30. Detroit Pistons, 16-58 (Previous Ranking #30)
Jaden Ivey (15.2 points and 4.9 assists per game with an eFG% of 47) has had a good rookie season, and the acquisition of James Wiseman (13.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1 block per game with an eFG% of 55.9) has proven to be an amazing move as Wiseman could be the big man of the future for the Pistons.
Add In Marvin Bagley, Jalen Duren, and perhaps even another big man in the NBA Draft and the Pistons will coin the name “big men galore” and will have to make decisions on how many young bigs they want to be a part of their future. Either way, they won’t think twice if they get the #1 pick and will select Victor Wenbanyama to pair alongside Ivey and Cade Cunningham if they get the chance.
29. San Antonio Spurs, 19-56 (Previous Ranking #29)
The Spurs have lost six out of their last seven games, but have seen continued progression from Keldon Johnson (22 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game with an eFG% of 51.4), Devin Vassell (18.5 points per game with a 3PT% of 38.4 and an eFG% of 52.5), Tre Jones, and Zach Collins, and will add a top 5 pick to the mix next season.
One of the best coaches in NBA history, Gregg Popovich, deserves to coach another Superstar and I am rooting for the Spurs to have the opportunity to draft either Victor Wenbanyama or Scoot Henderson so that can happen.
28. Houston Rockets, 18-57 (Previous Ranking #27)
Although the Rockets have come back to earth losing four straight games following their three game win streak the week prior, there are a lot of positives going into the offseason. 3rd overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. (17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and and 1 steal per game with an eFG% of 55.5 over his last 10 games) has shown drastic improvements on offense recently, Jalen Green (22.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game with an eFG% of 48.6) has had an impressive sophomore campaign, and Tari Eason (9.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game with an eFG% of 50.8) has been one of the more impactful two-way rookies in the NBA this season.
Add in talented young big man Alperen Sengun (14.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game with an eFG% of 56.5 and a PSA of 120.6, ranked in the 48th percentile for Bigs this season) and a top 5 pick the Rockets are poised to be a competitive team next season.
27. Charlotte Hornets, 25-51 (Previous Ranking #28)
After back-to-back wins over the Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving-led Mavericks without LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, and Kelly Oubre, I had to reward the Hornets by moving them up a few spots.
Dennis Smith Jr. (13.5 points and 7.5 assists per game with an eFG% of 52.5 over his last 2 games) dominated his former team and Mark Williams (14 points and 12 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 61.1 over his last 2 games) and Gordon Hayward (23.5 points and 6.5 assists per game with an eFG% of 62.1 over his last 2 games) showed out as well. With a top 5 pick on the horizon, the Hornets should be much better next season if LaMelo Ball can stay healthy.
26. Washington Wizards, 33-42 (Previous Ranking #25)
The Wizards have lost eight out of their last ten games and are trending toward possibly having a top 7 selection in the NBA Draft, which isn’t a bad thing. Even if they had pieced together some wins over the last few weeks, they weren’t going to do anything in the postseason anyways, so re-stocking on young talent through the NBA Draft is the most viable option to obtain future success.
Although Bradley Beal (23.2 points and 5.4 assists per game with an eFG% of 55.1 and a PSA of 120.2, ranked in the 80th percentile for Combo Guards this season) and Kristaps Porzingis (23 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game with an eFG% of 56.2 and a PSA of 125.6, ranked in the 62nd percentile for Bigs this season) have had great years, the rest of the team simply isn’t good. They don’t have much depth, and they aren’t good defensively either (defensive rating of 115.6, ranked 21st in NBA). Perhaps next season the Wizards will fare better.
25. Portland Trail Blazers, 32-42 (Previous Ranking #23)
The Trail Blazers just shut down Damian Lillard (32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game with an eFG% of 56.4 and a PSA of 129.6, ranked in the 98th percentile for Point Guards this season) for the rest of the season and have had yet another disappointing campaign despite efforts to build a winner around Lillard. Jerami Grant (20.5 points per game with an eFG% of 55.4) hasn’t been the same All-Star caliber player he was in the first half of the season, and Anfernee Simons (21.1 points and 4.1 assists per game with an eFG% of 54.8) has struggled to stay healthy all year long.
On the bright side, rookie Shaedon Sharpe has averaged 25.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game with an eFG% of 62.5 over his last 3 games and has had a brilliant second half of the year. Could this be the offseason where Lillard actually gets traded? We will see.
