The NBA Power Rankings for Week 18 give us some changes that could lead to some teams making stronger playoff runs when it’s time.
The NBA season is starting to dwindle down with very few games left on the schedule. Let’s take a look at how all the teams rank after 18 weeks of play.
The Top Spot Belongs to the Philadelphia 76ers
With a meteoric movement in the NBA power rankings, the 76ers find themselves in the top spot this week. They now have control of the top seed in the East and have proven to be one of the toughest teams to beat all season long. Currently, the 76ers hold a 39-17 record as they may their run toward the playoffs.
Another Big Jump Made by the Los Angeles Clippers
You might not have expected this team to move up as quickly as they have, but the Clippers now hold the second position in this list. They continue to have injury concerns with their star players and need to be healthy to make some noise in the playoffs, but a 40-19 record is nothing to sneeze at. Expect the Clippers to be one of the contenders down the stretch.
The Phoenix Suns Move Back a Couple of Spots
With new teams at the top of the NBA power rankings, the top team had to fall. The Suns fall from first to third this week although they hold a 40-16 record which is one of the best in the league. The Suns faced a tough week with games against many of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. As we move toward the playoffs, the Suns just might be one of the teams left standing at the end.
Falling to Fourth, We Find the Brooklyn Nets
Another team facing injury troubles to star players is the Brooklyn Nets. If this team enters the playoffs healthy, there won’t be many teams that can beat them at all. They have some serious offensive firepower and can handle the challenge of any team. The Nets bring a 38-19 record through eighteen weeks to be one of the top teams in the league.
Another Fall in the NBA Power Rankings Belongs to the Utah Jazz
Last week, the Jazz were in the second spot, this week they find themselves in the fifth position. This team does have one of the best overall records at 42-15 and they should be standing when it’s time for the Western Conference Finals. If you’re looking for a team that could give others a lot of trouble, the Jazz just might be the team for you.
The Denver Nuggets Move from Four to Six
Falling two spots, the Nuggets continue to be a team that could be trouble for others. Unfortunately, this team is also facing some injury concerns and might be shorthanded for a few games. With a record of 36-20, the Nuggets have been up and down the NBA power rankings all season and just might be an early out or they could be one of the final teams left during the playoffs.
Staying Steady, We See the Milwaukee Bucks at Seven
One team that didn’t move up or down on this list is the Milwaukee Bucks. This team stayed right where they were in the seventh spot, with a strong performance last week. The Bucks carry a 35-21 record through 18 weeks and could be the team that gives others a lot of trouble in the East when the playoffs begin.
A Huge Jump Upward by the Boston Celtics
Coming all the way from the 14thspot, the Boston Celtics make their way to the 8thposition this week in the NBA Power Rankings. This team hasn’t been a strong contender all year but they have been making a stronger push and have played better as of late. The 31-26 record isn’t stellar, but other teams will have trouble with the Celtics when the playoffs begin.
The Rest of the NBA Power Rankings for Week 18
9. Los Angeles Lakers 35-22
10. Memphis Grizzlies 29-26
11. Atlanta Hawks 31-26
12. New York Knicks 31-27
13. Portland Trail Blazers 32-24
14. Dallas Mavericks 30-26
15. Miami Heat 29-28
16. Golden State Warriors 28-29
17. San Antonio Spurs 27-28
18. Charlotte Hornets 28-28
19. Washington Wizards 23-33
20. New Orleans Pelicans 25-32
21. Indiana Pacers 26-30
22. Toronto Raptors 24-34
23. Chicago Bulls 23-33
24. Sacramento Kings 23-34
25. Detroit Pistons 17-40
26. Minnesota Timberwolves 15-43
27. Cleveland Cavaliers 20-36
28. Houston Rockets 15-42
29. Orlando Magic 18-39
30. Oklahoma City Thunder 20-37
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