2019-2020 NBA Power Rankings 13.0
We’re well and truly into the final stretch of the NBA regular season.
Some things are set in stone: The Bucks and Lakers will top their respective conferences. Giannis Antetokounmpo will win his 2nd consecutive MVP. The Knicks will magically grow another foot, only to immediately take aim and shoot at it.
We still have a series of unanswered questions, though. Will the Clippers turn it on come playoff time? Can Boston’s brigade of wings test the Bucks? Will Philly ever get it together? Are the Rockets going to revolutionise the game again?
Throughout the season, Vendetta Sports Media will be bringing you our NBA Power Rankings. These are not necessarily ranking based on records. This is a purely subjective assessment of how a team is progressing, projected and playing.
All records are as of Thursday morning US time.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers (Down 2)
(17-45 Record) Last week: 0-4
A strong stretch of results undone by a 4 game losing streak: that’s the Cavs!
Still, the Cavs have been somewhat – let’s not go as far as competent…..feisty, perhaps – since JB Bickerstaff’s ascension to Head Coach brought the curtain down on the woebegone John Beilein ‘era’. The veterans look, if not inspired, then at least far less unhappy that they were.
How Bickerstaff manages the centre rotation will be interesting. Andre Drummond will have some sort of bedding in period (he was impressive in the loss to Indiana) and whilst that happens Tristan Thompson remains the more effective option. But as an unrestricted free agent, the front office won’t want to prioritise Thompson’s playing time.
29. Golden State (Up 1)
(14-48) Last week: 2-2
The Warriors are edging closer to securing the leagues worst record, but all is not lost Dub Nation. There’s a guy on your G-League roster that the organisation is very excited about: Stephen Curry.
He’s a shooter with some pedigree – his Dad had a long NBA career and his brother is Mavs bench gunner Seth Curry. He’s a slight guy, but apparently very skilled with the ball. The Warriors see him as a potential starting point guard who’s shooting can open up the floor for star man Andrew Wiggins.
You heard it here first: Steph Curry is the next big thing.
28. Detroit Pistons (Up 1)
(20-43) Last week: 1-2
For a salary filler throw in to the Andre Drummond trade, returning Piston Brandon Knight has certainly made the most of his opportunities. The 28 year old is averaging 16.4 points and 5.4 assists, while dropping 4.2 treys at 45.7%. He’s more than adequately replaced the injured Derrick Rose.
Rose – one of the nicest stories of the season – is the last veteran standing in Motor City and whilst he’s not the player he was when he had 100% functioning knees, he can still be a positive example for the Pistons youngsters, through his veteran savvy, status as a former MVP and as a beacon of resilience and determination.
27. New York Knicks (Steady)
(19-43) Last week: 2-2
The New York Knicks haven’t achieved very much of anything this season, but they may have provided the NBA with a gift (aside from all of the meme-able and gif-able contributions they’ve made to our league): how to beat the Houston Rockets.
Many have spoken about how the Celtics, Lakers and Clippers are all capable of downsizing to play the Rox at their own game. Perhaps they’ve zigged when they should of zagged? The Knicks, who are an elite offensive rebounding team and usually play with a pair of traditional bigs, pulverised the Rockets on the glass 65-34 in their narrow win. They demoralised Houston with 20 offensive boards resulting in 32 second chance points.
The catalyst was Mitchell Robinson, who had a strong week overall, averaging 13.3 points, 11.8 boards and 2 blocks over his past 4 games.
26. Chicago Bulls (Down 1)
(21-41) Last week: 1-2
The Bulls are a mere 2-8 in their last 10 games and look to be playing out the string a touch. There are some positives for the Bulls, though. Both Wendell Carter Jr and Otto Porter returned this week. Carter’s return has been measured, while Porter came back with a bang with 18 points in 17 minutes in a surprise win against the Mavericks.
Coby White has continued his red hot shooting, pouring in 28.4 points per game over his past five.