24. Indiana Pacers, 33-42 (Previous Ranking #24)
Tyrese Haliburton (20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game with an eFG% of 58.4 and a PSA of 126.9, ranked in the 94th percentile for Point Guards this season) continues to marvel and rookie Andrew Nembhard (14.6 points and 4.7 assists per game with an eFG% of 61.7 over his last 10 games) has been a nice surprise for the Pacers.
Nonetheless, the team ranks in the bottom 10 of most advanced statistical categories and are still a few pieces away from competing in the Eastern Conference. Luckily for them, if they continue to lose over the next few weeks, they could move up a few spots in the Draft Lottery.
23. Orlando Magic, 32-43 (Previous Ranking #26)
The Magic enter this week on a three game winning streak and Paolo Banchero (19.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game with an eFG% of 46.1), Markelle Fultz (13.9 points and 5.8 assists per game with an eFG% of 52.2), and Franz Wagner (18.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 54.8) all continue to impress.
Although they won’t make the Play-In Tournament, the Magic will add another lottery pick to this already extremely talented young core and should compete in the Eastern Conference as soon as next year.
22. Utah Jazz, 35-39 (Previous Ranking #20)
Lauri Markkanen (25.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 59.5 and a PSA of 130.8, ranked in the 98th percentile for Forwards this season) and Jordan Clarkson (20.8 points per game with an eFG% of 51.9) should both return this week, but it might be too late.
The Jazz are four games under .500 with eight games to go and the teams in front of them are starting to piece together wins. Nonetheless, the team has seen rapid development from rookie Walker Kessler (13.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game with an eFG% of 73.2 over his last 5 games) and will add another lottery pick to a young and talented core.
21. Dallas Mavericks, 36-38 (Previous Ranking #13)
The Mavericks are playing abysmal basketball recently and they could seriously miss the Playoffs and the Play-In Tournament. Despite having both Luka Doncic (33.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game with an eFG% of 56 and a PSA of 123.1, ranked in the 91st percentile for Point Guards this season) and Kyrie Irving (27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game with an eFG% of 56.8 and a PSA of 126, ranked in the 93rd percentile for Combo Guards this season) on the court in two games against the Hornets (who didn’t have their three best players, LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, and Kelly Oubre), they still lost and were even getting booed by the home fans.
Sitting at 11th in the Western Conference standings right now with an unhappy Doncic and frustrated Irving, time is running out for the Mavs to figure things out, and their atrocious defensive rating of 116.4 (ranked 23rd in the NBA) doesn’t help their cause.
20. Atlanta Hawks, 37-38 (Previous Ranking #19)
Although Trae Young (26.6 points and 10 assists per game with an eFG% of 49.1 and a PSA of 115.4, ranked in the 67th percentile for Point Guards this season) continues to ball out, Dejounte Murray (15.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game with an atrocious eFG% of 37.8 over his last 10 games) continues to disappoint and it begs the question whether the Hawks gave up too much for Murray (three first round picks).
Because offensive mastermind Quinn Snyder is now the coach, the Hawks’ offensive rating of 116.4 (now ranked 7th in the NBA) continues to improve, but they have won just three out of their last six games. Still tied for 8th in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks have a tough week ahead with games against the Cavs, Nets, and Mavs.
19. Oklahoma City Thunder, 37-38 (Previous Ranking #16)
The Thunder had a rough week, losing to both the Clippers and Lakers before defeating the Damian Lillard-less Blazers on Sunday, but they are still one game under .500 and own the 10th seed in the Western Conference right now.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.3 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game with an eFG% of 53.2 and a PSA of 125.8, ranked in the 96th percentile for Point Guards this season) is one of the 10 best players in basketball this season, and because of that, the Thunder should be able to pull out enough victories in the last 8 games of the season to make the Play-In Tournament.
18. New Orleans Pelicans, 37-37 (Previous Ranking #21)
Trey Murphy III (20.4 points and 4 rebounds per game with a 3PT% of 50.5 and an eFG% of 70.8 over his last 10 games) led the Pelicans to a surprising road victory over the Clippers on Saturday night with 10 threes and 32 points. This was Murphy’s second 9+ threes game over his last 10 games (he had 41 points and 9 threes vs. the Trail Blazers a few weeks ago) as he’s progressed so much in his second NBA season.
Despite Zion Williamson (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game with an eFG% of 61.5) not likely to be back before the end of the regular season, the Pelicans still have a very good chance to make the Play-In Tournament because of Murphy and Brandon Ingram (26.6 points and 7.2 assists per game with an eFG% of 56 over his last 10 games)
17. Chicago Bulls, 36-38 (Previous Ranking #22)
The Bulls have been playing excellent basketball recently, winning five out of their last six games with their only loss being to the 76ers. They even won a game a few weeks ago in Denver, which almost never happens (the Nuggets are 31-6 at home this season).
