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We are already four months into the 2019-20 NBA season, and with All-Star Weekend quickly approaching, teams are gearing up for a final push for the playoffs. Postseason spots are still up for grabs in both conferences, while teams are also be battling to secure homecourt advantage. So, heading into Week 16 of the season, here we will take a look at the latest NBA Power Rankings.
#10 Indiana Pacers - Record: 31-18
Victor Oladipo finally made his long-awaited return from injury last week, and while the 27-year-old struggled with his shot, he will soon find form. Elsewhere, Domantas Sabonis earned a deserved All-Star call-up, and Indiana is in a strong position heading into the final months of the season.
#9 Utah Jazz - Record: 32-17
This time last week, the Jazz had won 19 of their past 21 games, although Quin Snyder's team endured a nightmare Week 15. Defeats to the Rockets, Spurs, Nuggets, and Trail Blazers have left the Jazz with a 32-17 record - and the 7th seeded Thunder are now just 2.5 games back. Mike Conley impressed upon his return to the starting lineup, although Utah faces another tough seven days, with games to come against the Nuggets, Trail Blazers, and Rockets.
#8 Houston Rockets - Record: 31-18
Despite suffering a disappointing loss to the Trail Blazers, it was overall a good week for the Rockets as they picked up wins over the Jazz, Mavericks, and Pelicans. James Harden appears to be recovering from his recent shooting slump, and Eric Gordon reminded everyone of his quality by dropping 50 points on Utah.
#7 Miami Heat - Record: 33-15
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
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 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
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.
#3 Toronto Raptors - Record: 36-14
The Toronto Raptors have taken full advantage of a favorable schedule over the past two weeks to surge into the second seed. Toronto's win over the Bulls on Sunday was their 11th on the bounce - tying a franchise record - and Nick Nurse's team are among the contenders to advance from the East.
#2 Los Angeles Lakers - Record: 37-11
The Lakers' week was dominated by the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and their blockbuster clash against the Clippers was called off as a result. An emotional Los Angeles roster regrouped to return to the court on Friday - losing to the Damian Lillard inspired Trail Blazers. Nevertheless, the Lakers looked like themselves on Saturday as they recorded a big road win against the Kings, and Frank Vogel's team remain at the top of the West standings with a 37-11 record.
#1 Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 42-7
The Bucks started the week without Giannis Antetokounmpo, although Mike Budenholzer's team was still able to drop 151 points on the helpless Wizards. Upon his return, the Bucks suffered just their seventh loss of the season to a hot-shooting Denver team - although they bounced back on Sunday with a dominant win over the Suns to improve to 42-7.
