Here are the top 10 NBA teams right now!
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Oklahoma City revenged their January 8th loss, beating Cleveland 134-114 Thursday. It was their final matchup of the regular season, but Cleveland rebounded Saturday, defeating Minnesota. Cleveland still claims the top spot, but Oklahoma City is on their heels.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Thursday’s 20-point victory over Cleveland nearly vaulted the Thunder to the number one spot but dropped Friday’s game to Dallas without the services of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder will look to bounce back this week with games against Utah, Dallas, and Portland in Week 14.
3. Houston Rockets
Houston continues to rise in the power rankings, thanks to their stout defense. Houston posts the NBA’s fourth-best 107.9 opponent points per game as well as the fifth-best +6.3-point differential. Houston has a winnable matchup Monday against Detroit, followed by back-to-back games against Cleveland. Houston will rely heavily on their defense to take at least one game against the NBA’s best team in Cleveland.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
4th in point differential, Memphis continues their hot play. Entering Monday, the Grizzlies own the league-best 123.4 PPG and have a chance to go 4-0 with matchups against Minnesota, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Utah. A strong week is needed with next week’s schedule more difficult with games against New York, Houston, and Milwaukee.
5. Boston Celtics
Boston saw two games slip away last week with a 110-97 loss against Toronto and a 119-115 overtime loss to Atlanta. Boston’s defense has been a question mark all season long, and shooting falls have come back to haunt the Celtics, with opponents posting a 79.2 FT% (5th-highest). The Celtics need to rebound with this week’s schedule featuring Golden State, both Los Angeles teams, and Dallas.
6. Denver Nuggets
Denver’s hot play continued in Week 13. They are right where they need to be halfway through the season and continue to improve defensively. An undefeated Week 14 can see Denver crack the top 5 for the first time this season.
7. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers finished a perfect week thanks in part to continued hot play from Norman Powell. Everything is clicking at the right time, and get a four-game homestand this week with games against Chicago, Boston, Washington, and Milwaukee.
8. New York Knicks
New York hit a rough stretch as the calendar flipped. They are 4-6 in their last 10 games seeing their defense take a step back. They are ranked as one of the NBA’s best offensively and defensively, but now is the time to put more emphasis on the defensive side of the ball.
9. Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee enters Week 14 as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. They’ve won their past four games by an average of 21.5 points and can take another step forward with this week’s games against New Orleans, Miami, and Los Angeles Clippers.
10. Indiana Pacers
8-1 over their last nine games, Indiana is a tough matchup for any team. After beating Cleveland on January 12th, the Cavaliers got revenge with a 127-117 victory Tuesday night. Look for Indiana to continue their ascent as one of the hottest young squads in the NBA.