nba

TST’s NBA Power Rankings Week 12

The Nuggets and Nets continue to dominate the NBA, while MVP candidates Zion Williamson and Luka Doncic have the Pelicans and Mavericks as serious title contenders.

30. Detroit Pistons, 10-29 

The Pistons have won just two out of their last ten games, but finished last week with a 2-1 record with wins against the Magic and Timberwolves and a loss against the Bulls. Jalen Duren (7.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 67 and a 71% shooting percentage at the rim) has been fantastic, but the team has just a defensive rating of 118.6 (ranked 29th) and an offensive rating of 111.6 (ranked 24th). They’ll be in the running for the top pick in next year’s NBA Draft. 

29. Houston Rockets, 10-26 

Jalen Green (21.5 points per game with an eFG% of 47.7 and a TS% of 53.8) and Jabari Smith Jr. (12.1 points and 7 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 49.8 and a corner 3PT% of 38) have been very inefficient this season despite being given a multitude of opportunities. Smith Jr. should improve next season, but Green has a worse eFG%, TS%, and every single kind of FG% this season than he did last year, which is disappointing considering the “leap” he was supposed to take. Furthermore, the Rockets have an offensive rating of 109.7 (ranked 29th), and a defensive rating of 116.1 (ranked 28th), and are in a prime position to select toward the top of next year’s NBA Draft to add yet another piece to this young core. 

28. Charlotte Hornets, 10-27 

LaMelo Ball (23.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game with an eFG% of 53.6, and a 3PT% of 37.4) has only played in 10 games this season, but has already proven to take a leap in every facet of his game. One of the most talented and special offensive playmakers in the NBA, Ball has single-handedly kept the Hornets in games they otherwise would have been blown out in. With the worst offensive rating in the NBA (108.8), and a defensive rating of 115.3 (ranked 26th), the Hornets are going to still have a tough time winning the rest of the season despite Ball’s greatness. 

27. San Antonio Spurs, 12-24

The Spurs have the worst offensive rating in the NBA (119.4), but still found a way to beat two very talented basketball teams last week (the Knicks and Jazz). Keldon Johnson (21.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 49.5) has scored 30 points in back-to-back games, but ranks in the 33rd percentile of points scored per 100 possessions for wings, despite his decently high usage percentage of 14.6. Johnson is supposed to be one of the key pieces in this Spurs rebuild, but he will undoubtedly need to improve his efficiency before being someone a team wants to build around. 

26. Orlando Magic, 13-24

After shocking the basketball world and winning eight of nine games between December 7th and 27th, the Magic have come back to earth, losing three straight games to the Lakers, Pistons, and Wizards. Paolo Banchero (20.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game with a TS% of 54.2) continues to impress, but he ranks in the 29th percentile of points per 100 shot attempts for forwards, despite his high usage percentage of 18.6. What is evident from these statistics is that Banchero isn’t efficient in converting his shot attempts into points, despite a numerous amount of attempts each game. 

On the other hand, his teammate, Franz Wagner (19.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game with a TS% of 58.5) is in the 54th percentile of points scored per 100 shot attempts for wings, with just a usage percentage of 13.2%. At this point, Wagner is a better and more efficient offensive shot maker than Banchero, not to mention a better perimeter defender as well. 

This isn’t to say that Banchero doesn’t deserve all of the hype he is getting, but just a reminder that his front-court mate, Wagner, is still wildly underrated despite his obvious advanced skill set for his age. The Magic average just 110.6 points per 100 possessions (ranked 28th in the NBA) and has a TOV% (turnover percentage) of 15.8 (ranked 27th in the NBA). They play sloppy basketball, but have an established talented young core to build around in the coming years. 

