Official /r/nba Power Rankings #7 (1.23.2023)

[25/30 rankers reporting this week.](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1–xX0VpsDJBfsTPlnpVkF2IRD0RMEfIzX1wEyOxDP7Q/edit?usp=sharing) /R/NBA’s Power Rankings are published every two weeks which is a bit different from most rankings. Other than that we rank the teams the same way as our competition. If write ups are left blank the team rep decided not to submit. We encourage any user to fill in the blanks in the comment section.

\# | Team | Δ | Record | Comment |
–: | :– | :– | :-: | :– |
1 | [](/BOS) Celtics | — | 35-12 | The Celtics are 7-0 since the last powerrankings. They’ve got a 4.5 game lead on 2nd place in the East, and they’re currently on track to hit 40 wins before 20 losses. They’re the hottest team in the NBA right now. Ever since their blowout loss to the Thunder, they’ve won 9 games in a row and look to make it 10 in a row tonight against the Magic, who seem to have the Celtics number this season. The next month will really test the Celtics though, as they’ll play the Nets, 76ers, Cavs, and Pistons twice each, the Knicks three times, and matchups against the Bucks, Grizzlies, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Pacers, and Hornets. If this team can exit February and the first couple days of March still in first place in the East, they should easily be able to wrap up the #1 seed. Over the last month of the season (early March to early April) they’re currently set to play 16 games, of which 13 of those teams are .500 or below and most will be playing for nothing but a lottery position. |
2 | [](/DEN) Nuggets | +1 | 33-14 | What a run for the Nuggets. Before SGA ended it with last night’s dagger, the Nuggets were riding a 9-game win streak on top of a 16-game(!) home winning streak, capped off by a 134-point performance against Indiana with Jokic sidelined by a sore hamstring. Since December 8th, the Nuggets have tallied a 19-4 record, which is the best in the NBA over that span. A tough stretch lies ahead on the schedule, with the Pels (x2), Bucks, and Sixers on the docket for next week, however, even with Jokic and MPJ’s statuses in the air, the Nuggets have shown the determination and grit to battle through adversity and keep winning, which we haven’t seen from this team in previous years aside from the magical bubble run in 2020. |
3 | [](/MEM) Grizzlies | +1 | 31-15 | Tough way to lose a 12 game winning streak by letting a team that you were firmly in control of sneak and and just dominate the final few minutes of the game. Games against the Lakers remind you that this is the youngest team in the NBA. JJJ continues his insane streak of recording 2+ blocks and 1+ 3PTM, and Bane finally looks like he’s back to full form. Unfortunately Ja has been in something of a shooting slump the last few games, but ultimately nothing to be too concerned about. The best move at this point is for the team to stand pat, unless they can acquire O.G. Anunoby without trading any of their starting five, which seems like a pipe dream at best. Best package offered seems like Danny Green, Ziaire Williams, and then some assortment of picks which doesn’t feel like will be enough to satisfy Ujiri. Either way, the team is on a two game losing streak, and needs these games against the Kings and the Warriors to get back on track. |
4 | [](/PHI) 76ers | +3 | 30-16 | |
5 | [](/MIL) Bucks | +1 | 29-17 | Considering half the team seemed to be injured every game, the Bucks did great to go 4-3 over the last couple of weeks. Jrue willed us to a few wins as he makes a late push for an All-Star selection. Giannis and Khris are both probable to return for tonight’s game against the Pistons, and Bucks fans hope that the team can stay finally stay healthy and make a run at the 1 seed, but considering the C’s have built up a decent lead over the last month, the team will probably continue to just coast at least until after the ASB. Watch for Jon Horst to make a trade before the deadline, Ibaka is going to be traded somewhere and it would make sense to turn 2 or 3 of our bench guys and some picks into one fella that’s more likely to be useful in the playoffs. |
