NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet

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<p>— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1501730043218722820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>March 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #29 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443024" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443024" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2263,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1384421398.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2263" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384421398.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384421398-768x543.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 11: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Amway Center on March 11, 2022 in Orlando, Florida, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 29. Orlando Magic</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 28</p> <p>Similar to the Houston Rockets, the Orlando Magic actually had a pretty decent week by their standards. They went 2-2, picking up wins over an injured New Orleans Pelicans squad, as well as the Toronto Raptors.</p> <p>Orlando has been getting things done by committee as of late. In those four games, six different players have averaged in double figures, and two others have been putting up at least nine a night.</p> <p>But perhaps the best story to come out of Orlando recently has been the return of Markelle Fultz. After missing over around 14 months after tearing his ACL, Fultz made his highly-anticipated return to the court. He hasn’t played super well since being back, but just seeing him out there is a feel-good story within itself.</p> <p>Outside of that, there hasn’t been much to note in regard to the Magic. As mentioned, they’ve been playing as a team, meaning no individual players have been putting up crazy stats. Wendell Carter Jr. has led the team in scoring with 16.5 a night over the past week.</p> <p>The Magic are well on their way to another selection in the top five of the NBA Draft, which is exactly where they want to be as a franchise.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #28 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443025" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443025" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1372999029.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1372999029.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1372999029-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 25: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 25, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 28. Oklahoma City Thunder</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 25</p> <p>When the Oklahoma City Thunder are at their best, they’re playing hard, playing quality defense, and grinding out tough wins. When they’re at their worst, they play out of control, can’t keep guys on the court, and miss a ton of shots. Unfortunately, the Thunder are rarely at their best.</p> <p>This isn’t to say that they don’t have a promising young core, it’s just that their youth also makes them inconsistent. Oklahoma City went 0-4 this past week after a fairly successful stretch the week before, further encapsulating that inconsistency.</p> <p>The Thunder also got some devastating news this past week when it was announced that Lu Dort, Ty Jerome, and Mika Muscala would all be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Dort needed surgery for a torn labrum, Jerome had a procedure done for a sports hernia, and Muscala underwent ankle surgery.</p> <p>On a brighter note, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played well this past week, averaging nearly 27 points a night. In addition, Isaiah Roby, Aaron Wiggins, and Aleksej Pokusevski have all been balling out as well.</p> <p>Oklahoma City may not be great this year, but they have all the necessary pieces in place to make some noise in the West in a few short seasons.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #27 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443026" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443026" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2345,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1366651115.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2345" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1366651115.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1366651115-768x563.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 23: Trendon Watford #2, Nassir Little #9, and CJ Elleby #16 of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrate against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 23, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 27. Portland Trail Blazers</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 24</p> <p>Immediately after the trade deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers were surging. From the deadline to the All-Star break, they didn’t lose a single game. Since then, however, their box scores have told a completely different story.</p> <p>As mentioned, Portland has lost their last five games by an average of 31.4 points a night. They are quite literally getting blown out by 30 on a nightly basis. And while the main reason behind that is injuries, it’s still more than enough to drop them in the rankings.</p> <p>Anfernee Simons, Josh Hart, and Jusuf Nurkic are all missing time, meaning Portland’s young core has been left to fend for themselves. And while this (obviously) hasn’t translated into any wins, it is giving fans a glimpse into some of the youngsters who could help the team moving forward.</p> <p>First and foremost, there’s Brandon Williams, who just recently burst onto the scene. He’s averaging 19.0 points a night over their last three games. But the most impressive young player has been undrafted rookie Trendon Watford, who the team recently signed to a multi-year deal. He’s averaged 15.0 points and 8.0 rebounds over the team’s last three.</p> <p>It’s looking more and more like the Blazers aren’t going to be in contention for the 10th spot in the West, and that’s probably for the best. Instead, they’ll be vying for a top pick and attempting to build a competitive team around Damian Lillard one last time this offseason.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #26 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443027" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443027" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2147,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1380896934.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2147" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1380896934.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1380896934-768x515.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 05: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a foul in the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 05, 2022 in Dallas, Texas, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 26. Sacramento Kings</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 27</p> <p>When the Sacramento Kings traded for Domantas Sabonis at the trade deadline, it signaled to the league that they were trying to win – even if that meant just making the play-in. Well, after just a few short weeks, it doesn’t even look like that will be happening.