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Following a thrilling All-Star Weekend in Chicago, the NBA got back underway last week. Teams around the league have just under a third of the season remaining to achieve their goals for the campaign, and there is a battle for playoff spots and homecourt advantage in both conferences. So, as we head into Week 19 of the 2019-20 NBA season, here we will take a look at the latest power rankings.
#10 Miami Heat - Record: 36-20
February has been a tough month for the Miami Heat, although Erik Spoelstra's side were excellent during Saturday's win over the Cavaliers. It was just their second win in seven games, although the Heat remain in contention to secure homecourt advantage thanks to a 36-20 record.
#9 Oklahoma City Thunder - Record: 35-22
The Oklahoma City Thunder's form has been among the biggest surprises of the season, and Billy Donovan's side picked up where they left off ahead of the All-Star break. A 113-101 win over the Nuggets highlighted that the Thunder can compete with the best teams in the Western Conference, while OKC's depth was on show during Sunday's 131-103 demolition of the Spurs as eight players scored in double figures.
#8 Utah Jazz - Record: 36-20
The Utah Jazz entered the All-Star break with plenty of momentum, although Quin Snyder's side was lackluster in defeats to the Spurs and Rockets last week. Nevertheless, the Jazz can still point to an impressive 36-20 record and they have a favorable schedule to come over the next two weeks.
#7 Houston Rockets - Record: 36-20
The Houston Rockets picked up a huge win over the Jazz on Saturday to move into fourth in the Western Conference standings, and Mike D'Antoni's small-ball approach appears to be working. A sequence of three consecutive wins has been fueled by the All-Star backcourt duo of James Harden and Russell Westbrook - and following an inconsistent season - the Rockets are hitting form at the perfect time.
#6 LA Clippers - Record: 37-19
The LA Clippers possess the best roster in the NBA and remain the favorites for the title, although their recent form has been a concern. Saturday's 112-103 defeat to the Kings was their third loss on the bounce, and Marcus Morris has yet to make an impact. Paul George could return from injury this week, although the Clippers have a difficult schedule over the next two weeks.
#5 Denver Nuggets - Record: 39-18
Following a disappointing defeat to the Thunder, the Denver Nuggets got back on track on Sunday as they picked up a 128-116 win over the Timberwolves. With a 39-18 record, Denver remain second in the West standings, although they have tough games to come this week against the Clippers and Raptors.
#4 Boston Celtics - Record: 39-17
The Boston Celtics suffered a narrow defeat to the Lakers on Sunday afternoon, although Brad Stevens' side had the chance to snatch a late win and are able to hang with contending teams. The Celtics also dominated their early week matchup with the Timberwolves, and with Kemba Walker set to return - they have plenty to be optimistic about.
#3 Toronto Raptors - Record: 42-15
The Toronto Raptors set another record on Sunday evening as they beat the Pacers by a franchise-record margin. The 127-81 win further demonstrated that the reigning champions are a serious threat to advance from the East, and Nick Nurse's side will be looking forward to their blockbuster showdown with the Bucks on Tuesday.
#2 Los Angeles Lakers - Record: 43-12
The Los Angeles Lakers managed to nullify the threat of Ja Morant during Friday's win over the Grizzlies before picking up a huge win over the Celtics on Sunday afternoon. The win over Boston was important as the Lakers had suffered a 32-point loss to the same opponents back in January - and with a 42-13 record - Frank Vogel's team appear certain to take the West's number one seed.
#1 Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 48-8
The Milwaukee Bucks returned from the All-Star break with wins over the Pistons and Sixers. Both wins were convincing, and Giannis Antetokounmpo notably dominated his matchup with Joel Embiid during Saturday's 119-98 win over the Sixers. With four games to come over the next seven days, the Bucks are likely to hit 50 wins for the season, and a 70-win campaign remains in reach.