6 | [](/BKN) Nets | -4 | 29-17 | The Nets immediately looked messy and dropped 4 straight games after KD’s injury, the offense looked discombobulated but Vaughn kept the defensive side in check as Claxton continues to put together a DPOY caliber season. Additionally, Kyrie seems to have shot himself out of the mini slump he was in and has been showing out as the number 1 option with an impressive win over Golden State where he outplayed Steph (again). An update for KD should be coming out shortly and Nets fans will be hoping he can return and lead us back to contending for the #1 seed in the East |
7 | [](/CLE) Cavaliers | -2 | 29-19 | The Cavs went 3-4 since the last power rankings on their last western conference road trip of the year, as Spida missed a few games due to a groin strain, causing players like Evan Mobley to step up in a major way. Mobley’s been incredible on the defensive end all year, but his offense is now showing up as he’s averaging 22 points over the last 5 games on 65% from the floor, including a 38 point masterclass against the Bucks. His ts% on the year is now at 60%, and he’s showing incredible touch on the rim. His mid range fadeaway has been money, and his driving ability is scary at times. When Donovan is back, he’ll go back to being a late option of offense, but he has certainly stepped up to a star role when asked this week. The Cavs don’t leave the eastern time zone for the rest of the season after February 10th, and as of right now, have the 2nd easiest remaining schedule. With Mitchell returning in the coming days, and Mobley and Okoro’s offense showing up, everything’s looking up for the Cavs |
8 | [](/SAC) Kings | +4 | 26-19 | The Sacramento Kings are currently 3rd in the west.. and yes I’m crying right now. Despite being severely undersized this team continues to shoot at a high clip and have two potential allstars leading the way, Mr Clutch “Fox” and Mr. double Double “Sabonis” I don’t know how long this car will drive but we ready to ride until the wheels falls off! |
9 | [](/MIA) Heat | +4 | 26-22 | These past few weeks have been pretty good for the Heat. Everyone important is available and playing, no one is in a cold stretch, and we only had 2 ugly losses in that stretch. Now, they were pretty ugly (lost by 25 to the Mavs and allowed 121 points to the Hawks) but things could be like earlier this year. Dedmon is likely done with the Miami Heat after he got pissed at someone and threw a massage gun at the ground. He hasn’t played since then and it’s not surprising considering how little tolerance the team has always had for outbursts like that. It sucks a little because Dedmon was a tall body we could use in a worst case scenario, but there are better options out there that are also younger. Overall though we’re probably on autopilot until February where we’re hopefully able to make some moves. |
10 | [](/NOP) Pelicans | -2 | 26-21 | |
11 | [](/DAL) Mavericks | -2 | 25-23 | Dallas is getting healthier, and the schedule continues to stay light. While the Mavs struggled with Atlanta and the Clippers this week, things seem to be headed in a positive direction as the trade deadline approaches. |
12 | [](/LAC) Clippers | +3 | 25-24 | Kawhi is looking better and better each day. Sometimes the lineups look a bit rough, but when PG & Kawhi both play well the clippers look like they can beat any team. |
13 | [](/ATL) Hawks | +8 | 24-23 | The Hawks did their annual mid-season winning streak after a controversy that makes it harder to judge them. They won 5 straight and started to look like the team people expected them to be before returning to form by blowing a 19-point lead to the LaMelo-less Hornets. So we’re still probably not actually good but we’re winning so…yay? |
14 | [](/NYK) Knicks | -3 | 25-23 | Mitchell Robinson is out for a while. Until he returns, so is our defensive identity. I miss Taj Gibson. |
15 | [](/MIN) TWolves | +2 | 24-24 | In an injury riddled season, Anthony Edwards has been a marvel. His heroics have allowed the Wolves to remain above water in the standings. His stellar play has hopefully earned him the right to get into the Allstar festivities. |
