We are now into the month of March and that means there is only about one month left until playoffs. This season has gone by incredibly fast, and it has been full of surprises and disappointments. If a team hopes to make the playoffs, it is now that they will need to make a run. Other teams will need to keep their heads above water if they hope to hold onto their playoff seed. There will be many tight playoff rushes, including the entire Western Conference. Another heated race will be the MVP Award, as Kevin Durant and LeBron James will be battling it out. This has been a great year so far and I certainly hope it finishes strong.
1. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs quietly have the best record in the NBA. It’s amazing that they can play at such a high level and they will only be better come playoffs. Whether they have enough left in the tank to win it all remains to be seen.
2. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have been solid all season long. While they have struggled lately they are still the favorites in the East. I think everyone is hoping for a rematch between the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
While the Thunder have struggled since Russell Westbrook’s return, it’s not a legitimate concern. The Thunder seem poised to make it to the Finals, although they have a tough road ahead of them.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are the hottest team in the NBA as they have currently won 10 straight games. Their newest additions of Danny Granger and Glen Davis might have given them enough depth to set them over the edge.
5. Miami Heat
Despite their current three game losing streak, the Heat are firmly planted in the East and are certainly the Pacers biggest competition.
6. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are one of numerous teams that could compete in the West. The duo of James Harden and Dwight Howard has been spectacular.
7. Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have really been struggling on this current road series. While these flaws are alarming, they have been struggling with injuries. A healthy Blazers team could make some noise in the playoffs.
8. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have been largely disappointing this season, however; they are still a very dangerous team. They are one of many talented teams in the West.
9. Memphis Grizzlies
Since the return of Marc Gasol this Grizzlies team has been on a rampage. They are one of the more dangerous sleeper teams in the West.
10. Toronto Raptors
It’s truly amazing how good the Raptors have been this season. Ever since trading Rudy Gay the Raptors have been playing at a very high level. Assuming they can keep the pieces together, this could be a good team for years to come.
11. Dallas Mavericks
Another major surprise has been the success of the Mavericks. The combination of Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis has been dynamic offensively.
12. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls just don’t quit. After losing Derrick Rose to another season ending injury and trading Luol Deng, the Bulls are still able to play at a high level.
13. Phoenix Suns
The Suns were another surprising team this year. They will be fighting hard to get the eighth seed in the West.
14. Washington Wizards
The Wizards have finally turned things around and appear to be turning a corner. Their young backcourt is developing into quit the one-two punch and they have an even brighter future.
15. Brooklyn Nets
After all the big spending over the offseason and the struggle to start the season, the Nets have really turned it around. They have been one of the best teams since the New Year and certainly have the experience to make a playoff run.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have struggled all season and it appears that they will miss out on the playoffs once again.
17. Charlotte Bobcats
Don’t look now but the Bobcats are set to make the playoffs. After years of mediocrity they appear to finally be on the right track.
18. Atlanta Hawks
After a hot start the Hawks have really struggled. The injury bug has really hit them hard and one can only wonder where they’d be had it not struck.
19. Denver Nuggets
Much like the Hawks, the Nuggets have had a very disappointing season this year. Ty Lawson has developed nicely but the Nuggets could be set for a rebuilding mode.
20. New York Knicks
The Knicks are trying to save what’s left of their miserable season. No team has been more disappointing than the Knicks and if it weren’t for the Phil Jackson hiring their future would be extremely bleak.
21. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs organization is a mess and despite numerous lottery picks and trades they have been unable to put together a winning team.
22. New Orleans Pelicans
Injuries have hit the Pelicans the hardest out of any team this year. While they looked great on paper, they were unable to produce on the court.
23. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have a lot have talent but have been extremely dysfunctional. They simply have too many ball dominant players on their team.
24. Sacramento Kings
Baby steps are essential for the Kings. DeMarcus Cousins has blossomed into one of the best centers in the NBA, while Isaiah Thomas has become a high quality point guard. The future is bright for Sac Town.
25. Boston Celtics
The Celtics have tanked perfectly and should strike gold in the NBA Draft. Their younger players have improved and as long as they continue to improve they should have a quick turnaround.
26. Utah Jazz
The Jazz’ season has gone as expected. They have a plethora of young talent but have had their fair share of growing pains. The future is extremely bright in Utah.
27. Los Angeles Lakers
As bad as the Lakers have been they are a lot of fun to watch. Unfortunately, their franchise is a wreck. Kobe Bryant has openly criticized the front office and Pau Gasol seems to be headed out the door.
28. Orlando Magic
The Magic have had their fair share of struggles this season, the greatest being a lack of talent. They do have some talented young players and with a good pick in this year’s draft they could be playoff contenders in a few years.
29. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are no longer last on the power rankings, and that alone is enough for celebration. The Bucks are terrible and are full of underachievers. It will take a lot of work to turn this franchise around.
30. Philadelphia 76ers
20 straight losses will earn you last in the power rankings. The 76ers currently have two more losses then the Spurs have wins. Let’s all remember back to better times when the 76ers were 3-0.