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (Up 1)
(19-42) Last week: 2-2
The Wolves have scored a few nice victories since bringing D’Angelo Russell aboard. Considering the team continue to play without the injured Karl Anthony Towns, you would expect that in any win it’s All D’Lo, All the Time. Whilst Russell has starred, the supporting cast – also acquired at the trade deadline – have pulled their weight.
Nuggets imports Malik Beasley (21.1 points and 5.3 rebounds, 43.3% from deep) and Junacho Hernangomez (14 points, 5.4 boards, 45.8% from 3 point range) have formed a solid combination in the wings. The most surprising contributor has been 33 year old James Johnson, brought over from the Heat, via Memphis. The man with one of the great nicknames in the NBA has filled in admirably for KAT with nightly averages of 12 points, 4.9 boards, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks since arriving in Minnesota. GM Gersson Rosas’ moves have given the Wolves a pair of stars, and the beginnings of some depth. They’re still undermanned, but are undoubtedly in a better position post deadline.
24. Charlotte Hornets (Down 1)
(21-40) Last week: 1-2
The Hornets are coming along, slowly but surely.
Majority owner Michael Jordan isn’t known for his patient, slow burn approach, but he and his front office have given Coach James Borrego the freedom to play his kids instead of the expensive but ultimately middling veterans. From time to time, we get to see some positive results.
In November, Charlotte lost to Toronto by 36 points. This week, they turned the tables, holding the Raps to 96 points in a narrow win. They’re still some way off even playoff contention, but the Hornets are at least on the right path.
23. Phoenix Suns (Down 1)
(24-38) Last week: 0-3
Whatever playoff hopes the Suns had has been extinguished by their current 4 game losing streak. Losses to Toronto and the Clippers are resonance, but falling to the tanking Pistons and league worst Warriors on your home floor is inexcusable.
Rubbing salt into the would is the loss of Kelly Oubre Jr to a meniscus injury. It’s no coincidence that the streak started after the physical Oubre injured his knee. The former Wizards was averaging career highs of 18.7 points and 6.7 boards.
22. Washington Wizards (Down 1)
(22-39) Last week: 1-3
The Wizards continue to mix exciting offense and inept defense. They continue to lose more than they win. And Bradley Beal continues to cook. He averaged 36.2 points per game in February. He didn’t make the All Star game – you may have heard – but he’s a legitimate chance to make an All NBA team come the end of the season.
21. Atlanta Hawks (Up 3)
(19-44) Last week: 2-1
Don’t look now, but the Hawks are actually respectable. They’ve split their last 10 contests right down the middle. Of course, Trae Young has played a major role in that with 22 points and 10.3 assists over the course of the week. John Collins has been equally as important in Atlanta’s recent surge. Over his past 6 games, he’s averaging 25.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 2.7 three pointers at 62.5% shooting. It begs the question: how would have Atlanta’s season looked without Collins’ 25 game PED suspension?
The Hawks are a legitimate chance to overtake the Knicks, Pistons, Bulls and Hornets to finish 10th in the conference before the season is out.
20. Brooklyn Nets (Down 2)
(27-34) Last week: 1-3
The Nets are in danger of falling into the dreaded Milwaukee’s Doormat position, otherwise known as the 8th seed. If it wasn’t for an absolute monster performance from Caris LeVert, who outscored the Celtics on his own in the 4th and then scored all 11 of his teams points in OT, they’d be there now.
After so much proof of Kyrie Irving’s Ewing Theory bonafides when he has played this season (and Boston’s season in general supporting the cause), the Nets are really missing a closer. Aren’t they, Spencer Dinwiddie?
19. Orlando Magic (Down 2)
(27-35) Last week: 1-3
The Magic are still a hair behind Brooklyn in the ‘For the love of God please avoid the Bucks in round 1’ derby. But for a missed layup at the death by Evan Fournier, they would be level on record and in possession of the tie breaker.
