NBA Energy Rankings – Joel Embiid returns for 76ers as common season wraps

Welcome to the final Energy Rankings of the 2023-24 NBA common season!

The Boston Celtics have dominated the Japanese Convention standings and this season’s Energy Rankings, holding the No. 1 spot since November.

Will they be capable to present that very same degree of consistency all through the playoffs? Or will there be a repeat of final yr’s convention finals upset?

And because the NBA wraps up its common season, the strain is barely rising as groups jostle for positioning within the postseason — and the draft.

Within the East, the Nos. 2-8 seeds are every separated by a sport or much less. The return of Joel Embiid for the Philadelphia 76ers may throw a wrench into an already risky playoff image, because the No. 2 Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a four-game dropping streak and the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks are shortly ascending.

Within the Western Convention, the race for the No. 1 seed has remained fixed all through the season and can proceed on Wednesday because the top-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves tackle the second-place Denver Nuggets.

The season ends Sunday. Here is the place all 30 groups stack up for this ultimate week of the 2023-24 common season.

Observe: All through the common season, our panel (Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin and Ohm Youngmisuk) is rating all 30 groups from prime to backside, taking inventory of which groups are enjoying the perfect basketball and which groups are wanting most like title contenders.

Earlier rankings: Submit-Finals | Nov. 1 | Nov. 8 | Nov. 15 | Nov. 22 | Nov. 29 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 20 | Dec. 27 | Jan. 3 | Jan. 10 | Jan. 17 | Jan. 24 | Jan. 31 | Feb. 7 | Feb. 14 | Feb. 28 | March 6 | March 13 | March 20 | March 27 | April 3

Soar to a staff:

ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS

1. Boston Celtics
2023-24 document: 62-17

Boston is closing the season as some of the dominant groups in latest reminiscence: The Celtics are greater than two factors per 100 possessions higher than some other staff offensively; they rank second defensively; and they’re the one staff within the prime 5 in each classes. They’ve a plus-12 web score, top-of-the-line in NBA historical past. Given Boston is 14 video games forward of the Bucks — second within the East — it is secure to say something wanting an NBA Finals journey goes to be an enormous disappointment for the Celtics. — Bontemps

2. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 document: 55-24

Jamal Murray is again, however Aaron Gordon now has missed two straight video games with a foot harm. The Nuggets have solely misplaced 5 occasions for the reason that All-Star break, however well being would be the largest key for Michael Malone, who wants his beginning 5 in good condition earlier than the playoffs start. Nikola Jokic, the front-runner for a 3rd MVP trophy, will look to select up the place he left off final postseason when he had a legendary run. However the Nuggets will want somebody to step up off the bench this time round with Malone leaning closely on his starters. — Youngmisuk

3. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 document: 55-24

The Wolves entered Tuesday tied with Denver for the perfect document within the Western Convention, and they’re aiming to change into the No. 1 seed for under the second time in franchise historical past (2003-04). The highest seed may very well be selected Wednesday evening in Denver when Minnesota travels for the second half of a back-to-back in opposition to the Nuggets. — Collier

4. Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 document: 49-30

The Mavs are heading into the playoffs with as a lot momentum as any staff. Dallas has the West’s finest document for the reason that commerce deadline, going 20-7 after enhancing Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s supporting forged by buying ahead P.J. Washington and middle Daniel Gafford. The Mavs are all however locked into the fifth seed and a possible first-round matchup with the Clippers, who’ve eradicated Doncic twice within the playoffs. How a lot have issues modified for the reason that final Mavs-Clippers playoff assembly in 2021? Doncic is the one present Mavs starter who performed in that collection. — MacMahon

5. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
2023-24 document: 54-25

Oklahoma Metropolis stays within the combine for the Western Convention’s prime seed however will want a pair of the Thunder’s stars to regain their rhythm within the ultimate week. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned Tuesday evening after lacking six of the earlier seven video games attributable to a quadriceps contusion, and Jalen Williams additionally was again after sitting 4 video games due to a sprained left ankle. Wednesday’s Timberwolves-Nuggets sport will likely be extraordinarily vital for the Thunder, as they’ve the tiebreaker over Denver however not over Minnesota. — MacMahon

