NBA Power Rankings Week 18: Milwaukee Bucks remain on top, Philadelphia 76ers rediscover form

Following a thrilling All-Star Weekend, teams around the league are now heading into the business end of the campaign.

With just a third of the season left to play, there is an ongoing battle for playoff spots and home-court advantage in both conferences, and here we will take a look at the latest Power Rankings heading into Week 18 of the 2019-20 NBA season.

#10 Houston Rockets - Record: 34-20

Russell Westbrook is in terrific form for the Rockets

The jury is still out on Houston's small-ball style, although everything came together as they picked up an impressive win over the Celtics. With Russell Westbrook and James Harden making huge contributions, the Rockets will be a tough-out in the postseason, although there is still little evidence to suggest that they will be a threat for the title.

#9 Miami Heat - Record: 35-19

Jimmy Butler and the Heat have lost momentum in recent weeks

After overcoming the lowly Warriors last Monday, the Heat were soundly beaten by the Jazz two days later. Erik Spoelstra's side has now won just four of their past 10 games, and are in danger of falling out of the top four seeds. However, Andre Iguodala's impact will grow as he regains full match sharpness, while Jimmy Butler continues to put up big numbers.

#8 Utah Jazz - Record: 36-18

The Jazz are back on track after chaining together four consecutive wins to climb to fourth in the West. Utah's winning streak has come despite a difficult schedule, and the Jazz were excellent in their final game before the All-Star break as they destroyed the Heat.

They face a huge game against the Rockets on Saturday night, but all the momentum is with Quin Snyder's team.

#7 Philadelphia 76ers - Record: 34-21

The Philadelphia 76ers remain in the mix for a top-four finish

Less than two weeks ago, the Philadelphia 76ers appeared to be in turmoil, but Brett Brown's side has picked up three straight wins to improve to 34-21. With Miami faltering, grabbing a top-four seed remains a possibility, and the Sixers still possess the NBA's best home record (25-2).

#6 Los Angeles Clippers - Record: 37-18

Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers have struggled for form

The Clippers suffered another bad week as they fell to the Sixers before losing a thrilling overtime game to the Celtics. They remain on course for a top-four finish, but with Paul George's health a major concern, the Clippers may no longer be the favorites to advance from the West.

#5 Boston Celtics - Record: 38-16

The Boston Celtics remain in the mix in the East

Following a disappointing loss to the Rockets, the Celtics picked up a huge win over the Clippers on Thursday night. Boston has won eight out of their past 10 games to improve to 38-16, and with a fully healthy roster at his disposal, Brad Stevens will be confident that his side can continue to improve over the next two months.

#4 Denver Nuggets - Record: 38-17

The Denver Nuggets suffered an overtime loss to the Lakers but remain second in the West

The Nuggets' four-game winning streak ended on Wednesday as they fell just short against the conference-leading Lakers.

Nevertheless, Denver was competitive against Frank Vogel's team, and their excellent home form combined with Nikola Jokic's impact could be enough to secure the second seed in the West.

#3 Toronto Raptors - Record: 40-15

The Toronto Raptors' win streak was snapped by the Nets

The Toronto Raptors defeated the Timberwolves last Monday to extend their winning streak to 15, but Nick Nurse's side finally tasted defeat two days later as they fell to the Kyrie Irving-less Nets.

However, despite the loss, the Raptors still sit second in the East with a 40-15 record - and they will be hoping to quickly get back to winning ways.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers - Record: 41-12

The Los Angeles Lakers occupy the top seed in the West

It was another great week for the Lakers as they swept aside the Suns before picking up a huge overtime win in Denver. Frank Vogel's team are now four games ahead of the second-placed Nuggets and are in pole position to secure the number one seed.

#1 Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 46-8

The Greek Freak and the Milwaukee Bucks top the NBA standings

The Bucks tasted just their eighth defeat of the season last week as they fell to the Pacers. However, they were without Giannis Antetokounmpo during the loss, and have still won eight out of the last ten games. Additionally, Milwaukee has proved to be incredibly strong both at home (25-3) and on the road (21-5), and they should continue to dominate the NBA over the final two months of the season.