Thunder Wire NBA energy rankings
The 2024-25 common season enters its remaining week. Solely a handful of video games are left to find out the playoff image. For groups on the prime of the convention, it is about gaining homecourt benefit within the first spherical. For groups on the backside, it is about tanking for lottery odds.
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The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers have lengthy clinched the primary seeds. Each will enter the playoffs as title favorites. That does not imply different groups aren’t viable threats to make deep runs, although.
The Boston Celtics have been the most popular workforce within the NBA over the past month. In the meantime, the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets messaged the Thunder that it will not be a cakewalk to the NBA Finals.
All through the 2024-25 season, Thunder Wire will conduct weekly NBA energy rankings. Right here is the newest version for the Mar. 31-Apr. 6 week:
30. Utah Jazz (16-63)
Apr 6, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) dribbles towards the Atlanta Hawks within the fourth quarter at State Farm Area. Obligatory Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 30
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The Jazz have misplaced 9 in a row. Give credit score to Utah, it pulled out all the stops to backside out and has accomplished so over the past couple of months. They had been absolutely paying additional consideration to the Ultimate 4 in hopes of touchdown a prime prospect quickly.
29. Washington Wizards (17-61)
Apr 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) drives to the basket whereas Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) defends through the first half at TD Backyard. Obligatory Credit score: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 29
The Wizards are the opposite workforce that is been on the backside of the standings. They’ve a powerful likelihood to get top-three lottery odds, which is all that issues. Washington has hit the remainder button and its 2024 draft class has been crammed with intriguing prospects.
28. Charlotte Hornets (19-59)
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets middle Jusuf Nurkic (11) seems to go towards Chicago Bulls ahead Zach Collins (12) through the second half at Spectrum Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Nell Redmond-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 28
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It will be one other misplaced season for the Hornets. After questions on his long-term match, LaMelo Ball had one other blended season riddled with good field rating stats however accidents. The Hornets enter a scenario the place they need to severely take into account his future with the franchise after years of disappointment.
27. New Orleans Pelicans (21-57)
Apr 4, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) will get an elbow within the face as he’s defending New Orleans Pelicans middle Yves Missi (21) within the second half at Crypto.com Area. Obligatory Credit score: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 27
The Pelicans shut down Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum for the remainder of the season. For Williamson, he solely performed 30 video games. Add this to the lengthy listing of seasons the place accidents reduce him quick. It appears like Groundhog Day at this level as New Orleans cannot maintain continued success.
26. Philadelphia 76ers (23-55)
Apr 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) controls the ball towards the Milwaukee Bucks within the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Kyle Ross-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 26
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No one tanks higher than the Sixers. They’ve misplaced 11 in a row. Philly has upped the urgency to maintain its top-six protected decide and can possible achieve success, barring the lottery. Joel Embiid lastly underwent knee surgical procedure and Tyrese Maxey was dominated out for the remainder of the season. That places an finish to a depressing season.
25. Brooklyn Nets (25-53)
Mar 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards ahead Alex Sarr (20) swats the ball away from Brooklyn Nets ahead Noah Clowney (21) through the first half at Capital One Area. Obligatory Credit score: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 25
The Nets had back-to-back wins over the Mavericks and Wizards that could possibly be expensive. They’ve run into the too-good-to-tank class. Jordi Fernandez has made probably the most of his roster. He’ll be an excellent coach for whoever Brooklyn provides within the lottery because it rebuilds.
24. Toronto Raptors (29-50)
Apr 6, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Toronto Raptors taking pictures guard RJ Barrett (9) shoots a 3 level soar shot over Brooklyn Nets guard Tyson Eitenne (10) through the first half at Barclays Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 24
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Hovering round mediocrity at this level of the season could possibly be detrimental to lottery odds. The Raptors have skilled that firsthand by splitting their final 10 video games. RJ Barrett has performed although Toronto is best off with him out. It hopes so as to add a blue-chip prospect within the upcoming draft because it walks the superb line between being aggressive and being in a rebuild.
23. San Antonio Spurs (32-46)
Apr 6, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs level guard Chris Paul (3) seems on through the first half towards the Portland Path Blazers at Moda Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Soobum Im-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 23
Because the Spurs’ season winds down, Chris Paul has contemplated his future past this season. He’ll flip 40 years outdated quickly and has completed the whole lot apart from a championship. If that is it for the long run Corridor-of-Famer, he is been one of many best level guards ever.
22. Portland Path Blazers (35-44)
Apr 6, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Path Blazers taking pictures guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) lays up a shot previous San Antonio Spurs level guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) through the second half at Moda Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Soobum Im-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 22
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The Path Blazers will not make the postseason or have excessive lottery odds, however they will not less than enter the offseason with some sense of route for the primary time in ceaselessly. Shaedon Sharpe scored a career-high 36 factors in a win over the Raptors. He is been particular this season and is one in every of Portland’s finest younger gamers.
