Kevin As we draw closer to the NBA playoffs we take a look at the power rankings for week 17 which gives us a view of the strongest teams.
While we don’t know which team will make it to the finals to be crowned champions, we do know which teams look the best right now and can be projected to make a strong push for the NBA crown.
The Phoenix Suns are the Top Team this Week
The team that leads the way as the strongest of the teams in the NBA is the Phoenix Suns. This team has been on the rise for a while and brings a prolific offense to the game. The defense seems to still have some work to do, but for the most part, the Suns appear to be more than simply a spoiler as we look toward the playoffs.
The Utah Jazz Drop a Spot
Even though the Utah Jazz has a better record than the Phoenix Suns, 40-13 compared to 37-15, they have fallen by one spot this week. Don’t take that as a sign this team won’t make a big push during the playoffs, the Jazz could come out at the end as champions. Expect to see the Jazz at or near the top of this list for the rest of the season.
The Brooklyn Nets Hold Serve at Three
For the second week in a row, the Brooklyn Nets are third on this list and are the top team in the Eastern Conference. The record of 36-17 is excellent, especially when you consider how many players have missed multiple games due to injury this year. If this team can becomefully healthy, they are going to be tough to beat down the stretch.
In Fourth, We find the Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets continue to be one of the strongest teams in the NBA and they currently sit in fourth in our weekly power rankings. Carrying a 34-19 record, this team is tough and has a bruising way of playing basketball that hints at the days of old. If you’re looking for a team that seems poised to make a strong run, the Nuggets just might be the team for you.
Moving into Fifth, the Los Angeles Clippers
With all players back and healthy, the Los Angeles Clippers seem to be ready to show why they should be considered one of the strongest teams in the league. This team carries a 37-18 record through 17 weeks. Their potent offense and stifling defense may be the formula for success when it’s time to make a push in the playoffs.
Staying Put at Six, the Philadelphia 76ers
The power rankings show the 76ers in the sixth position. This is a team filled with excellent players who could make it tough for any team to compete on the floor with them. Brining a 36-17 record through 17 weeks, the 76ers are gearing up for the rest of the season and look to be ready to take on any challengers in the postseason.
The Milwaukee BucksFall to the Seventh Spot
Just last week, the Milwaukee Bucks were in the fifth position but this week they find themselves in seventh. The 33-20 record is starting to become a bit shaking and could be a problem when playoff seeding begins. Their MVP candidate needed some time off last week having missed the last five games with an injury to his left knee. If this team wants to be strong in the playoffs, they need Giannis Antetokounmpo healthy.
Holding Steady in Eight is the Dallas Mavericks
Not long ago, the Mavericks didn’t look like playoff contenders but a recent push upward gives the idea this team might be for real. They will have to face the gauntlet of some of the NBA’s strongest teams to get where they want to go. Right now, the Mavericks have a 29-23 record and should be ready to take their upward run toward the playoffs.
Are Any of the Strongest Teams in the Rest of the League?
The rest of the power rankings for the NBA are:
9. Miami Heat 28-25
10. Los Angeles Lakers 33-20
11. Portland Trail Blazers 31-22
12. Memphis Grizzlies 26-25
13. Atlanta Hawks 29-25
14. Boston Celtics 28-26
15. San Antonio Spurs 25-26
16. Charlotte Hornets 27-25
17. New York Knicks 27-27
18. New Orleans Pelicans 24-29
19. Golden State Warriors 25-28
20. Indiana Pacers 25-27
21. Chicago Bulls 22-30
22. Detroit Pistons 16-38
23. Washington Wizards 19-33
24. Toronto Raptors 21-33
25. Sacramento Kings 22-31
26. Minnesota Timberwolves 14-40
27. Cleveland Cavaliers 19-34
28. Orlando Magic 17-36
29. Houston Rockets 14-39
30. Oklahoma City Thunder 20-33
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