard had 33 factors to keep away from the play-in and clinch a first-round date in opposition to the Nuggets. The 2 multi-time All-Star gamers have performed their finest basketball over the past month. LA might be a risk to make the second spherical with its present setup.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33)
Apr 13, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) taunts the Utah Jazz bench after scoring a three-point basket within the fourth quarter at Goal Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Blewett-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 9
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Girl luck was on the Timberwolves’ aspect. A consequential sixteenth technical foul was rescinded for Anthony Edwards. That helped him dodge a one-game suspension within the finale in opposition to the Jazz. Seems, Minnesota wanted him because it barely prevented a doomsday loss. They’ll face the Lakers within the first spherical in an electrical sequence full of star names.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (50-32)
Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a play in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder throughout the second half at Paycom Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 5
On the lookout for a demoralizing second win over the Thunder, the Lakers performed their prime gamers. They did not get the outcome they wished however can clarify it away with Luka Doncic’s ejection. Regardless of a break up, they despatched their message to the title favourite. Los Angeles enters the playoffs as a preferred option to make the NBA Finals with LeBron James and Doncic being the very best celebrity duo on the sector.
4. Houston Rockets (52-30)
Apr 13, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets ahead Amen Thompson (1) dunks in opposition to Denver Nuggets heart Nikola Jokic (15) within the second quarter at Toyota Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Thomas Shea-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 4
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With the second seed locked up, the Rockets spent most of their week resting their starters. They threw a curveball of their finale in opposition to the Nuggets after they performed their common gamers. It took some time, however a scorching end to the season has given Houston the nationwide credit score it is earned. They may not have a bonafide All-Star participant however shall be a tricky out within the playoffs due to their protection.
Apr 11, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics heart Kristaps Porzingis (8) shoots over Charlotte Hornets ahead Josh Okogie (12) throughout the first half at TD Backyard. Obligatory Credit score: Eric Canha-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 1
The Celtics are primed for his or her title protection. They coasted by way of the common season however turned it up a notch on this closing month. These prime three groups have separated themselves from the remainder of the pack. That mentioned, Jaylen Brown’s knee issues have to be unsettling to listen to. He lately had an injection for ache tolerance. He have to be wholesome within the playoffs if Boston desires to repeat as NBA champions.
Apr 11, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers heart Jarrett Allen (31) grabs a rebound in opposition to New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) in entrance of Cavaliers ahead Evan Mobley (4) throughout the second quarter at Madison Sq. Backyard. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Penner-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 3
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The Cavaliers have been the very best or second-best workforce within the NBA record-wise. They’re going to enter the playoffs because the runaway first seed. In the event that they go deep, it’s going to be as a result of their offense carries them by way of the gauntlet. Evan Mobley has taken the subsequent leap as a scorer this yr.
Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers throughout the first quarter at Paycom Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 2
Placing the ending touches of an MVP marketing campaign, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 factors in a press release win over the Lakers. That was his closing sport of the yr as he sat out the Thunder’s closing three video games. They’ll enter the playoffs because the title favourite with the very best report and finest level differential ever. Something wanting a championship could be considered as a disappointment.
This text initially appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Energy Rankings: Common season units playoffs, play-in match
