NBA Power Rankings
Here are my NBA Power Rankings for Friday, April 3, 2015. Enjoy!
#1. Golden State Warriors (62-13): They have won 11 straight games during a period in which they've already had home court advantage locked up for the entire playoffs. If that doesn't scare opposing teams, I don't know what will.
#2. Cleveland Cavaliers (49-27): The Cavaliers are heating up at the right time, having won 8 of their last 10 games.
#3. Atlanta Hawks (56-19): I don't want to sleep on the Hawks because they've had such a wonderful season, but their lack of a true superstar still leaves room for doubt.
#4. Houston Rockets (52-24): James Harden is literally willing this team into the NBA championship picture. If Dwight Howard can get back to full strength, these guys just might win it all.
#5. Memphis Grizzlies (51-24): They have a huge game at home against the Thunder tonight. Even more crucial for them is that they secure the #2 seed in the West.
#6. Los Angeles Clippers (50-26): Jamal Crawford is aiming to be back on Tuesday. This is definitely good news for the Clippers.
#7. San Antonio Spurs (49-26): The Spurs have won 8 of their last 10 games and have really turned on the jets as we head into the playoffs. We've all seen this movie before.
#8. Portland Trail Blazers (48-26): They have won just 4 of their last 10 games and are starting to slide. The absence of Wesley Matthews is huge.
#9. Dallas Mavericks (46-30): There is a very weird vibe surrounding this team that is largely due to Rajon Rondo's presence. Still, the talent is there to make a run.
#10. Chicago Bulls (45-30): Once again, the Bulls are crossing their fingers that Derrick Rose can return to full strength.
#11. Toronto Raptors (45-30): The Raptors go into tonight's game against the Nets riding a three-game winning streak. Maybe these guys can get something going before the playoffs.
#12. Oklahoma City Thunder (42-33): Without Kevin Durant, there is no hope for this team to make any sort of run in the playoffs.
#13. New Orleans Pelicans (40-34): They are just 1.5 games back of the Thunder for the #8 seed in the West. With Ryan Anderson back, there is hope.
#14. Washington Wizards (42-33): I've never seen a team fall more quickly from contender status to pretender.
#15. Phoenix Suns (38-38): I don't want to call this a disappointing season for the Suns, but looking at where they were last season, it's hard to say that it isn't.
#16. Milwaukee Bucks (37-38): I think we are seeing that this team really does need Jabari Parker healthy in order to be a serious threat.
#17. Brooklyn Nets (34-40): I can't believe the Nets have the #7 seed in the Eastern Conference. I mean seriously, that's a joke.
#18. Utah Jazz (34-41): The Jazz have made tremendous strides this season. Look for this team to perhaps capture the #8 seed in the West next season.
#19. Boston Celtics (34-41): It helps to have Isaiah Thomas back. With him healthy, they have a real shot at making the playoffs.
#20. Miami Heat (34-41): It's hard to figure how good this team would be with a healthy Chris Bosh, but it would stand to reason that they would be threatening the Bucks for the #6 seed in the East.
#21. Charlotte Hornets (32-42): The Hornets are still alive, just 1.5 games back of the #8 seed, which is currently held by the Heat.
#22. Indiana Pacers (32-43): I doubt Paul George comes back. Even if the Pacers make the playoffs, I don't see the point in bringing him back.
#23. Detroit Pistons (29-46): It's kinda painful to think that with Brandon Jennings healthy, this team would probably be in the playoffs.
#24. Denver Nuggets (28-47): The Nuggets have so many issues. I don't know where to begin. Kenneth Faried and Ty Lawson are the only real bright spots that they have.
#25. Sacramento Kings (26-48): DeMarcus Cousins is seriously the only player to give Kings fans hope. The Kings would be idiotic to move him.
#26. Orlando Magic (22-53): Aaron Gordon has been averaging 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. So far, he's looking like a bust.
#27. Los Angeles Lakers (20-54): Steve Nash's retirement was a merciful decision on his end. Going forward, this team has no base or anything to give them hope for the future.
#28. Philadelphia 76ers (18-58): The only thing that can excite this team is that Joel Embiid is on track to play in Summer League.
#29. Minnesota Timberwolves (16-59): Andrew Wiggins is the real deal. The Timberwolves have a legitimate superstar on their hands.
#30. New York Knicks (14-61): The lottery better be kind to them.
---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord
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