25. Oklahoma City Thunder, 15-21

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game with an eFG% of 52.4, and a remarkable average of 124.5 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 89th percentile for point guards) is the biggest reason why one of the worst rosters in basketball is competing on a nightly basis. The only other consistent players on both ends of the floor for the Thunder are Luguentz Dort (13.9 points and 1.1 steals per game with an eFG% of 47.8) and rookie Jalen Williams (11.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 55.9 and an average of 120 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 72nd percentile of wings in the NBA).

Despite having an abysmal offensive rating of 111.5 (ranks 24th in the NBA), the Thunder’s defensive rating of 113.1 is ranked 12th in the NBA. Nonetheless, this team is a few years away from competing in the Western Conference, and another top pick in next year’s NBA Draft would accelerate the rebuild even more.

24. Minnesota Timberwolves, 16-21

Anthony Edwards (23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game with an eFG% of 53.5 and a 3PT% of 37.5 making 95 out of 257 3’s this season) is the only reason why this team ever wins basketball games. Rudy Gobert (13.6 points and 11.9 rebounds per game) is unplayable in a lot of close games because of his limitations on offense. The Gobert trade will go down as one of the worst trades of all time, and the Timberwolves will have trouble winning on a nightly basis until Karl Anthony-Towns returns as they only have a defensive rating of 113.7 (ranked 16th), and an offensive rating of 112.2 (ranked 21st).

23. Los Angeles Lakers, 15-21 

LeBron James (28.5 points 8.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game with a TS% of 58.2) had to score 47 points and register 9 assists and 10 rebounds for the Lakers to beat a subpar basketball team in the Hawks. Without Anthony Davis, the Lakers may have the worst roster in basketball with James, Russell Westbrook (14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game with a TS% of 48.8), and Thomas Bryant (11.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game with a TS% of 73.4) being the only consistent players on the team as of late. Lonnie Walker IV and Austin Reaves haven’t been great recently, and the Lakers’ defensive rating of 114.5 is now ranked 21st in the NBA. For the Lakers sake, Davis better return shortly otherwise the season will get even more out of hand.

22. Washington Wizards, 16-21

After losing 10 games in a row from November 30th to December 18th, the Wizards have now won 5 games in a row to position themselves back in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Kyle Kuzma (21.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game with a TS% of 55.7) and Bradley Beal (23.5 points and 5.2 assists per game with a TS% of 61.9) have been fantastic over that span.

However, Kristaps Porzingis (22.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game with a TS% of 59.7) has been the Wizards best player over that five game stretch and won Eastern Conference Player of the Week because of it. Throughout the win streak, the Wizards have bolstered their defensive rating to 113 (ranked 11th), and if they continue to play defense, they will win basketball games down the stretch.

21. Toronto Raptors, 16-20

Gary Trent Jr. (17.4 points and 1.6 steals per game with a TS% of 56.7) is coming off of three straight 20 point performances and is getting into a groove on the offensive end of the floor. The Raptors need Trent Jr. to continue to take pressure off of Pascal Siakam (26.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1 steal per game with a TS% of 57.9).

The Raptors had a defensive rating of 109.9 last season (which ranked 9th) and now they have a defensive rating of 113.9 (ranked 19th) despite having arguably the Defensive Player Of the Year in OG Anunoby (18.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game with a steal percentage of 2.6% and a block percentage of 1.2%, which both rank in the 98th percentile or higher for forwards). There is a common denominator for all of these underperforming teams: play better defense and you will win more basketball games. Defense wins championships as 11 of the last 12 NBA champions have had a top 11 defensive rating.

20. Chicago Bulls, 16-20

The Bulls went 2-2 last week with wins against the Bucks and Pistons, and losses against the Cavaliers and Rockets. Despite DeMar DeRozan (26.2 points per game with an eFG% of 51.9 and a stellar 47% mark from mid range) continuing to be fantastic on offense, the Bulls can’t seem to be consistent in anything they do. One game they look great on offense, but terrible on defense, and the next game they look fantastic on defense, but awful on offense. With a defensive rating of 113.6 (ranked 15th) and an offensive rating of 112.6 (ranked 19th) the Bulls will continue to hover around .500.