21. Phoenix Suns (35-43)
Apr 6, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) goes to the basket towards New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) through the first half at Madison Sq. Backyard. Obligatory Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 19
The Suns have misplaced six in a row. Their disastrous season continues to worsen. With out Kevin Durant, it seems like Phoenix will miss an opportunity to make the play-in match after principally being handed the spot with different groups sliding down. This has been an apocalyptic 12 months the place they are going to be compelled to blow it up within the offseason.
20. Atlanta Hawks (37-41)
Apr 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Younger (11) tries to get via New York Knicks middle Karl-Anthony Cities (32) and ahead Mikal Bridges (25) through the second half at State Farm Area. Obligatory Credit score: Dale Zanine-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 20
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It will not have an effect on their spot within the standings, however the Hawks have seemed just like the worst of the East play-in bunch. They’ve racked up losses and can enter the match with little momentum. The excellent news is that they solely must win twice and Trae Younger will possible be one of the best participant in each video games.
19. Miami Warmth (35-43)
Apr 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Warmth guard Tyler Herro (14) reacts after scoring towards the Memphis Grizzlies through the third quarter at Kaseya Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Sam Navarro-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 21
An up-and-down season continues for the Warmth. After a 10-game dropping streak, they gained six straight. They’ve since misplaced two in a row. They’re locked within the play-in vary once more this season. Miami’s playoff possibilities will fall on Tyler Herro’s shoulders as he is graduated as its prime scorer since Jimmy Butler was traded.
18. Sacramento Kings (38-40)
Apr 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Sacramento Kings ahead DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket towards Cleveland Cavaliers ahead De’Andre Hunter (12) through the first half at Rocket Area. Obligatory Credit score: Ken Blaze-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 18
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The Kings proceed to pummel down the standings. They continue to be within the play-in image however solely due to the Suns’ incompetence. Sacramento snapped a three-game dropping streak with a blowout win over the Hornets. They will possible depend on Domantas Sabonis to hold them to 2 wins to seize a playoff spot.
17. Chicago Bulls (36-42)
Apr 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) after being fouled by the Portland Path Blazers through the second half on the United Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Marton-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 17
Among the many East’s play-in squads, the Bulls have performed one of the best. Josh Giddey has earned himself fairly the pay increase by being a 22-point triple-double machine. Chicago could possibly be a harmful workforce within the playoffs. It is performed lots higher for the reason that commerce deadline.
16. Dallas Mavericks (38-41)
Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks ahead Anthony Davis (3) seems on through the second half towards the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Obligatory Credit score: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 15
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Two straight losses to the Clippers present what the Mavericks could possibly be in retailer for in the event that they win their first play-in sport. Anthony Davis has principally gained when he is performed for his new squad however has solely had one true monster outing the place he is seemed like an All-Star participant. He wants to remain wholesome and be extra productive.
15. Orlando Magic (38-40)
Apr 3, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic ahead Paolo Banchero (5) dunks the ball as Washington Wizards ahead Justin Champagnie (9) defends within the first half at Capital One Area. Obligatory Credit score: Geoff Burke-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 16
The Magic are locked for the play-in match and hope to remain within the seventh-eighth vary to get a few cracks at a playoff spot. Paolo Banchero has been a scoring machine in latest video games. Orlando has struggled with consistency all season however has seemed higher with the postseason across the nook.
14. Detroit Pistons (43-35)
Apr 2, 2025; Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Dennis Schroder (17) shoots towards Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) through the second quarter at Paycom Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 12
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Regardless of A bevy of suspensions from an altercation with the Timberwolves, it was an excellent week for the Pistons. They lastly clinched a playoff spot. It will be their first journey again since 2019. Cade Cunningham has led Detroit’s turnaround season and he’ll possible earn All-NBA honors for it. Offseason additions like Malik Beasley have additionally been a house run.
13. Memphis Grizzlies (46-32)
Apr 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots and scores the game-winning shot over Miami Warmth middle Kel’el Ware (7) through the fourth quarter at Kaseya Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Sam Navarro-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 11
After a chaotic head teaching fireplace, the Grizzlies have calmed down and seen optimistic outcomes. Ja Morant scored a game-winner towards the Warmth after being fined by the NBA for an in-game gesture. They then gained an in depth sport over the Pistons. Memphis hopes to keep away from the play-in match.
12. Milwaukee Bucks (44-34)
Apr 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers middle Joel Embiid reacts with Milwaukee Bucks ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after the sport at Wells Fargo Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Kyle Ross-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 14
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Regardless of Damian Lillard’s absence, the Bucks have gained three straight. Giannis Antetokounmpo had probably the greatest video games of the season with 35 factors, 20 assists and 17 rebounds in a win over the Sixers. It is the primary time in NBA historical past a participant has recorded that stat line. Although he is fallen off the MVP race, he continues to be probably the greatest gamers on this planet.
11. Indiana Pacers (47-31)
Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) controls the ball within the first quarter towards the Denver Nuggets at Ball Area. Obligatory Credit score: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 8
The Pacers have gained 4 in a row. They’ve taken benefit of a smooth portion of his schedule. Indiana is probably going locked on the fourth spot within the East. It is not a top-heavy squad however Tyrese Haliburton may make or break their season relying on how he does within the playoffs.