Zach LaVine (25.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game with an eFG% of 56.1 )has been on another level this season and role players Patrick Williams, Coby White, and Patrick Beverley have been playing good complimentary basketball. Just a half game back from being tied for the 8th seed, the Bulls are in a fantastic position with two weeks to go.
16. Toronto Raptors, 37-38 (Previous Ranking #17)
Despite still allowing opposing teams to have a 57.9 eFG% against them, the third worst mark in the NBA, the Raptors have been stacking up a lot of wins lately and are preparing themselves for postseason basketball. They’ve won five out of their last seven games and are tied for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference.
OG Anunoby (19.2 points and 1.8 steals per game with an eFG% of 72.7 over his last 10 games) and Fred VanVleet (22.8 points and 8.6 assists per game with an eFG% of 54.1 over his last 10 games) have both been playing great recently and the Raptors offensive rating of 115.3 is now ranked 11th in the NBA.
15. Los Angeles Lakers, 37-38 (Previous Ranking #14)
Overall, the Lakers played well last week picking up impressive wins vs. the Suns and Thunder, before a blunder against the Bulls on Sunday that resulted in a 10 point loss. LeBron James (29.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game with an eFG% of 54.9) returned on Sunday and looked a little shaky on both ends of the floor. In fact, the team had been playing without their Superstar forward for so long that they seemed to forget how to play with him.
Not only that, following a 37 point game in the win against the Thunder on Friday night, Anthony Davis (25.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game with an eFG% of 57.6 and a PSA of 125.9, ranked in the 64th percentile for Bigs this season) shot the ball just 8 times vs. the Bulls. That can’t happen if the Lakers want to make the postseason, and even James has been adamant about Davis being the #1 option. A lot of that falls on Darvin Ham, but some blame has to be on LeBron himself, who didn’t make a conscious effort to get Davis the ball when they were both in the game.
Sunday’s loss to the Bulls wasn’t pretty, but it shouldn’t be blown out of proportion. The rest of the team needs a little adjustment period to playing with James again and they should fare much better vs. the Bulls on Wednesday in Chicago, before traveling to Minnesota for a do or die must-win game against the Wolves on Friday.
14. Minnesota Timberwolves, 38-37 Previous Ranking #18)
The Timberwolves saw Karl Anthony-Towns (20.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game with an eFG% of 55.8) return last Wednesday and he didn’t disappoint, hitting game winning free throws against the Hawks in his first game back, then nailing a game-winning three against the Warriors last night in his second game back. Anthony Edwards (24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game with an eFG% of 53) also made his return last night and even Rudy Gobert (13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 66.3) has put up double-doubles in four out of his last five games.
Although the schedule doesn’t get much easier with road games vs. the Kings and Suns and a home game vs. the Lakers this week, the Wolves have proven they have what it takes to compete in the Western Conference.
13. Brooklyn Nets, 40-35 (Previous Ranking #11)
Last week showed just how far behind the Nets are from the elite teams in the Eastern Conference, as they lost two games to the Cavaliers and one game to the Magic. They picked up a surprising convincing win over the Heat on the road on Saturday, but then reverted back to bad habits losing by 13 to the 32 win Magic.
Mikal Bridges (26.8 points per game with an eFG% of 57 over his last 20 games) and Spencer Dinwiddie (17.1 points and 8.3 assists per game with an eFG% of 46.4 over his last 20 games) have stepped up since being traded to the Nets, but the team just doesn’t have enough star-power to be anything but a Play-In team in the East. With a mediocre offensive rating (115, ranked 17th) and defensive rating (114.3, ranked 16th in the NBA), the Nets will need to improve on both ends of the floor drastically over the last eight games of the season to make it past the Play-In Tournament.
12. Golden State Warriors, 39-37 (Previous Ranking #15)
The Warriors had won three straight games before losing to the Wolves on Sunday night, and they are still in an amazing position heading into this week. The Dubs picked up perhaps their most impressive win of the year vs. the streaking 76ers and MVP Joel Embiid on Friday night, as Jordan Poole hit 6 threes and finished with 33 points.
The Warriors will need more of those performances from Poole, who has struggled with consistency and efficiency all year boasting just an eFG% of 51.1. With home games against the Pelicans and Spurs, then a road game against the Nuggets on Sunday, the Warriors are playing good basketball and should manage to go 2-1 this week.