19. Atlanta Hawks, 17-19

Trae Young (27.4 points and 9.9 assists per game with an abysmal eFG% of 47, a 3PT% of 31, and an average of 110.8 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 52nd percentile for point guards) and Dejounte Murray (20.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game with an eFG% of 50.2, and an even worse average of 106.6 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 32nd percentile for combo guards) are two of the most inefficient players in the NBA and are costing the Hawks pivotal games. The Hawks offensive rating of 115.4 ranked 2nd in the NBA last season, but now they have an offensive rating of 112.5, which is ranked 20th. The only way the Hawks can turn around their season is if Young and Murray become way more efficient from the floor.

18. Utah Jazz, 19-20

Lauri Markkanen (23.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game with an incredible 3PT% of 42.9 and TS% of 67) is one of the most efficient and dominant offensive players in the NBA this season and has helped the Jazz become the league’s 3rd best offense (offensive rating of 116.3). However, the Jazz also have a defensive rating of 115.7 (ranked 27th in the NBA) and a lot of times fail to outscore their opponents. Winning basketball games in a shootout on a nightly basis is not sustainable, and as a result, the Jazz could continue to spiral down the rankings and not even make Play-In Tournament.

17. Portland Trailblazers, 18-17

Despite having an offensive rating of 114.8 (ranked 8th in the NBA), the Trailblazers have one of the worst defenses in the league (defensive rating of 114.7, ranked 23rd) and have lost four out of their last five games (their only win came against the 10 win Hornets). Damian Lillard (27.8 points and 7.1 assists per game with an eFG% of 54.9), Anfernee Simons (22.4 points per game with a 3PT% of 38.2 and a TS% of 57.5 ), and Jerami Grant (22 points per game with a 3PT% of 43.9 and a TS% of 61.6) have been one of the best offensive trios in the NBA, but even with each of them averaging an efficient 22+ points per game, the team can’t put together more than one or two wins in a row. The Blazers have one of the best offenses in the NBA, but they simply don’t have the defense or the depth to compete with the conference’s elite teams.

16. Indiana Pacers, 20-17

Tyrese Haliburton (20.9 points, 10.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game with an eFG% of 58.6 and a 3PT% of 40.9) has established himself as one of the best young players in the NBA and will be heading to his first All-Star Game in February. Myles Turner (16.7 points and 2.1 blocks per game with a 3PT% of 40.8, and a TS% of 66.2) and Buddy Hield (17.9 points per game with a 3PT% of 42.6 and a TS% of 61.1) have also been stellar offensively this season, and as a result, the Pacers have an offensive rating of 114 (ranked 12th in the NBA). On the downside, the Pacers still struggle defensively with a defensive rating of 114.4 (ranked 20th), but if Haliburton, Turner, and Hield keep producing at this rate, this team could be on its way to the playoffs.

15. Phoenix Suns, 20-18

The Suns have a multitude of issues this season, but the main one is consistency. After Devin Booker (27.1 points and 5.6 assists per game with an eFG% of 53.4 and a 3PT% of 37) got injured in the first quarter on Christmas, the Suns proceeded to stay in the game and go toe to toe with a talented Nuggets team before losing in overtime. They then impressed yet again without Booker vs. the Grizzlies on December 27th, winning by 17 points. However, then they started to crumble with 3 straight losses to team’s with worse records in the Wizards, Raptors, and Knicks.

Even before the impressive showings on Christmas and the 27th, the Suns had lost 2 in a row against the Wizards and Grizzlies even with Booker healthy. Chris Paul (12.9 points and 8.7 assists per game with an eFG% of 49.4) has lost a step and can’t hit shots like he used to, and DeAndre Ayton (17.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 61.3) either looks unstoppable or like one of the worst centers in basketball depending on the night.