Aaron Gordon had been on a tear before sitting out the loss to Portland with a swollen knee (he’s likely missing their next game in Miami as well). He recorded his first career triple double against Minnesota and was the catalyst for the Magic’s surge in form. They’ll need him back fit and firing sooner rather than later.
18. San Antonio Spurs (Up 1)
(26-34) Last week: 2-1
The Spurs were very Spursian this week, taking care of business against the Magic and Hornets on the road, but falling to the superior Pacers. With the 6th easiest schedule to close the regular season per Tankathon, the Spurs have to continue to beat the teams they should and perhaps steal a couple of games against the better clubs in the league. On March 16th they host the Grizzlies before playing in New Orleans (the first of 3 games remaining against the Pelicans) 2 nights later. Win those games, and the Spurs are still – somehow – a chance to make the playoffs for the 23rd consecutive season.
17. Sacramento Kings (Up 3)
(27-34) Last week: 3-1
With all of the talk around the 8th seed in the West centred on the Pelicans and Grizzlies, the Kings have sneaked under the radar somewhat, but at only 3.5 games behind Memphis with a fairly favourable run home, the Kings are a legitimate chance to end their playoff futility, not having made a post season appearance since 2006. Over his last 10 games De’Aaron Fox is putting up 20.8 points and 6.2 assists. The suddenly ascendant Harry Giles has stepped it up over his past 5 games, with 14.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
16. Damian Lillard (Steady)
(28-35) Last week: 2-2
Damian Lillard’s Portland Trailblazers finally welcomed back their talisman, Damian Lillard and summarily dispatched the Wizards by a very comfortable 21 points. Lillard himself hit four trey’s in a 22 point effort. His team went 1 and 4 without him – their victory over Detroit was a rock fight – but with Sacramento and Phoenix (twice) up next Portland can look to put even more pressure on the young Grizzlies, currently holding the 8th and final playoff place.
CJ McCollum did everything he could to keep the team afloat without Lillard, putting up 34.4 points and 8 assists per game.
15. New Orleans Pelicans (Down 2)
(26-36) Last week: 1-3
Is the pressure of expectation getting to the Pelicans?
They’ve gone down in 3 straight games, including a shocker to a Wolves side missing Towns. The Pellies now sit a full 5 games behind Memphis and a playoff berth, with San Antonio, a surging Sacramento and Portland with Lillard back in the fold all in their way. That being said, they still have the easiest run home in the West (3rd in the league overall), so they should still have a run left in them. Both Portland and Sacramento join New Orleans in the top 10 in run home, according to Tankathon. The Pels aren’t just chasing Memphis; they’re chasing 4 different teams. Can they maintain their focus?
14. Memphis Grizzlies (Up 1)
(31-31) Last week: 3-1
The Grizz aren’t going to let go of their playoff berth without a fight. Their 3 game win streak has brought them back to .500, and maintained their 3.5 game lead over charging Kings.
Jaren Jackson Jr continues to sit, but Memphis has had welcome returns to form from Jonas Valanciunas (15 points and 17 rebounds per game over his past 5) and Dillon Brooks (20.6 points over the same span) to help compensate, although the biggest surprise is the emergence of another J. Jackson. Former 4th overall pick Josh Jackson has become a key reserve for Memphis, clocking in at around 24 minutes per game, providing a welcome offensive boost off the bench.
13. Philadelphia 76ers (Down 1)
(37-25) Last week: 1-2
With tent pole superstars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons both ailing, the Sixers are getting great contributions from Tobias Harris and Shake Milton….that’s right: Shake Milton.
The sophomore former 2nd round pick exploded this week averaging 22.5 points and shooting 18 of 26 from deep over his past 4 games. His 39 point performance against the Clippers was remarkable. In that game he made his 13th straight 3 pointer – an all time record.
12. Indiana Pacers (Up 2)
(37-25) Last week: 2-1
Indiana took advantage of a relatively weak stretch of games to put together a 6 win in 7 streak, including victory against Milwaukee, before the Bucks took their revenge in the Pacers last outing.