11. Los Angeles Clippers, 39-36 (Previous Ranking #9)
The Clippers had a tough week, losing star player Paul George (23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game with an eFG% of 53.6) to a hyperextension and PCL Sprain, which will keep him out for at least 2-3 weeks. They avenged a Tuesday loss against the Thunder with a dominant 28 point win against the Thunder again on Thursday, before falling short and getting embarrassed at home by the Pelicans on Saturday.
On the bright side, without George, Bones Hyland (17 points and 7 assists per game over his last 2 games) has gotten more playing time and is making the most of it, and though he didn’t have his best game on Saturday and was diagnosed with a facial contusion, Kawhi Leonard (27.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game with an eFG% of 58.3 over his last 20 games) continues to produce at an elite level on a nightly basis. As long as their defensive rating (now at 114.2,13th in NBA) continues to improve over the last two weeks, the Clippers will be in a fantastic position to not even be in the Play-In Tournament.
10. Miami Heat, 40-35 (Previous Ranking #12)
The Heat had an up and down week defeating the Knicks in an impressive win Wednesday, just to get blown out by 29 points at home on Saturday night against the Nets (who are right there with them in the standings). The Heat live and die on their defense (defensive rating of 113.3, ranked 8th in the NBA), but over the last two games, have given up 120+ points in each of the contests.
They simply don’t have the offense (offensive rating of 112.5, ranked 25th in basketball) to win basketball games without playing defense. On the bright side, Jimmy Butler (27.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game with an eFG% of 59.7 over his last 10 games) is playing his best basketball of the year at the right time.
9. New York Knicks, 42-33 (Previous Ranking #10)
Although the Knicks had an abysmal week losing all three of their games and now only having a two game lead for the 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, there is still a lot of hope for this team. Jalen Brunson (23.8 points and 6.2 assists per game with an eFG% of 54.4 and a PSA of 120.4, ranked in the 80th percentile for Point Guards this season) returned last week but didn’t end up playing in the loss against the Magic on Thursday, which was the back end of a back-to-back.
Julius Randle (25.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 53.6 and a PSA of 118, ranked in the 69th percentile for Forwards this season) put up 57 points last Monday against the Wolves and the Knicks lost, then proceeded to shoot a combined 14-36 from the field the following two losses against the Heat and Magic. The losses aren’t just on Randle’s inconsistencies, but instead defense, as the Knicks boast just the 18th ranked defensive rating of 114.7 in basketball.
8. Phoenix Suns, 39-35 (Previous Ranking #8)
The Suns had an up and down week losing to the Lakers and Kings, before picking up an impressive win vs. the 76ers on Saturday night. Despite being banged up recently, they still have the 9th ranked defense rating in basketball (defensive rating of 113.4) and have been steadily in the top 15 of offensive rating (115.4, ranked 14th in the NBA) all season.
Devin Booker (32.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game with an eFG% of 63.2 over his last 10 games) will have some of the weight taken off his back on offense when Kevin Durant (29.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game with an eFG% of 61.6 and a PSA of 137, ranked in the 89th percentile for Bigs this season) and Deandre Ayton (18.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 59.3) return this week. Overall, despite being only 4 games above .500, the Suns are in a great position heading into the final two weeks of the season on the brink of finally being fully healthy.
7. Sacramento Kings, 45-29 (Previous Ranking #3)
Despite boasting a historic offensive rating of 119.6 (would be the highest offensive rating in NBA history), last week the Kings showed their flaws, losing handily to the the Jazz and Celtics before defeating the Suns and Jazz to finish the week 2-2. Domantas Sabonis (19.1 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game with an eFG% of 62.4 and a PSA of 132.8, ranked in the 82nd percentile for Bigs this season) should finish in the top 5 of MVP voting, and De’Aaron Fox (25.3 points and 6.1 assists per game with an eFG% of 56.2) will return tonight to face the Wolves.
The Kings have one of the worst defenses in basketball (defensive rating of 117.1, ranked 26th in the NBA), but that should’t matter over the next few weeks with an upcoming schedule that includes the Trail Blazers twice (without Lillard), the Spurs once, and the Pelicans on the road. However, now it seems likely that the Kings secure the 3 seed, not the 2 seed, meaning they will likely play the other bay area team, defending champions Golden State Warriors in the first round. I would love to see that series and hopefully witness the Kings knocking off the dynasty that has ruled California over the last decade.