The Suns also have an offensive rating of 116.3 (ranked 4th), but a disappointing defensive rating of 113.8 (ranked 18th), despite having the 3rd ranked defensive rating of 106.8 in the NBA last season. Furthermore, if the Suns can fix their defensive issues and consistency on both ends of the floor, then maybe they can become an elite basketball team. If they don’t fix those issues, they could be heading for a first round exit this season.

14. Miami Heat, 19-18

The Heat have won three out of their last four games to finally have a record over .500. Despite making the Eastern Conference Finals last season, this year has been a struggle for the Heat, who only sport an offensive rating of 111.1 (ranked 25th in the NBA). Jimmy Butler (21.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game with a TS% of 62.8), Tyler Herro (21.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 55), and Bam Adebayo (21.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game with a TS% of 59.1) have been stellar this season, but it is mind boggling that a team can rank 25th in offensive rating with three 20+ point per game scorers. This tells me that that trio is getting no help off the bench, and if the Heat want to compete this season, they will undoubtedly need to improve their offensive depth and talent at the trade deadline. Their defensive rating of 111.8 (ranked 7th) is the only thing keeping them competitive right now.

13. New York Knicks, 20-18

The Knicks have been up and down recently, losing against the Mavs and Spurs last week before two impressive wins in a row over the Rockets and Suns. Sitting at 20-18 and 7th in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have a rare combination of a top 10 offense and defense as their offensive rating of 114.9 ranks 9th and they defensive rating of 112.1 also ranks 9th in the NBA. Julius Randle (24.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game with a TS% of 59.4) continues to be dominant, and once R.J. Barrett returns to full health, the Knicks have proven to be a tough team to beat on a nightly basis.

12. Sacramento Kings, 19-16

The Kings had an up and down week, losing to the Nuggets and Grizzlies, but also beating the Nuggets (the second time they played) and Jazz to go 2-2 last week. The team still has one of the most potent offenses in the NBA (offensive rating of 115.9, ranked 6th, and a team eFG% of 56.3, ranked 5th) led by Domantas Sabonis (18.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game with a remarkable eFG% of 65.1, and an average of 137.6 in points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 87th percentile among bigs). They still have one of the worst defenses in basketball (defensive rating of 114.6, 22nd in NBA), but because of Sabonis’ greatness, the Kings have a chance to win every single time they step on the court.

11. Golden State Warriors, 19-18

The Warriors have won four straight games against the Grizzlies, Hornets, Jazz, and Trailblazers, and Jordan Poole has averaged 30.8 points with a TS% of 58.3 during that four game span. Poole continues to flourish as the team’s go to offensive player while Steph Curry is out, but the Warriors defensive rating of 113.8 is ranked 17th, when last year their defensive rating of 106.6 was ranked 2nd in the NBA. All of the Warriors title teams have played elite defense, and if this team doesn’t vastly improve their defense, even at full strength they will be a safe bet to not win the NBA title this season.

10. Los Angeles Clippers, 21-17

The Clippers had a tough week, defeating the Pistons and Raptors, but then losing to the Celtics and Pacers. Kawhi Leonard (17.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game with a TS% of 55.8) and Paul George (24.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game with a TS% of 59.3) have both been fantastic recently, but Head Coach Ty Lue continues to sit role players Terance Mann (7.8 points per game with a TS% of 60.5) and Robert Covington (5.2 points in 15.2 minutes per game) late in the game in favor of John Wall, Marcus Morris, and Reggie Jackson, costing the team wins.

Mann and Covington are two of the best defenders on the team, yet when the game is on the line, they are no where to be found on the court, while opposing offenses exploit Wall, Morris, and Jackson. The only reason the Clippers have 21 instead of 24-25 wins right now is because of Lue’s questionable late-game coaching decisions.

9. Dallas Mavericks, 21-16

Luka Doncic is one of the leading MVP candidates this season and for good reason as he’s averaging 34.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game with an eFG% of 58.5. Doncic is also averaging 125.7 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 98th percentile and is ranked 2nd among point guards in the NBA.