</p> <p>Sacramento sits at 24-44, which puts them four games out of the 10th seed in the West. While that may sound attainable at first, things start to look a look rougher when you consider that Sacramento went 0-3 this past week.</p> <p>De’Aaron Fox has been playing phenomenal basketball, putting up over 33 points and seven assists a night on ridiculously efficient shooting. However, it just hasn’t translated into the win column just yet.</p> <p>Outside of Fox, the only other positive for the Kings this past week has been the (slight) emergence of Trey Lyles. He’s looked good when given opportunities, and there’s a chance he could play a decent role in their rotation.</p> <p>But again, when the Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton away, it was clear they had playoff aspirations. It just hasn’t panned out that way for the Kings, and barring an insane turnaround, they’re looking at a one-way ticket to the lottery once again.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #25 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443028" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443028" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1066,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1382584741.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="1600" height="1066" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1382584741.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1382584741-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: Buddy Hield #24 and Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers look on against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Amway Center on March 02, 2022 in Orlando, Florida, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 25. Indiana Pacers</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 26</p> <p>After an 0-3, the Indiana Pacers actually end up moving up in the power rankings this week. That being said, don’t think of it as an indication of how the Pacers have been playing, think of it as a knock on how poorly some of the teams below them have been playing.</p> <p>Indiana lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, and Detroit Pistons this past week. Not exactly an ideal outcome. That being said, the Pacers are likely angling for a top pick in the draft this year, so losing to some of the lower-tier teams in the East (meaning the Wizards and Pistons) might not be the worst thing in the world.</p> <p>Tyrese Haliburton has cooled off a bit in terms of scoring since Malcolm Brogdon returned to the court, but he’s still putting up nine assists a game and shooting the ball efficiently. And speaking of Brogdon, he’s been averaging nearly 22 points per game.</p> <p>The real story of the week for Indiana, though, has been the play of Goga Bitadze. In two games played since the last rankings. Bitadze averaged 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on ridiculously efficient shooting. Rookie Duane Washington Jr. has been on a tear as well.</p> <p>As the Pacers attempt to recoup and reset after trading their franchise player, they look primed to earn a top-ten pick in the upcoming draft.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #24 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443029" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443029" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1353080559.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1353080559.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1353080559-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 12: Luka Garza #55 and Cade Cunningham #2 help Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons off the floor during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 12, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 24. Detroit Pistons</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 29</p> <p>It sounds odd to even write this, but the Detroit Pistons have been playing really good basketball lately. They’re still not a great offensive team, but they play tough, hard-nosed defense and are in the top ten in defensive rating since the last power rankings.</p> <p>Detroit went 2-1 this past week and are now up to 6-4 over their last ten games. Although, for a team aiming to snag another first-overall pick, winning this many games probably isn’t ideal for their tanking plan.</p> <p>The main reason behind their recent winning ways has been the elite play of rookie point guard Cade Cunningham. The youngster averaged 23.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists this past week while shooting 45.0 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from behind the three-point line.</p> <p>Marvin Bagley III has also been playing pretty well (sorry, Kings fans). This past week, he averaged 15.7 points and 8.0 rebounds. In Bagley’s case, it may have just been a case of needing a change of scenery. Detroit took a chance on him at the deadline, and so far, it seems to be paying off.</p> <p>Now, despite their recent success, the Pistons are still going to be in the mix for the first pick by the end of the year. But for now, their play earns them a five-spot jump in this week’s power rankings.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #23 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443030" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443030" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1384447335.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384447335.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384447335-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: LeBron James #6 and Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena on March 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 23. Los Angeles Lakers</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 21</p> <p>The Los Angeles Lakers continue to free-fall down the power rankings, as well as the standings. Saying that they have been a disappointment this season is a wild understatement. Regardless of Anthony Davis’ injury, they should be playing much better than they currently are.</p> <p>This past week, the Lakers went 1-2, beating the Golden State Warriors but losing to the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. While the win over the Warriors was definitely great, losing to both the Spurs and Rockets in the midst of a playoff (or play-in) push is rough.</p> <p>Plus, the only reason the Lakers managed to take down the struggling Warriors is that LeBron James decided to drop a 56-point bomb, single-handedly carrying his team to their first win since the All-Star break.</p> <p>Since the start of 2022, the Lakers have a 10-18 record and are only 1-6 since the All-Star break. This past week, James averaged 39.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, and Russell Westbrook put up 22.3 points of his own. But as mentioned, none of this is translating into wins.</p> <p>Los Angeles is currently sitting at ninth in the Western Conference, just 1.5 games up on the ten-seeded New Orleans Pelicans. Any hopes for a top-six seed is out the window, and they are in serious danger of missing the play-in altogether. They are only three games ahead of the 10th-seeded Portland Trail Blazers.