True Title Contenders

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (63-12, Last Week: 1)
   The Thunder continue to dominate, posting a historic 28-1 record against Eastern Conference teams—beating the previous mark of 27-3 set by the 2000 Lakers and 2007 Mavericks. With 48 double-digit wins, they are just two away from matching the all-time record of 50 (set by the 1971-72 Lakers). If history holds, that stat bodes well for an NBA title run.
2. Boston Celtics (56-19, Last Week: 2)
   Boston is peaking at the perfect time, wrapping up a franchise-first 6-0 road trip. Jayson Tatum has stepped up as a playmaker, increasing his assists per game from 5.6 pre-All-Star break to 7.1 afterward. His All-NBA First Team selection is all but locked in.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (60-15, Last Week: 3)
   The Cavaliers have secured the No. 1 seed in the East but still seem slightly behind the Thunder and Celtics. Sunday’s win over the Clippers showcased their depth—Jarrett Allen (25 points, 12 rebounds), Donovan Mitchell (24 points), Evan Mobley (22), and Darius Garland (19) all contributed. They’ll need that balance in the postseason.

Second-Tier Contenders

4. Golden State Warriors (44-31, Last Week: 6)
   The Warriors are 19-5 since acquiring Jimmy Butler, with a stifling defense ranked seventh in the NBA. Their fourth-best clutch defense could be a major factor in the playoffs.
5. Denver Nuggets (47-29, Last Week: 4)
   Denver went 2-3 without Nikola Jokić, but he returned with a dominant 61-point triple-double against Minnesota. Jamal Murray’s health remains a concern—his consistency will be key for a deep postseason run.

Playoffs or Bust

6. Houston Rockets (49-27, Last Week: 5)
   The Rockets are in a battle to hold onto the No. 2 seed, making it tough for coach Ime Udoka to rest his stars. Their balance between health and winning will be crucial.
7. Los Angeles Clippers (43-32, Last Week: 7)
   A top-three defense and a rejuvenated Kawhi Leonard (25.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 44.4% from three over his last 10 games) make the Clippers a dangerous playoff team.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (44-32, Last Week: 8)
   Anthony Edwards is the face of the franchise, but Rudy Gobert remains the defensive glue. His absence against Denver proved how vital he is to their success.
9. Los Angeles Lakers (46-29, Last Week: 11)
   The Lakers’ unconventional lineups—often playing without a traditional center—are working. LeBron James’ versatility and Rui Hachimura’s return add key depth as they surge back into the top 10.
10. New York Knicks (48-27, Last Week: 9)
    Jalen Brunson’s expected return before the playoffs could be a game-changer. The Knicks have survived without him, but their chemistry will be tested in the postseason.

Play-In Hopefuls

11. Indiana Pacers (44-31, Last Week: 10)
    Indiana looks set to host a first-round series. Their 3-1 record against Detroit this season suggests they’d prefer a playoff matchup with the Pistons over the Bucks.
12. Detroit Pistons (42-33, Last Week: 13)
    Detroit has tripled its win total from last season, showing massive growth under J.B. Bickerstaff. A crucial final weekend series against Milwaukee could decide their playoff seeding.
13. Memphis Grizzlies (44-32, Last Week: 12)
    A coaching shakeup has the Grizzlies in flux. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo is emphasizing more screens and pick-and-rolls, but defensive woes persist.
14. Milwaukee Bucks (41-34, Last Week: 15)
    The Bucks’ playoff hopes hinge on Damian Lillard’s health. A first-round exit could lead to major offseason changes.
15. Orlando Magic (37-40, Last Week: 16)
    The Magic’s defense has returned to elite form, ranking third in the NBA over the past seven games. A play-in showdown with Atlanta seems inevitable.
16. Atlanta Hawks (36-39, Last Week: 17)
    Atlanta boasts the league’s fourth-best offense in recent weeks, but Trae Young’s Achilles issues are a concern.
17. Miami Heat (34-41, Last Week: 22)
    After a 10-game losing streak post-Jimmy Butler trade, Miami has won five straight to keep their play-in hopes alive.
18. Chicago Bulls (34-42, Last Week: 18)
    Rookie Matas Buzelis is breaking out, averaging 17.2 points and shooting 51.7% from three over his last five games.
19. Dallas Mavericks (37-39, Last Week: 21)
    The return of Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford is stabilizing the Mavericks. They’re trending upward at the right time.

The Lottery Zone

20. Sacramento Kings (36-39, Last Week: 19)
    A collapse down the stretch has Sacramento reconsidering its coaching situation.
21. Phoenix Suns (35-41, Last Week: 14)
    With Kevin Durant sidelined and the team struggling, shutting down the season might be the best move.
22. Portland Trail Blazers (33-43, Last Week: 20)
    Portland’s young core is showing promise—could they make a Rockets-like leap next season?
23. Toronto Raptors (28-48, Last Week: 24)
    Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley have potential, but will Brandon Ingram’s arrival elevate this team next season?
24. San Antonio Spurs (31-44, Last Week: 23)
    Victor Wembanyama’s return next season should improve San Antonio’s struggling defense.
25. Brooklyn Nets (25-51, Last Week: 25)
    Brooklyn’s young squad plays hard, but the team’s rebuild is fully underway.
26. New Orleans Pelicans (21-54, Last Week: 27)
    With Zion Williamson shut down, speculation about his future in New Orleans is heating up.
27. Philadelphia 76ers (23-53, Last Week: 26)
    The Sixers are prioritizing their draft position over Tyrese Maxey’s return.
28. Charlotte Hornets (19-56, Last Week: 28)
    LaMelo Ball’s future is in question—his contract and injury history may limit trade interest.
29. Washington Wizards (16-59, Last Week: 30)
    Rookie Alex Sarr continues to show flashes of brilliance despite the team’s struggles.
30. Utah Jazz (16-60, Last Week: 29)
    Utah’s first 60-loss season in decades signals the need for a rebuild jumpstart.

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The playoff race is heating up, and with just weeks to go, teams are jockeying for position. Expect fireworks down the stretch!