What is even more impressive is that Doncic also ranks in the 95th percentile or higher for the point guard position in shots at the rim (75%), and mid range shots (55%). The Mavericks have an offensive rating of 115.8 (ranked 7th), but a subpar defensive rating of 113.5 (ranked 14th) compared to last year’s 7th ranked defensive rating of 109.1. The Mavs will undoubtedly have to improve defensively to match last year’s success.

8. Philadelphia 76ers, 21-14 

After winning 8 games in a row, the 76ers lost to the Wizards and Pelicans last week, but also secured a much-needed win against the Thunder on Sunday. Joel Embiid (33.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game with a TS% of 63.4, and an average of 125.5 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 55th percentile for bigs) and James Harden (21.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game with a TS% of 60.5 and an average of 125.7 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 87th percentile for point guards) have been excellent this season, and Tyrese Maxey (22 points per game with a TS% of 56.5) returned to the court last Friday.

As I mentioned in last week’s power rankings, De’Anthony Melton (12 points and 2.1 steals per game with a TS% of 55.5) is a championship caliber role player who does all the little things right, and the 76ers defensive rating of 109.7 (ranked 3rd in the NBA) is a good indicator that this team will be tough to beat in the playoffs. However, Doc Rivers is their coach so skepticism in big playoff series’ is still warranted until this team can prove they can win in big games. 

7. Cleveland Cavaliers, 23-14 

The Cavaliers lost to the Raptors, Nets, and Pacers before securing a much needed win vs. the Bulls on Saturday night to salvage their otherwise abysmal week. The Nets already leapfrogged them in the standings, as they now sit at 4th in the Eastern Conference heading into week 12. Even amidst a bad stretch, the Cavaliers still sport the top defense in the NBA (defensive rating of 109.2) and an MVP candidate in Donovan Mitchell (28 points and 4.6 assists per game with an eFG% of 57.7 and an impressive 125.7 average of points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 87th percentile for shooting guards). 

6. Milwaukee Bucks, 23-13 

Despite their 23-13 start, the Bucks have played bad basketball recently, losing five of their last six games (though the loss on Sunday night against the Wizards was without their two best players). After a four game losing streak, the Bucks pulled out a 123-114 victory over the depleted Timberwolves before losing to the Wizards on Sunday night. Giannis Antetoukounmpo (32.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game with an eFG% of 55) has put up absurd stat lines, but not in an efficient manner. Antetoukounmpo is averaging an abysmal 117.9 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 35th percentile for bigs.

Over the last two seasons, the “Greek Freak” was averaging 127 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranked in the 77th percentile. A 4 point difference may not seem like a huge discrepancy, but it actually is. Nonetheless, the Bucks haven’t been able to defeat the rest of the top tier Eastern Conference teams recently and although Khris Middleton hasn’t been healthy, they will need Antetokounmpo to score more efficiently to do so.

5. Memphis Grizzlies, 22-13 

After Ja Morant’s (27 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game with a TS% of 54.9 and an average of 113.6 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 66th percentile for the point guard position) comments that he wasn’t scared of anyone in the West, the Grizzlies suffered 15+ point losses to the Warriors and Suns. However, the Grizzlies bounced back and defeated the Raptors and Pelicans in two impressive wins to end last week. Jaren Jackson Jr. (15.9 points and 3.2 blocks per game with a TS% of 60.2 and an incredible 4.5% block percentage on opposing shots, which is in the 100th percentile of the entire NBA) continues to be a Defensive Player Of the Year (DPOY) candidate as he’s catapulted the once 24th ranked defense to the 2nd best defense in the entire NBA (109.7 defensive rating).

If Desmond Bane (21.8 points per game with a 3PT% of 38.8 and a TS% of 58.1) can get back to his early year production when he was averaging close to 25 points per game with a 3PT% of 46 and a TS% of 65, then this team will be one of the favorites to win the championship. 

