NBA Power Rankings Week 20: Serious movement at the top

HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 10: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball ahead of Jalen Green #0 of the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on November 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas, NBA Power Rankings Week 20: Serious movement at the top. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The NBA season is almost over. And while that may seem sad, it also means that the playoffs are right around the corner, and with the way the standings are shaping up, the postseason is going to be amazing.

So, in what’s now week 20 of the season, what are the NBA power rankings looking like? Which teams moved up since last week, and which teams are plummeting?

*All stats are as of noon on March 3, 2022*

Week 20 NBA Power Rankings: 30. Houston Rockets

Record: 15-47

Rank last week: 29

The Houston Rockets are a young, rebuilding team, but that means they are also one of the worst teams in the league. Jalen Green has been alright but compared to some of the other rookies in his class, he’s struggled a bit. It’s just a matter of efficiency for Green.

Since the last power rankings, the Rockets have gone 0-4, including an eight-point loss to the Orlando Magic. They did, however, take the red-hot Utah Jazz to overtime. Unfortunately, they couldn’t manage to pull out a win. But as a team heading straight for the lottery, losses should be considered wins, weirdly enough.

Week 20 NBA Power Rankings: 29. Detroit Pistons

Record: 15-47

Rank last week: 30

The Detroit Pistons will go as Cade Cunningham goes. That’s how things work this season, and with how good he’s looked, that could be the case moving forward for them as well. But just like the Houston Rockets, losing games is good for the Pistons as they attempt to earn another top lottery pick.

This past week, Detroit went 1-2, which may not seem weird, but the manner in which they competed was definitely odd. Ever since the All-Star break, the Pistons have managed to put up some fairly impressive performances. They fought with the Boston Celtics, took down the Cleveland Cavaliers, beat the Charlotte Hornets, and kept it close against the Washington Wizards. Watch out for Detroit moving forward (but not this season).

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