NBA Power Rankings Week 16: Raptors continue to surge while the Jazz slip down the standings

#7 Miami Heat - Record: 33-15

Jimmy Butler and the Heat remain in contention to secure homecourt advantage

The Heat picked up two convincing wins over the Magic, although they suffered another defeat to a contending team as they fell to the Celtics on Tuesday. Miami remains fourth in the East standings with a 33-15 record, although they have testing games to come against the Sixers and Clippers.

#6 Boston Celtics - Record: 33-15

The Boston Celtics picked up three wins over the past seven days

It was an excellent week for the Celtics as they picked up wins over Miami, Golden State, and Philadelphia. Boston's defense continues to improve, and with four winnable games to come over the next week - Brad Stevens' team is heading in the right direction ahead of All-Star Weekend.

#5 Denver Nuggets - Record: 34-16

The Nuggets inflicted just a seventh defeat of the season on the Bucks

The Nuggets lost in overtime to the Pistons on Sunday afternoon, having also suffered a surprise defeat to the Grizzlies in Week 15. However, Denver picked up impressive wins over the Jazz and Bucks, and a 34-16 record is enough for the third spot in the West. Consistency remains an issue, although the Nuggets have shown enough quality to suggest that they will be a threat in April.

#4 LA Clippers - Record: 34-15

Kawhi Leonard has enjoyed an excellent start to 2020

Without Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers suffered a blowout loss to the Kings on Thursday, although Doc Rivers' men responded by defeating the Timberwolves to improve to 34-15. LA's road form remains a concern (14-10), although they have been excellent when both Leonard and Paul George have played, and upgrades could arrive ahead of the traded deadline.