16 | [](/GSW) Warriors | -2 | 23-24 | Warriors win the games they shouldn’t and lose the ones they should. Klay’s recent play is a microcosm of the entire team, all of a sudden over a 10 game period he is playing like his old All-Star self putting up 27/4/2 on .589 , then he scores 10 on 0/7 from 3 against a depleted Nets team. JK has been a nice spark plug to the team the past couple games, however I am sure even with a full-ish squad, Warriors will squander some wins and remain mid AF. |
17 | [](/PHX) Suns | +2 | 24-24 | Cam Johnson is back, Chris Paul is back, 3 game win streak… Are the Suns okay again? |
18 | [](/OKC) Thunder | +6 | 23-24 | Normally, we’re not supposed to just list off stats, but I think OKC has looked incredible since 12/1 and it’s dope to see the numbers support that: Since Dec 1:Record: #10, 14-11 NetRtg: #7, +3.3 ORTG: #15, 114.6 DRTG: #5, 111.3. Since Dec 14:Record: #6 (tied w/Philly), 9-5 NetRtg: #3, +7.0 ORTG: #4, 118.4 DRTG: #5, 111.4. Since Jan 1: Record: #5 (4 way tie), 5-2 NetRtg: #5, +8.4 ORTG: #15, 117.1 DRTG: #1, 108.7. The fact that we are doing all of this without a real center (see you soon Chet), has me unbelievably excited for next season. I’m not sure if we’ll be able to keep this up till the end of the season, but it seems we may see more games of consequence per Sam Presti as this team declares itself! |
19 | [](/UTA) Jazz | +3 | 24-25 | If you like close games of basketball you should be tuning in to watch the Jazz. 12 of their last 14 games have been decided in clutch time with recent results of 4,5,1,3,2,5,2,4,1,1 point margins. Overall the Jazz currently sit as one of many Western Conference teams in the revolving door of the 6th seed but are unlikely to go much better than that in a realistic best case scenario. Regardless of the standings, the Jazz have found their center of the future. While flashes of potential were clear, Walker Kessler got six straight starts this past fortnight for the first time in his career and put up averages of 12 points, 12 rebounds on 65% shooting and 2.5 blocks per game including a 20/20 game vs Minnesota. Paolo is the run away favourite but the Blocker Kessler will be on plenty of ballots for ROTY if he keeps this up. |
20 | [](/LAL) Lakers | -4 | 22-25 | The Lakers continue to give the fandom just enough copium despite several stumbles along the way, you can’t blame a fan for being either optimistic or pessimistic about the fate of this team. For context, they’re playing without AD, Reaves, Lonnie for the past couple of weeks who are arguably the best wings on the team and yet netted wins in 3 of the last 4 games including wins vs. the Grizzlies and Blazers. But there were also back-to-back games before that, in which they lost to Dallas in 2OT and Sixers by 1(had the final shot to win but bad execution letting Russ drive and miss) because they fell apart in clutch. Currently sitting at 12th in the West, they’re 2 games behind the 6th seed. It comes down to AD’s health and trusting what has been built so far to upgrade the roster, but with the feasibility to rise up the standings and what LeBron who’s about to make history has shown, would it be such a bad thing to gamble? |
21 | [](/CHI) Bulls | -3 | 21-24 | Zach and Vucevic were able to show out with Demar out for 3 1/2 games. They lost to the Celtics, Wizards, and Thunder, but were able to convincingly beat the Warriors and Pistons. This team is confusing, but with Zach looking like he fully recovered from his knee injury, this team could be on the rise. They do need more consistent play from their role players, which Coby White has been providing over the past few games. |
22 | [](/IND) Pacers | -12 | 23-25 | …aaaand reality sets back in. After an injury to star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers find themselves in the throes of a 7 game losing streak. Haliburton’s absence is painfully palpable when watching Indiana, as the flow on offense has vanished, and key contributors have seen their production tail off. Fortunately, Haliburton himself says he should get the all-clear by the end of the month. |
23 | [](/POR) Trail Blazers | -3 | 21-25 | |
