After chasing the top spots for weeks, Oklahoma City claimed the number one spot after a strong Week 14 performance. The Thunder shows no signs of relinquishing their possession of first place, and the remaining season schedule should see increased play as the playoffs come into focus. Here is a breakdown of Week 15 Power Rankings.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Isaiah Hartenstein’s return provided Oklahoma City with a boost from the center position. 2-1 last week, and Oklahoma City looks ready to stay put as the top-ranked team. This week features games against Golden State and Sacramento. The Thunder should have no issues entering Week 16 in the #1 spot.
2. Houston Rockets
Two wins versus Cleveland and Houston not only moves up in the power rankings but knock Cleveland out of one of the top two spots for the first time this season. Houston continues their strong play and shows no signs of slowing down.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland hit a bump, dropping two straight games to Houston. However, they are still one of the strongest teams in the league and should not be counted out to quickly jump up the standings. Cleveland’s four-game schedule features Detroit, Miami, Atlanta, and Dallas.
4. Boston Celtics
Now is the time for Boston to regroup. They’ve hit a rough stretch of late but still finished last week 3-1. The team is too talented to see an extended period of rough stretches. They start Week 15 versus Houston, followed by games winnable against Chicago, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. A perfect 4-0 is not out of the question.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
A fully healthy lineup has Memphis posting the NBA’s best offense. Their lineup had its way with opponents last week going a perfect 4-0. Week 15 is a tough test as their schedule features games against New York, Houston, and Milwaukee.
6. New York Knicks
The Knicks continue to fare well this season, but when they hit rough patches, it’s usually due to their defense taking a step back. Their defense has fared well recently, and this capped off a 3-0 record last week. The Knicks look to keep moving forward with matchups against Memphis, Denver, and Los Angeles Lakers.
7. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets continue to post one of the best offenses in the league, but their defense has still been a question mark. It goes without question that defense will be a focus as the season continues, and improved defense should see Denver jump into the top five in the upcoming weeks.
8. Indiana Pacers
Indiana continues strong play with their young roster. They’ve shown great improvement since the calendar flipped and found themselves inside the top ten for the first time this season. This week features contests against Detroit and Atlanta.
9. Los Angeles Clippers
Early into the season, it was hard to label the Clippers. One week, they looked tough, and the next, they looked overrated. The team continues to win and stay within the top 10 of power rankings. Week 15 features very winnable games against Phoenix, San Antonio, Charlotte, and Toronto.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
Naz Reid has been the bright spot for a Timberwolves team that has seen inconsistent defense. Reid has picked up the slack offensively and hid defensive efficiencies at times. It remains to be seen how long the Timberwolves can keep pace before shoddy defense starts to cost them games.
11. Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee split last week 1-1 while losing a tough game to the Clippers. Milwaukee’s upcoming schedule features winnable games, but their first three games are on the road before returning home Sunday versus Memphis.
12. Los Angeles Lakers
3-0 last week, and the Lakers are now seven games over .500. The roster continues to see players step up off the bench, and this should continue heading into Week 15.
13. Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic remains out, and Dallas is starting to lose games. The Mavericks went 1-3 a week ago and are close to falling to .500. The early portion of this week’s schedule features winnable games against Washington and New Orleans before tough matchups against Detroit and Cleveland.
14. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento suffered their first tough week since Doug Christie took over as head coach, going 1-2. The Kings are still a game over .500 but have three upcoming road games. Week 15 should give an idea if the honeymoon phase is over since Doug Christie took over the reins.
15. Phoenix Suns
Phoenix’s front office is getting ready to make a move. Early reports suggest Jimmy Butler is on their radar, and this would be an ideal landing spot for the disgruntled Miami star. The Suns are still afloat, but how long can they stay above .500 before making a deal?
16. Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler is suspended for the second time, and Miami falls to .500. The up-and-down season continues, and it is time for Miami to move Butler and rid the team of the unneeded issue.
17. Orlando Magic
Young and talented, Orlando has been one of the season’s bright spots along with the Indiana Pacers. Last week saw Orlando drop two of three games, but they have the chance to rebound this week with games against Miami, Portland, and Utah.
18. Detroit Pistons
Detroit is no longer a team to sleep on. They’ve over .500 and see continued improvement each week. This week’s schedule is tough, but they will give everything they have against Cleveland, Indiana, Dallas, and Chicago.
19. Golden State Warriors
Under .500, Golden State still shows flaws on their roster. An acquisition is needed, but when will the front office make another move?
20. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta has hit a rough patch. Their offense has taken steps back, and they are seeing opponents post better offensive efficiency. The Hawks must rebound in Week 15 or start to see a continued downward trend.
21. San Antonio Spurs
The past few weeks have gotten the better of San Antonio as they now find themselves three games below .500. This week does not get easier with games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat. This season has been a learning curve for the youth on their roster, and play-in games are starting to look like the best possible outcome.
22. Philadelphia 76ers
The lost season continues, but Tyrese Maxey continues to show how valuable he is to the team. A play-in spot would be the best scenario, but does Philadelphia have enough to reach the play-in games?
23. Portland Trail Blazers
Week after week, the story is the same: Portland is not a great team. They’ve won games here and there, but they’re undoubtedly looking at a top-three draft lottery pick.
24. Toronto Raptors
Last week, Toronto got over 10 total wins, finishing a perfect 3-0. They’ll look to continue their surge with favorable matchups against New Orleans, Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles Clippers.
25. New Orleans Pelicans
At this point, New Orleans should think about finishing the season with healthy bodies and increase their chances of being the top overall pick.
26. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are seeing the season slip away. They’re close to falling out of a play-in game, and it’s hard to see the team rebounding. A roster overhaul is needed, and now is the time to start moving players for assets.
27. Charlotte Hornets
Offensive and defensive struggles continue, and Charlotte continues to be a bottom feeder. This week’s schedule features the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets. There does not seem to be any light at the end of the long-season tunnel
28. Utah Jazz
It has been a long season in Utah, and there have been no signs of righting the ship. It is time for the front office to start moving away pieces for assets and start to rebuild the roster.
29. Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn continues to see bench players step into their starting lineup on a nightly basis. Some of these players are valued in DFS lineups, but the season has been an afterthought for the Brooklyn faithful.
30. Washington Wizards
What can be said about Washington’s season? It has been a complete letdown, and the only thing that could make the season worse is if they do not land the top overall pick in the upcoming draft.