The most pleasing thing about the run is the contributions from Pacers not named Sabonis or Brogdon. TJ Warren has put up 21.8 points and 5.3 rebounds over that period, whilst Victor Oladipo, who continues to be rested from time to time, has scored in double figures in 6 of his past 7 games.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (Down 3)
(38-24) Last week: 2-2
Despite splitting their games, this week will have been disheartening to many Thunder fans. OKC took out Detroit and Sacramento as expected, but given elite opposition in the Bucks and Clippers, Billy Donovan’s team were found wanting.
The 15 point loss to Clippers was bad enough, but it was an improvement on the game prior: a 47 point evisceration at the hands of Milwaukee. Trailing at quarter time, the Thunder lost the 2nd and 3rd periods by 16 and 15 points respectively.
These games surely extinguish any thoughts of the Thunder being a fringe contender for the title. They might still sneak into the top 4 in the West, but they clearly aren’t of the quality of the big boys. That being said, even making the playoffs was an outside chance when the season began, so the success they’ve had is icing on the cake.
10. Utah Jazz (Up 1)
(39-22) Last week: 3-0
If a team ever needed a soft run of games, it’s the Jazz. To their credit, they’ve handled their business against the Wizards, Cavaliers and Knicks to keep themselves in touch with the top 4. All of the wins were solid, though none were especially convincing.
Donovan Mitchell’s 19 points against the Knicks halted his streak of 30+ games at 5. The All Star has been electric, but he’s been a sieve at the other end with a personal defensive rating of 119.1 over that span. Mike Conley continues to look solid when the Jazz win, and a liability when they lose.
Getting Conley on track remains a priority, but…. should it be? The Jazz have looked great when Joe Ingles starts. Perhaps Utah should look at the Miami model and have Conley play the Goran Dragic role?
9. Dallas Mavericks (Up 1)
(38-25) Last week: 2-2
Mavericks Coach Rick Carlisle labelled his big man Kristaps Porzingis ‘the future of the 5 position’ after his 38 point, 13 rebound, 4 assist and 5 block and 6 three pointer dismantling of Minnesota. In his past 10 contests, the Unicorn has averaged 26.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 3.6 three pointers. I think Carlisle might be a bit out with his estimation. This isn’t the future: Kristaps is the NOW of the centre position.
8. Miami Heat (Up 1)
(40-22) Last week: 4-0
The Heat are getting back on track, with a 4 game win streak that includes victories over the Bucks, Mavericks and Nets. They’ve got 5 straight games against sub .500 opponents before heading to Milwaukee on March 16th. The Heat could thrust themselves back in the race for 2nd with Toronto & Boston by then.
The bigger hope is that the team can get Andre Iguodala up to speed. The Heat have been dreadful with both Iggy and Butler on the floor, although their defense as a whole has cratered of late. In November, the team was 8th in the league in defensive rating and have steadily regressed to finish 22nd through February.
7. Denver Nuggets (Down 2)
(41-20) Last week: 1-2
The Clippers landed a killer blow in the race for the #2 seed in the West, crushing Denver by 29 points – and that margin flattered the Nuggets, frankly. Coach Michael Malone called his team ‘soft’. Their response in the next game against the Raptors was rock hard. Denver put up 40 in the first stanza and controlled the game to run out 15 point winners. Nikola Jokic was dominant with a 23 point, 18 board, 11 assist triple double.
These two games give something to those on both sides of the ‘Are the Nuggets Elite’ argument. Against the Raptors, the defense was tuned in, the passing was gorgeous, and their shots were dropping. Versus the Clippers, the team looked feeble, unable to do anything other than meekly surrender to a bigger and more powerful opponent. We’re still not sure which is the real Denver Nuggets.
