The season is winding down with 15 games left and below is a breakdown of team power rankings heading into Week 22.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland still possesses the NBA’s best record. They’re gearing up for their playoff run and a healthy roster can lead this team to not only the NBA Finals but a championship.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
It’s hard to pick a more dominant team, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the Thunder throughout the season. They’ve been the top team in the Western Conference, and this can lead them to the Finals as well as a championship.
3. Boston Celtics
The veteran squad has proven they will be a top team in the playoffs. Their veteran presence could ultimately see them repeat as NBA champions.
4. Houston Rockets
Houston has won seven of their last 10 games and looks ready for the playoffs. Tough defense can lead them as far as an NBA championship.
5. Golden State Warriors
Jimmy Butler continues to right the ship on Golden State’s season. They’ve won nine of their last 10 games and continued hot play could see them reach the Finals and win another championship.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota has hit a hot stretch winning nine of their last 10 games. Anthony Edwards will be relied upon to lead them to a championship.
7. New York Knicks
The Knicks have had strong weeks as well as weeks where they’ve taken steps back. However, they will take their defense to another level when the playoffs start, and this could lead them to a championship.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis continues to dominate games and there has yet to be a player to stop him. Giannis can carry this team to the Finals and win another championship.
9. Denver Nuggets
A veteran team to fear come playoffs, Nikola Jokic will once again lead Denver and another championship is in his sights.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers must have a healthy LeBron James in the playoffs. If he’s healthy, they have a chance of winning the championship.
11. Memphis Grizzlies
They will be a tough matchup in the playoffs and Jaren Jackson Jr. will be the focal point to their success.
12. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers must have Kawhi Leonard on the court to make it out of the play-in tournament.
13. Indiana Pacers
They’re young, but they continue to stay in every game and veteran Pascal Siakam will be ready to rise come playoff time.
14. Detroit Pistons
Detroit’s 180 have them in a playoff spot. They may fail to reach the second round, but they are playing with house money.
15. Atlanta Hawks
They have the best odds to survive the play-in tournament, but their run should end shortly after.
16. Orlando Magic
Orlando will be a team to watch in the play-in games. They’re exciting, but still a few years away from being real contenders.
17. Sacramento Kings
Domantas Sabonis will need to be at his best to get this team through the play-in games.
18. Dallas Mavericks
They’re hanging onto the West’s final play-in spot, but Phoenix should surpass them this week.
19. Phoenix Suns
The Suns must leap Dallas for the final Western play-in spot, or this season has been a complete letdown.
20. Toronto Raptors
There is a chance Toronto could overtake Chicago for the last Eastern Conference play-in spot, but they won’t make it through.
21. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland needs to gear up for the offseason and make moves to bring in more talent.
22. Miami Heat
Miami can survive the play-in tournament, but they are not real players for a deep playoff run.
23. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is ready for the nightmare season to end, but Joel Embiid’s future will be a focus in the offseason.
24. San Antonio Spurs
The season is lost, but they have a bright future ahead.
25. Chicago Bulls
Chicago is holding onto the last play-in spot but is nowhere close to real contenders.
26. Brooklyn Nets
The injury-plagued season is almost over. The front office is already focusing on the offseason.
27. Charlotte Hornets
If Charlotte lands the upcoming draft’s top pick, they have hope for the future.
28. New Orleans Pelicans
Another lost season and the front office has many tough decisions to make this offseason.
29. Washington Wizards
Washington needs to acquire as many draft assets as possible for the foreseeable future. They must build through the draft in the upcoming seasons.
30. Utah Jazz
Utah’s terrible season is nearly finished. They have their sights set on landing the top draft pick in the upcoming draft and must acquire as many draft assets as possible for the next few seasons.
