NBA Power Rankings Week 15: Utah Jazz continue to climb as the Oklahoma City Thunder enter the mix

We are now past the halfway mark of the 2019-20 NBA season, and the race to make the playoffs is shaping up nicely. There is plenty of competition in both conferences to secure one of the final postseason spots, while several standout teams are also continuing to underline their title credentials. So, as we head into Week 15 of the season, here are the latest NBA Power Rankings.

#10 Oklahoma City Thunder – Record: 28-19

Chris Paul and the Thunder are in excellent form

Many ruled out the Thunder’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs following the offseason departures of Russell Westbrook and Paul George – although another perfect week has resulted in OKC's record jumping to 28-19. They are now eight games clear of the 9th placed Spurs – and with Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Danilo Gallinari all performing well – the Thunder are unlikely to fade anytime soon.

#9 Indiana Pacers – Record: 30-17

The Indiana Pacers sit 5th in the East standings

The Pacers should finally get Victor Oladipo back from injury this week - and incredibly, the All-Star is returning to an Indiana team with a 30-17 record. The Pacers have received little attention for their exploits this season and despite Sunday's loss to the Trail Blazers, Nate McMillan's team has been excellent since the turn of the year, and will only get better in the coming weeks.

#8 Miami Heat – Record: 31-14

Jimmy Butler and the Heat picked up to hard-fought overtime wins

Miami's form has slipped since the turn of the year, although they managed to pick up two overtime wins over the Kings and Wizards last week. Miami finished the week with a loss to the Clippers, although Erik Spoelstra's team remains competitive, and the front office could still upgrade the roster ahead of the trade deadline.

#7 Boston Celtics – Record: 30-15

The Boston Celtics remain among the contenders in the East

The Celtics picked up their most impressive win of the season this past Monday as they dropped 139 points on the Lakers in a commanding display. Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum were all excellent, and the Celtics also picked up convincing wins over the Grizzlies and Magic. Admittedly, Brad Stevens' side suffered a disappointing defeat to the Pelicans on Sunday, although overall, it was a solid week for the Celtics.

#6 Denver Nuggets – Record: 32-14

Nikola Jokic has almost averaged a triple-double over his past three performances

While the Denver Nuggets are not blowing opposing teams away, they ground out another win against the Rockets on Sunday. It was Denver's 32nd win of an increasingly impressive season, and with Nikola Jokic in excellent form, Michael Malone's team remain well in contention to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs.

#5 LA Clippers - Record: 33-14

Kawhi Leonard is putting up huge numbers for the Clippers

Despite Paul George's absence, the Clippers have won eight of their past 10 games to remain in the mix for the second seed. Over that period, Kawhi Leonard has posted no fewer than 30 points - and if the Clippers can add a center ahead of the trade deadline, they could be the team to beat in the postseason.

#4 Toronto Raptors – Record: 31-14

The Toronto Raptors have picked up seven consecutive wins

After dealing with injuries to key players for much of the season, the Raptors finally have a healthy roster and Sunday’s win over the Spurs was their seventh on the bounce. The Raptors now sit second in the East standings with a 31-14 record, and with games to come this week against the Hawks, Cavaliers, Pistons, and Bulls – Toronto will be confident of extending their win streak.

#3 Utah Jazz - Record: 32-13

Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz have climbed to second in the West

The Utah Jazz have been the NBA's best team since the turn of the year, and they recorded another perfect 3-0 record in Week 14 to move up to second in the West standings. Utah's 112-107 win over the Mavericks on Saturday felt like a huge moment, and with Rudy Gobert playing the most dominant basketball of his career, the Jazz's rise will be difficult to stop.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers - Record: 36-10

The Lakers remain top of the Western Conference standings

The Lakers endured a tough week as they concluded their Grammy road trip. While Frank Vogel's team was able to pick up midweek wins over the Knicks and Nets - they started the week with a huge defeat to the Celtics, before also losing to the Sixers on Saturday. The Lakers still top the West with a 36-10 record, although doubts remain over their ability to beat the NBA's best teams, and Tuesday's clash with the Clippers feels like a must-win game.

#1 Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 40-6

The Milwaukee Bucks continued their excellent form in Week 14

The Milwaukee Bucks played just twice over the past seven days due to their participation in the annual European Game, although Mike Budenholzer's team picked up consecutive wins to improve to 40-6. The Bucks were far from their best in Paris, although another signature performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo was enough to secure an eighth consecutive win, and Milwaukee are showing no signs of slowing down.