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #22 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_438844" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-438844" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355208711.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355208711.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355208711-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 05: Dejounte Murray #5 and Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrate against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on November 05, 2021 in Orlando, Florida, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 22. San Antonio Spurs</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 22</p> <p>The San Antonio Spurs went 1-2 this past week, losing to the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors, but beating up on the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s been a very middle-of-the-pack season for the Spurs, but that’s what most people expected from them at the start of the year.</p> <p>Dejounte Murray has continued to ball out, though, averaging close to a triple-double over this past week – 25.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 10.0 assists. The young point guard continues to show why he was a first-time All-Star this season.</p> <p>Past that, Keldon Johnson has also been on a burner. Over their last three games, Johnson averaged 24.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 51.8 percent from the field and 33.3 from behind the three-point arc.</p> <p>But no matter how many players pop off for the Spurs, the only storyline that matters for San Antonio right now revolves around Gregg Popovich and his quest to become the winningest coach in NBA history. He just recently tied the record and needs one more win to tie it. (By the time this is published, he might have already broken the record!)</p> <p>It’s looking like the Spurs aren’t going to make the play-in this year, but that was always unlikely. At the time of writing this, the Spurs take on the Utah Jazz tonight. It’ll be a tall task, but if the Spurs can pull off the upset, Popovich will officially make history.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #21 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443031" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443031" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1381891555.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1381891555.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1381891555-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 06: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards celebrates with fans after the game against the Indiana Pacers at Capital One Arena on March 6, 2022 in Washington, DC, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 21. Washington Wizards</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 20</p> <p>When Bradley Beal went down for the rest of the season, the Washington Wizards’ season essentially came to an end. Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have played well, but it’s not nearly enough to win games consistently.</p> <p>This past week, Washington went 1-2, taking down the Indiana Pacers but losing to both the Atlanta Hawks and LA Clippers. That Hawks loss was a crucial one, though, as the Wizards are in a fight with Atlanta to sneak into the play-in tournament. At the time of writing this, Washington is only 1.5 games back of the Hawks.</p> <p>The biggest story to come out of Washington this past week, though, was Kristaps Porzingis. He made his first two appearances with the Wizards since they added him at the trade deadline, averaging 22.0 points while shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from behind the three-point line.</p> <p>The real challenge for the Wizards will be attempting to re-sign Beal this offseason. Recent rumors have revealed that he could be interested in joining forces with Joel Embiid and James Harden, so Washington clearly has a tall task ahead of them.</p> <p>If he does end up leaving, though, it could end up being the best possible outcome for the Wizards, as right now, it seems as though they desperately need a rebuild.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #20 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443033" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443033" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1065,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1384427195.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="1600" height="1065" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384427195.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384427195-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 11: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 20. New York Knicks</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 23</p> <p>Despite struggling since the All-Star break (3-4 record), the New York Knicks have picked things up in the past week. They have gone 3-1 since the last power rankings, losing by one to the Phoenix Suns, but taking down the LA Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and beating the Dallas Mavericks by 30.</p> <p>New York’s two star players – Julius Randle and RJ Barrett – deserve the majority of the credit for their recent surge. Over the past week, Barrett averaged 22.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting an ugly 39.5 percent from the field and 27.8 percent from three-point land.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Randle averaged 26.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from deep. His week was highlighted by a 46-point, 10-rebound Master Class in the Knicks’ win over the Kings.</p> <p>At the time of writing this, the Knicks are sitting at 12th place in the Eastern Conference, 3.5 games out of the 10th seed and the play-in tournament. As the season winds to a close, it’s looking more and more likely that the Knicks are going to miss the playoffs after being the four-seed last season.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #19 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443034" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443034" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1065,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1384119408.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="1600" height="1065" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384119408.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384119408-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 08: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 08, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 19. New Orleans Pelicans</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 18</p> <p>When the New Orleans Pelicans traded for CJ McCollum at the deadline, it was clear that they wanted to create a winning culture. Despite Zion Williamson missing the entire season, the plan was to put a quality team around him for when he makes his inevitable return.</p> <p>However, very few people expected McCollum to play as well as he has since joining the Pelicans. Just this past week, McCollum averaged 28.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in four games. However, the Pelicans just can’t seem to catch a break.