4. New Orleans Pelicans, 23-13 

The Pelicans would have been ranked higher if they had beaten the Grizzlies on Saturday night, a game where the 8th ranked offense in the NBA (offensive rating of 115.4) only put up 101 points in an embarrassing 15 point loss. Nonetheless, the Pelicans have a bonafide Superstar in Zion Williamson, who is averaging 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game with a TS% 64.7. What is even more impressive is that Williamson is shooting 68% (230/336) at the rim this season, and is averaging 130.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which ranks in the 87th percentile of NBA forwards.

Williamson is the Superstar the Pelicans needed to become one of the West’s elite teams and they are already 23-13 and 2nd in the Western Conference without Brandon Ingram (20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game with a TS% of 59), who has been injured since Thanksgiving. Last season, they put up a good fight against the Suns, but because Williamson is unguardable, to go along with boasting one of the most talent-rich rosters in the NBA, the Pelicans are poised for a huge playoff run this year if they can get all of their guys healthy by April. Brandon Ingram hasn’t played since Thanksgiving. 

3. Boston Celtics, 26-11 

The Celtics had a small rough patch a few weeks ago with five losses in the span of six games, but that already seems like months ago with the way this team played last week. Besides an 11 point loss to the Nuggets on Sunday night to end the week, the Celtics were picking up momentum with big wins against the Bucks and Clippers.

Jayson Tatum (30.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game with an eFG% of 56.1 and a great 125.6 points per 100 shot attempts, which in the 78th percentile for forwards even with his 16.8% usage percentage) and Jaylen Brown (27.1 points and 7.3 rebounds with an eFG% of 53.8 and a TS% of 59.3) are the best duo in the NBA so far this season and the Celtics still boast the best offensive rating in basketball 118.1. With Robert Williams III back, the Celtics defensive rating of 111.9 (ranked 8th) is starting to improve and they still are the favorites to win the NBA title.

2. Denver Nuggets, 23-13 

The Nuggets move up to #2 in this weeks power rankings after impressive wins against the Heat and Celtics to end the week. Nikola Jokic (25.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game with an eFG% of 64.7, a PER of 32.4, and an average of 138.1 points per 100 shot attempts, which is in the 81st percentile for bigs) is the unanimous MVP of the NBA so far this season.

When not many people thought it could be possible, Jokic is having the best season of his career (yes, better than his last two MVP campaigns) and has the Nuggets poised for the biggest playoff run with him at the helm. With an offensive rating of 117.4 and a team eFG% of 58.6 (both ranked 2nd in the NBA), and Jamaal Murray (18.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game with an eFG% of 50.3 and a TS% of 54.3) and Michael Porter Jr. (16.6 points and 6 rebounds per game with a remarkable 3PT% of 41.2 on 6.7 3PT attempts per game) starting to put it all together, this could be the team to beat in the Western Conference.

1. Brooklyn Nets, 24-12 

Winners of a remarkable 11 games in a row, the Nets are an absolute wagon that continues to obliterate whoever is in their way on a nightly basis. Kevin Durant (29.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game with an TS% of 67.2 and a PER of 26.6) and Kyrie Irving (26.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game with a TS% of 60.8) are playing some of the best basketball of their career, but it would foolish to boil down the Nets’ win streak to simply two players. 

Though Durant and Irving are a big factor (if not they biggest factor) in the team’s success, Nicolas Claxton (12.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game with a TS% of 71.5), Royce O’Neal (9.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game with a TS% of 56.4), and Ben Simmons (8.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game with a TS% of 59.2) have anchored one of the better defenses in basketball (a drastically improved Nets defensive rating of 112.5, which ranks 10th in the NBA). If the Nets continue to defend at a high level, they will be right in the mix of things in late May and early possibly June. 

Note: Advanced Statistics used in this article are gathered from Cleaningtheglass.com and Statmuse.com, and are updated as of Monday, January 2nd, 2022 

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