6. Philadelphia 76ers, 49-25 (Previous Ranking #2)
The 76ers had a rough week losing three out of their four games last week, but James Harden (21.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game with an eFG% of 53.7 and a PSA of 123.4, ranked in the 93rd percentile for Point Guards this season) is returning tonight against the Nuggets, though MVP candidate Joel Embiid (33.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game with an eFG% of 57, a PER of 31.7, and a PSA of 131.1, ranked in the 79th percentile for Bigs this season) is dealing with a calf injury and will miss the big game tonight.
Nonetheless, the 76ers still have one of the most balanced teams in basketball boasting an offensive rating of 117.8 (ranked 4th) and a defensive rating of 112.8 (ranked 7th in the NBA) and regardless of what seed they end up with, should be poised to fare well in the playoffs.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers, 48-28 (Previous Ranking #5)
The Cavaliers enter this week on a four game winning streak and just two games back of the 76ers for the 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. The interior defensive tandem of Evan Mobley (16.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game with an eFG% of 56.6) and Jarrett Allen (14.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game with an eFG% of 64.6) are the best in basketball, indicative of their NBA best 110.3 defensive rating.
The Cavs may also have the best backcourt in basketball as Darius Garland (21.6 points and 7.8 assists per game with an eFG% of 54.3) and Donovan Mitchell (27.2 points per game with an eFG% of 56.4 and a PSA of 123.3, ranked in the 89th percentile for Combo Guards this season) have both been excellent this season. The Cavs are setting themselves up to go on a serious playoff run. Watch out for them to pull off an upset in the playoffs.
4. Memphis Grizzlies, 47-27 (Previous Ranking #6)
The Grizzlies are the hottest team in the NBA right now entering this week on a six game win streak and have won nine out of their last ten games. They also now have Superstar Ja Morant (26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game with an eFG% of 50.4 and a PSA of 111.9, ranked in the 58th percentile for Point Guards this season) back to pair alongside Desmond Bane (21.2 points per game with a 3PT% of 40.9 and an eFG% of 56.5) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (18 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game with an eFG% of 56).
Despite not having Brandon Clarke for the rest of the season,. their bench is still elite as Luke Kennard just had a 30 point game, and Santi Aldama, Tyus Jones, and David Roddy have all stepped up as well. They don’t even have big man Steven Adams back yet, who will likely return sometime in the playoffs. With the third-best defense in basketball (defensive rating of 110.8, 1st in Western Conference) don’t be surprised if the Grizzlies come out of the West.
3. Denver Nuggets, 50-24 (Previous Ranking #7)
Nikola Jokic (24.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game with an eFG% of 66.2, and an NBA-leading PER of 31.8) is the best offensive player in the world and as a result of the variety of ways he can affect the game, the Nuggets‘ team eFG% of 57.9 and offensive rating of 118.5 are 1st and 2nd in the NBA respectively.
Jamaal Murray (22.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 63.1 over his last 5 games) and Michael Porter Jr. (17.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 60.9) have been playing great recently and are fully healthy, and though they lack depth immensely, role players Aaron Gordon, Bruce Brown Jr, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Jeff Green may be enough to compliment the big 3 in a playoff series.
2. Boston Celtics, 52-23 (Previous Ranking #4)
The Celtics have quietly been one of the more dominant teams in the NBA recently, as they’ve won five out of their last six games and are just 1.5 games back of the Bucks for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Jayson Tatum (30.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game with an eFG% of 53.6) and Jaylen Brown (27 points and 7 rebounds per game with an eFG% of 55.5) are still the best duo in basketball and the Celtics are the most balanced team in the NBA with an offensive rating of 118 (ranked 3rd) and a defensive rating of 111.6 (ranked 4th).
Although I still think the Bucks are a slightly better basketball team because of their consistency, I would not be surprised if the Celtics run through the entire NBA and win a championship this season.
1. Milwaukee Bucks, 53-21 (Previous Ranking #1)
Although the Bucks are coming off a loss against the Nuggets, they are still the top team in the NBA. The Nuggets have a 31-6 record at home and the Bucks have still won five out of their last seven games. Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game with an eFG% of 57) should be getting more MVP consideration with how dominant he’s been on both ends of the floor and that his team has the best record in the NBA.
Nonetheless, the Bucks are the frontrunners to win the NBA title with a proven Superstar in Antetokounmpo, the second-best defense (defensive rating of 110.8) in basketball led Brook Lopez and Jrue Holiday, and some of the best depth in the league highlighted by Bobby Portis and Grayson Allen .
Note: Advanced Statistics used in this article are gathered from Cleaningtheglass.com and Statmuse.com and are updated as of Monday, March 27th 2023