</p> <p>Brandon Ingram is dealing with a hamstring injury and McCollum just entered health and safety protocols. They’ll now have to stay afloat in the play-in race without their two best players. New Orleans is 2-14 this season when Ingram isn’t in the lineup.</p> <p>That being said, they have managed to climb up to the 10th seed in the Western Conference, and are only 1.5 games behind the ninth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. At the same time, they only hold a 1.5-game lead on the 11th-seeded Portland Trail Blazers. But with the way Portland has been playing, they don’t seem like too much of a threat at the moment.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #18 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443035" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443035" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1065,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1298432376.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="1600" height="1065" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1298432376.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1298432376-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 30: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Trae Young #11 and De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 30, 2020 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Hawks 145-141, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 18. Atlanta Hawks</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 19</p> <p>The Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans swap places this week, but the Hawks weren’t actually all that better. They were 1-2 versus the Pelicans’ 1-3, but that’s just enough to propel them up one spot (especially considering the Hawks have the better overall record of the two.</p> <p>As mentioned, Atlant went 1-2 since last week’s power rankings, taking down the Washington Wizards, but falling to both the Detroit Pistons (in overtime) and the Milwaukee Bucks. That win over the Wizards was a big one, though, as Washington is on their tail in the standings.</p> <p>A big reason for the Hawks’ struggles can be traced back to Trae Young’s shooting slump. He’s leading the team in scoring this past week (22.0) but only shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from behind the three-point line. Both Bogdan Bogdanovic and John Collins have been struggling with their efficiency, too.</p> <p>Instead, third-year forward De’Andre Hunter has been playing super well. Over their last three games, he’s averaged 19.3 points while shooting 57.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from deep.</p> <p>As Atlanta tries to climb their way back from a rough start to the season, they currently sit at 31-34 on the year, good for tenth in the East. However, they are tied with the Charlotte Hornets in terms of games back, but only 1.5 games up on the Washington Wizards.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #17 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443036" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443036" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1377005831.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1377005831.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1377005831-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">CLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 02: Terry Rozier #3, Miles Bridges #0, LaMelo Ball #2 and P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrate during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 02, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Hornets defeated the Cavaliers 119-98, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 17. Charlotte Hornets</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 17</p> <p>The Charlotte Hornets remain stagnant at 17th in the power rankings despite another rough week. They are 3-7 in their last ten games and went 1-2 over the past week. This included a win over the San Antonio Spurs and two brutal losses to the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics on back-to-back nights.</p> <p>That’s not the worst of it, though. In those losses to the Nets and Celtics, Kyrie Irving dropped a 50-point bomb on them and Jayson Tatum put up a 44-point Master Class, dominating the fourth quarter. Charlotte got roughed up by superstars in both games.</p> <p>Terry Rozier has been carrying the load for Charlotte, despite a down game against the C’s. He averaged 25.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists last week while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from behind the three-point arc.</p> <p>After a hot start to the year, Charlotte now finds itself in a tightly contested battle for a play-in spot. They’re currently sitting at tenth in the Eastern Conference with a 32-35 record. That being said, they are tied with the tenth-place Atlanta Hawks and only 1.5 games ahead of the 11th-place Washington Wizards.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #16 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443037" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443037" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1384300194.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384300194.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1384300194-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 03: Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers in the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena on March 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, California, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 16. LA Clippers</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 15</p> <p>The fact that the LA Clippers dropped a spot in the rankings this week shows just how volatile the power rankings are this time of year. LA has gone 7-3 in their last ten games, but the fact that they went just 1-2 this past week means they end up dropping a bit in the ranks. It has very little to do with their play, but instead the play of the teams around them.</p> <p>With Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Norman Powell all likely set to miss the rest of the season, expectations are fairly low for the Clippers. Despite this, head coach Ty Lue’s game plan and the team’s constant hustle has them in a position to compete for a playoff (via the play-in).</p> <p>Reggie Jackson led the team in scoring this past week, but he only averaged 15.3 points a night and struggled in terms of efficiency. Other than that, Marcus Morris Sr., Luke Kennard, Amir Coffey, and Nicolas Batum have averaged 10 or more.</p> <p>The Clippers are one of the few teams in the league who have essentially already clinched their playoff position. They’re sitting in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. Their 35-33 record puts them a whole 5.5 games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, but 3.5 games back of the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s highly unlikely that they move in the standings by the end of the year.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #15 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443038" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443038" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2309,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1237510462.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2309" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1237510462.