24 | [](/TOR) Raptors | +1 | 21-27 | Raptors are playing a bit better now and might be able to reach 40+ wins if they stay put, but I doubt 40 wins and a first round exit is what they’re looking for. I expect them to be active at the deadline, either as a minor buyer or , more likely, as one of the biggest sellers on the market! |
25 | [](/WAS) Wizards | -2 | 20-26 | I am currently writing this from my cell phone in the back of a Honda Civic Uber, listening to tirade after tirade from DC Sports radio stations. The Wizards faithful knew this was happening — Kuzma or Hachimura were exiting. We knew the market wasn’t the greatest — while Hachimura is incredibly talented, he is also an expiring contract, coming off of injuries and failed to jump over significant hurdles in his development. We knew he was going to be in the conversation for a bigger contract this off-season — without really displaying a great case for it despite his strong appeal overseas and sporadic outstanding performances. And yet, the outcome — him being traded for an expiring contract and somewhat meaningless second round picks (yet second round picks continue to be valuable in trades) feels like a slap in the face. Wizards fans have wanted a reason to scream, yell, rant and we finally got it. But after the initial heat and stress wears off, there is always a calmness that comes with it. The Wizards finally made a decision when it comes to a younger player — do we keep them or do we kick them? They continue to open up cap space — which everyone thinks is going to Kuzma but hasn’t necessarily been recognized as such given Kuzma’s lack of interest in returning. Hachimura this season has also been kind of a let down — having more bad performances than good. The hope is that Hachimura is happy in his new environment and can find his footing in a new home. But the sun rises in the east before it does in the west. In other news, Bradley Beal has returned to the line-up and is still amazing, immediately bringing a boost to a line-up that was in desperate need for life. Yet with Porzingis going to miss time, it may be time to just pull the plug on the season. Another trade feels inevitable and for the first time in a while, the Wizards are hot names in sports media — even if for all of the wrong reasons. |
26 | [](/ORL) Magic | — | 17-29 | [TONIGHT. THE RETURN.](https://streamable.com/qg1kvd) |
27 | [](/CHA) Hornets | +1 | 13-34 | Victor Wembanyama (born 4 January 2004) is a French professional basketball player for Metropolitans 92 of the LNB Pro A. He is widely projected to be the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft and is considered one of the greatest prospects of his generation. Born in Le Chesnay, France, Wembanyama began his professional career with Nanterre 92 of the LNB Pro A in 2019. Two years later, he moved to ASVEL and won the Pro A title in his only season with the team. In 2022, Wembanyama signed with Metropolitans 92 and assumed a leading role. He has been named an LNB All-Star on two occasions, winning All-Star Game MVP once, and is a two-time LNB Pro A Best Young Player. |
28 | [](/SAS) Spurs | -1 | 14-32 | Our defense is so bad lol. Still though, the guys are fighting out there and that’s all you can really ask for. My highlighted player of the (two) week(s) is Jeremy Sochan. He’s immediately become a player that Spurs fans love to have on their team, and the only reason other fans haven’t begun to hate him yet is because we suck. In the next 2-3 years, he’s easily going to take on the Draymond/Pat Bev mantle of being insanely annoying to play against. [At least we have fun clips of him not taking any of Markieff Morris’ punk shit to enjoy until then](https://twitter.com/RealPjHoops/status/1617208955511390209). The Spurs have @POR, @LAL, @LAC, PHO, WAS, SAC, and PHI before kicking off the Rodeo Road Trip on Feb 6. |
29 | [](/DET) Pistons | — | 12-36 | We went to Paris to lose to a Bulls team we could have lost to an hour and a half flight away. Life is pain. |
30 | [](/HOU) Rockets | — | 10-36 | Injury has now been added to the insult that has been this season. The excitement behind a young team is underpinned by the idea that many players will grow to be winners, but the reality is setting in that many players in this group are simply not going to cut it in the NBA. |

by powerrankingsnba