10. LA Clippers (46-32)
Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Dallas Mavericks ahead P.J. Washington (25) through the second quarter at Intuit Dome. Obligatory Credit score: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 13
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The Clippers are in a groove. They’ve gained 4 in a row. Kawhi Leonard has turned again the clock. Everyone understands their position in LA. We even noticed James Harden take a not-so-subtle shot at Paul George by saying the distinction between final 12 months and this 12 months is personnel. The Clippers could possibly be a scary workforce to face within the playoffs.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (46-32)
Apr 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after scoring towards the Philadelphia 76ers within the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Kyle Ross-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 10
The Timberwolves stay sizzling. They’ve gained 5 in a row. They prevented catastrophe towards the Nets when Anthony Edwards twisted his ankle after he walked backward into Fernandez. Minnesota is a primary candidate to upset one of many prime groups within the first spherical of the playoffs. It has the makings of a sneaky contender.
8. Denver Nuggets (47-32)
Apr 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) is fouled by Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) as time expires in double time beyond regulation at Ball Area. Obligatory Credit score: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 5
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The Nuggets’ double-overtime loss to the Timberwolves made all of the headlines for the unsuitable causes. Nikola Jokic turned the primary participant in NBA historical past to file a 61-point triple-double. However that turned a footnote when a pair of psychological errors by Russell Westbrook gifted Minnesota the sport. Denver has struggled to encompass Jokic was expertise and this season is likely to be the worst instance of that.
7. New York Knicks (50-28)
Apr 6, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a 3 level basket through the second half towards the Phoenix Suns at Madison Sq. Backyard. Obligatory Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 7
After lacking time with an ankle sprain, Jalen Brunson returned to the Knicks. His return supplied a lift for New York in a win over the Hawks. It was a basic week for the Knicks the place they beat up on cupcakes however had been blown out by the Cavaliers. That is been their season summed up in a sentence.
6. Golden State Warriors (46-32)
Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Golden State Warriors ahead Draymond Inexperienced (23) helps ahead Jimmy Butler III (10) up through the fourth quarter towards the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Obligatory Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 9
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The Warriors have been one other workforce that is been red-hot. They’ve gained 5 of their final six video games. Different gamers get all of the reward, however Draymond Inexperienced has skyrocketed himself to the highest of the Defensive Participant of the Yr odds. The long run Corridor-of-Famer has efficiently campaigned himself to win the award. Golden State is a darkish horse candidate to make a deep playoff run due to its veterans and success.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (48-30)
Apr 6, 2025; Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) yells after scoring towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder through the second quarter at Paycom Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 6
Heading into their blowout win over the Thunder, the Lakers wished to see the title favorites a message. Behind LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Los Angeles has been a wildcard choice to win the West. It is easy to see why. They’ve changed into a high-octane offense the place Austin Reaves has changed into a official third-fiddle scorer.
4. Houston Rockets (52-27)
Apr 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets middle Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after a dunk towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder through the fourth quarter at Toyota Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Erik Williams-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 4
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The Rockets are one other workforce that despatched a message to the Thunder. They blew them out as Jalen Inexperienced and Alperen Sengun every scored 30-plus factors. They adopted that up with a powerful win over the Warriors. Houston has been one of many hottest groups over the past months however questions over its energy of schedule have solid doubt. We can’t know till the playoffs however they have been probably the most improved groups.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (62-16)
Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers ahead Evan Mobley (4) dribbles previous San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) within the first half at Frost Financial institution Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 3
The Cavaliers are on cruise management the remainder of the best way. They’ve already clinched the primary seed, so there’s zero motivation to play within the common season. A 3-game profitable streak was snapped with a nasty loss to the Kings. At this level, it is a ready sport to see if Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley can have higher playoff success this time.
2. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (64-14)
Apr 6, 2025; Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives round Los Angeles Lakers middle Jaxson Hayes (11) through the first quarter at Paycom Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 1
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Every part mentioned concerning the Cavaliers could be mentioned concerning the Thunder. Two straight unhealthy losses to the Rockets and Lakers reek of complacency. It is laborious responsible them. After clinching the primary seed weeks in the past and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the runaway MVP favourite, it is easy to let human nature settle in with the playoffs across the nook.
1. Boston Celtics (58-20)
Apr 4, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics ahead Jayson Tatum (0) drives on Phoenix Suns middle Oso Ighodaro (4) through the first quarter at TD Backyard. Obligatory Credit score: Winslow Townson-Imagn Photos
Earlier Rating: 3
It is solely becoming to see the Celtics again on the prime spot with per week left. The reigning NBA champions have lurked within the background for many of the season however continued to stack up wins. They may not be the profitable machine they had been final season, however Boston has the expertise and star energy to repeat. Its gained 16 of its final 18 video games and can enter the playoffs with all of the momentum.
This text initially appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Energy Rankings: Lakers, Rockets beat up Thunder; Celtics get sizzling