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1237510462-768x554.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 2: Scottie Barnes #4 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors celebrate against the New York Knicks during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 2, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 15. Toronto Raptors</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 13</p> <p>For a while in February, the Toronto Raptors were fighting with the Boston Celtics to see which team would push ahead into the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. But since then, Boston has kept up their winning ways while Toronto faltered a bit.</p> <p>Toronto has gone 1-2 since the prior edition of the power rankings last week. They managed to take down the San Antonio Spurs but suffered losses to both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. Not an ideal week for a team fighting for a playoff position.</p> <p>That being said, Toronto did have to deal with an injury to All-Star point guard Fred VanVleet this past week. He only played one game – which was the game that they won. Other than that, it has been Pascal Siakam leading the way for the Raptors.</p> <p>Since the last power rankings, Siakam has averaged 26.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists a night while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from behind the three-point line.</p> <p>The Raptors sit at seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 35-30 record at the time of writing this. They are two games ahead of the ninth-seeded Brooklyn Nets and three games behind the eighth-seeded Cavaliers.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #14 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443039" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443039" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1383228917.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1383228917.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1383228917-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 08: (R-L) Kevin Durant #7 congratulates Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in the fourth quarter during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 08, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 14. Brooklyn Nets</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 16</p> <p>The Brooklyn Nets lost their first two games after the return of Kevin Durant, but they followed that up by winning two in a row. They’re trying desperately to fight back after a horrendous month of February that saw the team go 3-10 with Durant still sidelined.</p> <p>This past week, the Nets went 2-1. They dropped a close game to the streaking Boston Celtics but bounced back with massive wins over the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers. They won those two games by a combined total of 40 points, with Kyrie Irving dropping a cool 50 against the Hornets.</p> <p>Brooklyn’s win over the 76ers was especially sweet, as, although he didn’t play, Ben Simmons got his figurative revenge over his former team. Plus, Durant and Irving got the best of James Harden, who essentially ditched the mid-season in favor of Philly.</p> <p>Both Durant and Irving have looked incredible this past week, and it’s looking like they could be a menace come playoff time. However, they’ll have to get their first before worrying about their first-round series.</p> <p>The Nets are only one game above .500 this season and sitting in the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. That being said, they are only two games behind the seventh-seeded Toronto Raptors but are only two games ahead of both the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #13 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443040" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443040" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1383530619.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1383530619.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1383530619-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 08: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 08, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 13. Cleveland Cavaliers</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 12</p> <p>The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the best surprises of the NBA season. Most people expected them to be competing for a top-five pick in the NBA draft at this point in the year, but instead, they’re battling it out for playoff positioning with the best teams in the East.</p> <p>That being said, they have been cooling off a bit over the past few weeks, and a recent injury to Jarrett Allen hurts them even more. He fractured his finger and will reportedly be out indefinitely. This means he could potentially be out for the rest of the season (and the playoffs).</p> <p>Since last week’s power rankings, the Cavs have gone 2-1, picking up wins over the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers but falling to the Philadelphia 76ers. That win over the Raptors was huge, as they are sitting just above Toronto in the standings.</p> <p>The Cavs have Darius Garland to thank for their 2-1 week, as he’s been playing out of his mind. In the three games, Garland averaged 28.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 14.0 assists while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from deep. He’s a superstar in the making.</p> <p>Cleveland has a 38-27 record on the season, placing them at sixth in the Eastern Conference. They sit three games above the Raptors and are only one game back of the Boston Celtics.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #12 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_441290" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-441290" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2135,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1357218858.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2135" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1357218858.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1357218858-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates with Zach LaVine #8 H at Barclays Center on December 04, 2021 in New York City, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 12. Chicago Bulls</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 10</p> <p>Much like the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Chicago Bulls have been one of the coolest stories of the season. Most people expected them to improve when they made their offseason moves this past summer, but few expected them to be as good as they’ve been.</p> <p>However, injuries to Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso have hindered them on the defensive side of the ball. They’ve gone 5-5 in their last ten games and went a measly 1-2 over the past week. Their sole win was against the Detroit Pistons and their losses were at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.</p> <p>Chicago’s two stars have led them over the past week. DeMar DeRozan averaged 29.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while Zach LaVine put up 26.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Both players played in all three of the Bulls’ games.