6. Boston Celtics (Down 2)
(42-19) Last week: 1-2
The margins are fine at the top end of the NBA. This week, the Celts lost a pair of OT heart breakers. If they beat the Rockets and Nets, they sit a clear 2nd in the conference. As it is, they’re a game behind Toronto with their next 4 contests coming against the Jazz, Thunder, Pacers and Bucks. The Nets game, in particular, will be seen as a missed opportunity. In the race for the 2nd seed, the C’s travel to Toronto on March 20. It’s only one game, but it could be the catalyst for the victor to take the 2nd seed and avoid the dangerous Sixers or Pacers.
5. Houston Rockets (Up 2)
(39-21) Last week: 2-1
Houston was riding a 6 game winning streak that was finally stopped by….the New York Knicks? Apparently, that actually happened.
Despite the surprise loss, the Rockets small ball gamble is paying off in spades. Russell Westbrook and James Harden both look rejuvenated by the space in which they can now operate. The pair are the only two NBA players to average over 30 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists since the turn of the new year. The addition of Robert Covington has not only provided space for the offense, he’s actually solidified the defense. His rebounding and shot blocking since coming over from the Wolves have been excellent at 8.4 boards and 2.5 blocks – both easily career highs. Perhaps Covington has been miscast through his career and was a power forward all along?
4. Toronto Raptors (Down 1)
(43-18) Last week: 1-2
The Raptors just can’t get healthy. Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka and Fred Vanvleet have all missed time of late, yet they still keep on hanging in. Losses to Milwaukee and Denver whilst shorthanded were honourable – going down to Charlotte was somewhat less so. The Raptors still have a 1.5 game buffer on Boston, so if they can steady themselves and get players back in uniform the #2 seed is still theirs to lose. One player that did return was Norman Powell, who has scored 22, 24 and 26 points in his 3 games since returning.
3. Los Angeles Clippers (Up 3)
(42-19) Last week: 3-0
The playoffs are looming and the Clippers are rounding into form.
They’ve won their past 5, but it’s the last 3 victories that have impressed: Denver, Philadelphia and Oklahoma City. The won each game convincingly (only an out of body experience for Shake Milton kept the Sixers score respectable). Their next two opponents are Houston and the Lakers. Should the Clips take those games it will send tremors around the league.
Whilst the concerns about the Clippers apparent apathy are legitimate, the fact remains that with both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the floor, the team have the 2nd best net rating in the NBA, trailing only the rampant Bucks. Coach Doc Rivers still needs to figure out a playoff rotation but now that his team is approaching full health, we’ll get to see exactly what this Clippers Giant Death Robot can really do.
2. Los Angeles Lakers (Steady)
(47-13) Last week: 3-1
A shock loss to Memphis is the only blemish on the Lakers record in their last 10 matches – it’s safe to say the team are in playoff form.
We’ve witnessed the first meetings of the present and future of the NBA in the past 8 days, with LeBron’s Lakers beating Zion Williamson’s Pelicans on both occasions. Despite big performances from the heralded rookie, King James ruled the court with a commanding 40 point game followed by a 34 point, 12 rebound, 13 assist masterclass.
In their next match up, the Lakers host the Bucks, then play the Clippers – those games should give us a good guide of where all 3 primary Championship contenders are at.
1. Milwaukee Bucks (Steady)
(53-9) Last week: 3-1
The Bucks remain dominant at both ends of the floor. Whilst Dallas’s historic offense gets a lot of acclaim, the Bucks equally remarkable defense doesn’t seem to generate the same levels of praise. A quick measure of the Bucks defensive dominance:
NBA’s best at-rim defenders, measured by opponents field goal %:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): 41.7%
- Brook Lopez (Bucks): 45.6%
- Robin Lopez (Bucks): 46.9%
If Giannis (a red hot chance to do the NBA’s 3rd ever MVP/DPY double, joining Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon) doesn’t get you, the Lopii will. And that’s before we even get to defensive aces in Eric Bledsoe and George Hill at the point of attack and the rangy, versatile Khris Middleton.
They’re not too bad at the other end either these Bucks, coming in at 6th in offensive rating. Giannis stomped all over the Hornets in a 41 points, 20 board and 6 assist performance.
