NBA Power Rankings: Post-All-Star Weekend
Championship Contenders
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Cleveland Cavaliers (Championship Odds: +800): The Cavs emerge from the All-Star break with a four-game winning streak and a 5½-game cushion atop the Eastern Conference.
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Oklahoma City Thunder (Championship Odds: +225): Boasting the league’s best defense, the Thunder have allowed a mere 104.5 points per 100 possessions.
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Boston Celtics (Championship Odds: +225): Ranking in the top five in both offense and defense, the Celtics are a formidable force.
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Denver Nuggets (Championship Odds: +1400): Riding an eight-game winning streak, the Nuggets are tearing up opponents with their high-powered offense.
Title Contenders
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Memphis Grizzlies (Championship Odds: +2500): The Grizzlies rank highly on both ends of the floor, clinging to second place in the West.
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Houston Rockets (Championship Odds: +5000): Despite a recent slump, the Rockets possess the potential to make a strong playoff push.
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New York Knicks (Championship Odds: +1300): Karl-Anthony Towns has led the Knicks to eight wins in 10 games, driving their championship aspirations.
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Indiana Pacers (Championship Odds: +10000): The Pacers have surged up the East standings, boasting the NBA’s toughest remaining schedule.
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Milwaukee Bucks (Championship Odds: +3000): Giannis Antetokounmpo’s squad eyes a title repeat despite a challenging schedule.
Trade Deadline Boosters
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Los Angeles Lakers (Championship Odds: +1400): The addition of Luka Doncic could propel the Lakers into contention, if they can build chemistry quickly.
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Golden State Warriors (Championship Odds: +4000): Jimmy Butler brings experience and star power to a Warriors team aiming to return to the NBA Finals.
Other Teams to Watch
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Los Angeles Clippers (Championship Odds: +3500): The Clippers have been quietly lurking in sixth place in the West, with a strong net rating in recent games.
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Minnesota Timberwolves (Championship Odds: +5000): The Timberwolves have shown flashes of brilliance, including a top-six ranking since Christmas.
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Philadelphia 76ers (Championship Odds: +100000): Despite a disappointing season, the 76ers remain a talented team with Joel Embiid leading the charge.
Playoff Hopefuls
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Sacramento Kings (Championship Odds: +30000): Improved play and ownership changes offer hope for the Kings.
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Orlando Magic (Championship Odds: +10000): Franz Wagner has emerged as a consistent scorer for the Magic.
Playoff Bubble
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Phoenix Suns (Championship Odds: +12500): The Suns face a tough battle to make the playoffs despite a high-priced roster.
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Atlanta Hawks (Championship Odds: +100000): The Hawks’ future with Trae Young is uncertain.
Lottery Teams
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San Antonio Spurs (Championship Odds: +100000): The Spurs aim to create a winning path for Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
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Miami Heat (Championship Odds: +20000): With Jimmy Butler’s saga behind them, the Heat can focus on a strong finish.
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Portland Trail Blazers (Championship Odds: +75000): The future of Chauncey Billups as head coach remains up in the air.
Tanking Teams
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Brooklyn Nets (Championship Odds: +100000): The Nets’ tanking efforts have been derailed by recent wins.
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Chicago Bulls (Championship Odds: +100000): The Bulls continue to struggle, losing four consecutive games before the All-Star break.
Development Candidates
- Toronto Raptors (Championship Odds: +100000): With a promising young core, the Raptors are looking to build a winning culture.
Trade Targets
- Cooper Flagg (Championship Odds: +100000): The Hornets, Pelicans, and Wizards are among the teams eager to acquire Flagg.