</p> <p>At the time of writing this, the Bulls are grappling for playoff positioning with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks. They sit at fourth in the East with a 40-25 record. This puts them just 1.5 games up on the Cavs, half a game ahead of the Celtics, half a game behind the Sixers, and 1.5 games back of the 76ers.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span>  </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443041" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443041" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1366903205.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1366903205.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1366903205-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves react during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 25, 2022 in Portland, Oregon, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 11. Minnesota Timberwolves</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 14</p> <p>After years and years of struggling toward the bottom of the standings, the Minnesota Timberwolves are finally in the midst of their first playoff-caliber season in years (outside of the one lone Jimmy Butler season in Minnesota).</p> <p>And as of late, they’ve been on absolute fire. The T-Wolves are 8-2 in their last ten games and went 4-0 since the last edition of the power rankings. This included two wins over the injury-plagued Portland Trail Blazers and two wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p> <p>Although they didn’t face the best competition, a 4-0 week is a 4-0 week. In those four games, it was Karl-Anthony Towns who led the way, averaging 24.0 points and 11.8 rebounds a night. Malik Beasley also had an impeccable week, scoring 20.8 a game on 50.0 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from three-point land.</p> <p>Minnesota is in a great spot, but it might be too little, too late for them to earn a top-six seed in the West, meaning they’re destined for a play-in appearance. They have a 38-29 record, good for seventh place in the Western Conference. The T-Wolves are 2.5 games back of the sixth-seeded Denver Nuggets and 3.5 games ahead of the eighth-seeded LA Clippers.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #10 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443042" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443042" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2129,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1238284209.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="3200" height="2129" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1238284209.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1238284209-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 07: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 speaks with Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of a game against the New York Knicks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 07, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 10. Utah Jazz</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 5</p> <p>The Utah Jazz take a serious tumble in the power rankings this week, but it’s in large part due to the great play of the teams passing them in the rankings. That being said, the Jazz are only 6-4 in their last ten games and went 2-2 over the past week.</p> <p>That 2-2 record came as a result of wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers and losses to the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs. Considering the Mavs were the only playoff team they faced, it’s safe to say that Utah was hoping for a better result than 2-2.</p> <p>In an odd turn of events, it was veteran Bojan Bogdanovic who led the team in scoring over the past week. He put up 22.0 points and 4.0 rebounds a night while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 53.7 percent from deep over their four games. Bogdanovic was taking over 10 threes a night, too.</p> <p>Despite starting off the season hot, the Jazz now find themselves in a tightly contested battle for playoff positioning with a bunch of teams in the Western Conference. They hold a 41-24 record. While they are a full 2.5 games back of the Golden State Warriors, they are also only 1.5 games ahead of both the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #9 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443043" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-443043" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1065,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1364289306.jpeg" alt="NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet" width="1600" height="1065" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1364289306.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1364289306-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 11: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors talk during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Week 21 NBA Power Rankings: 9. Golden State Warriors</h2> <p><strong>Rank last week:</strong> 7</p> <p>Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The Golden State Warriors were the hottest team in the NBA at the start of the year, but thanks to an injury to All-Star forward Draymond Green, they have gone 3-7 over their last ten games and went a disappointing 2-2 since last week’s power rankings.</p> <p>That being said, Green is set to return to the Warriors’ lineup on March 14, which should help them get back on track. When Green is in the lineup this season, the Warriors are 28-6. When he’s not in the lineup? 17-16.</p> <p>This past week, it was Stephen Curry (per usual) who led the team in scoring, but Jordan Poole was the one giving them major contributions outside of Curry. In their four games, Poole averaged 24.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 60.0 percent from the field and 60.6 percent from beyond the three-point line.</p> <p>Despite being locked in a battle with the Phoenix Suns for the first seed for most of the season, the Warriors now find themselves fighting with the Memphis Grizzlies for the two-seed. Golden State has a 44-22 record on the year, putting them at third in the West, but just half a game behind the Grizzlies.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #8 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443044" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2017/07/17821264.jpeg">pic.twitter.com/zRTc7cNBzW

<p>— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1499985668868431873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>March 5, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <p>The Suns also became the first team in the NBA to officially clinch a playoff spot. They have a 53-14 record and have run away with the top seed in the Western Conference. Phoenix is 8.5 games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies and will finish the season with the best record in the NBA barring an insane collapse.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="NBA MVP Ladder Week 21" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/09/nba-mvp-ladder-week-21/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/12/nba-power-rankings-week-21/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/09/nba-mvp-ladder-week-21/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> NBA MVP Ladder Week 21 </a> </div> </div><!—pageview_candidate—>">