6. LA Clippers
2023-24 document: 51-28

After being in a malaise for a 22-game stretch in February and March, the Clippers have slowly begun to rediscover the play that had them in first place within the West again on Feb. 6. Greater than the rest, although, the Clippers must get wholesome getting into the postseason. Kawhi Leonard has missed 4 straight video games with irritation in his surgically repaired proper knee, and the Clippers’ title hopes relaxation on his well being. James Harden is coping with irritation in his proper foot that saved him out of Tuesday’s sport at Phoenix. Getting these two stars wholesome is an important factor heading into the postseason, particularly with Paul George and Russell Westbrook enjoying a few of their finest basketball. — Youngmisuk

7. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 document: 48-31

Because the playoffs draw close to, the Bucks are headed within the flawed route. They dropped 4 video games in a row, their longest dropping streak since December 2022, earlier than defeating the Celtics on Tuesday evening. The skid has induced Milwaukee’s lead for the No. 2 seed within the convention to shrink to 1.5 video games, and the Bucks shut out the common season with three video games in opposition to playoff groups, internet hosting the Magic on Wednesday earlier than a visit by means of Oklahoma Metropolis and Orlando. — Collier

8. New York Knicks
2023-24 document: 47-32

With Julius Randle executed for the season due to shoulder harm, New York desperately wanted OG Anunoby again on the courtroom. Want granted: With Anunoby’s return Friday, New York has the chance to get itself as excessive as No. 2 within the East this week, because the Knicks would love — like each different staff within the East — to keep away from being on the identical facet of the bracket as Boston till the convention finals. — Bontemps

9. Orlando Magic
2023-24 document: 46-33

Orlando is about for simply its third playoff journey prior to now 12 seasons and solely its second profitable document in that timeframe. It has been a part of the expansion underneath third-year coach Jamahl Mosley, who was 22-60 in his first yr with the staff earlier than enhancing to 34-48 final season. Orlando — presently No. 3 within the East — can also be in a spot the place it may host a playoff collection within the first spherical, one thing that hasn’t occurred since 2010-11. — Lopez

10. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 document: 46-33

Phoenix finishes the slate on a three-game journey: on the Clippers, the Kings and the Timberwolves. The Suns are within the No. 7 spot, having misplaced two in a row, together with a 105-92 determination on Tuesday to a Clippers staff that was with out James Harden and Kawhi Leonard in a sport through which Phoenix trailed by as many as 37. Something is feasible for Phoenix at this level, from ending up No. 6 and avoiding the play-in match to collaborating within the Nos. 9-10 play-in sport. — McMenamin

11. New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 document: 47-32

The Pelicans are in place to have their finest season since 2017-18, once they gained 48 video games and superior to the second spherical of the playoffs. In the event that they win two of their final three video games, it might be their most wins for the reason that 2008-09 New Orleans Hornets went 49-33. However the end will likely be powerful. New Orleans — presently No. 7 within the West — has video games at Sacramento and Golden State earlier than ending at dwelling in opposition to the Lakers in a contest that would have huge implications within the standings. — Lopez

12. Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 document: 45-35

On Saturday, after profitable for the ninth time in 10 video games, L.A. moved as much as No. 8 within the West for the primary time since December. Two losses later — with LeBron James lacking the Minnesota sport and Anthony Davis out most of that contest and the Golden State matchup — the Lakers may discover themselves within the Nos. 9-10 play-in sport. If the Lakers have any hope of transferring again up, the primary order of enterprise is closing out with wins at Memphis and New Orleans — then ready to see how the Suns, Kings, Warriors and Pelicans fare the remainder of the best way. — McMenamin

13. Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 document: 45-35

After beating Detroit on Tuesday, Philadelphia has ripped off six straight wins — 4 of which have included Joel Embiid, who has shortly rounded again into his dominant kind. Philly has two extra video games left, and if the 76ers can win them each, they will have an actual likelihood of stepping into the highest six and avoiding the play-in match. Extra vital than something, although, is that Embiid has nearly instantly regained his pre-injury scoring contact — averaging 27.7 factors in his first three video games again — and now has a few weeks to get ramped up earlier than both the play-in or the playoffs. — Bontemps

14. Indiana Pacers
2023-24 document: 46-34

The Pacers are presently holding onto the No. 6 spot within the East after securing a serious victory over Miami on Sunday to provide them some additional cushion. Indiana has gained the season collection over the Warmth and the Sixers, giving it the tiebreaker over each groups within the occasion of a three-way tie; the Pacers have a one-game benefit earlier than heading to Cleveland then closing out at dwelling in opposition to Atlanta. — Collier

15. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 document: 46-33

A late-season swoon has the Cavaliers free-falling within the East standings. Losers of eight of their previous 11, Cleveland is now in fifth place after being No. 2 as just lately as March 13. The Cavs have a one-game lead over the No. 6 Pacers, whom they face throughout an vital three-game homestand to finish the string. Cleveland has gone simply 1-2 in opposition to the Pacers thus far this season. — McMenamin

16. Golden State Warriors
2023-24 document: 44-35

The Warriors are teetering between ninth and tenth place within the West. However one factor they know for positive: They must win two video games within the play-in match as a way to make the playoffs. Coming off a latest six-game profitable streak and enjoying a lot improved by means of March, Golden State appears prefer it has a shot at making the postseason. However would they quite face the Lakers or Kings within the play-in? The Warriors have not earned the place to decide on, however one matchup is extremely favorable — and is a couple of 90-minute drive northeast from them. — Andrews

17. Sacramento Kings
2023-24 document: 45-34

Boy, oh boy, the Kings are simply hoping they will cling on to the 8-seed, however they aren’t making it simple on themselves. And their schedule is not serving to. Three of their ultimate 4 video games are in opposition to groups enjoying for Western Convention seeding, so the Kings must be almost good as a way to safe their spot. Query is: Can they do this in opposition to the Suns and Pelicans, lacking a key participant in Malik Monk? — Andrews

18. Miami Warmth
2023-24 document: 44-35

After a tricky loss to the Pacers on Sunday, Miami will probably have to tug out a repeat of final season and make their playoff run beginning within the play-in match. The staff has battled accidents on and off all season, and Terry Rozier, Nikola Jovic and Bam Adebayo at the moment are day-to-day. To make any type of run, they will want some semblance of rotation consistency together with one other epic “Playoff Jimmy” run. — Lopez

19. Chicago Bulls
2023-24 document: 37-42

The Bulls are headed for the 9-10 sport within the play-in match for the second consecutive season. The one remaining query is whether or not they can maintain off Atlanta for home-court benefit within the winner-take-all contest. Chicago holds a one-game lead for the No. 9 seed and the tiebreaker benefit after profitable two of the three matchups between the groups this season. — Collier

20. Houston Rockets
2023-24 document: 39-40

Coach Ime Udoka’s Rockets are the NBA’s most improved staff from final season when it comes to wins. The free company signings of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks offered Houston construction and credibility. The gathering of younger expertise — headlined by Alperen Sengun, Jalen Inexperienced, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. — is the largest motive to be excited in regards to the Rockets’ future. There was a number of dialogue across the league in regards to the younger core’s match after Inexperienced, Thompson and Smith thrived when an harm sidelined Sengun. If the chance presents itself, the Rockets can take a giant swing within the commerce market with Brooklyn’s draft capital from the James Harden deal as bait. — MacMahon

21. Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 document: 36-43

The Hawks would want a giant turnaround within the ultimate three video games to leap the Bulls — who personal the tiebreaker after profitable the season collection — however this would be the third consecutive season the Hawks have performed within the play-in match. In 2022 and 2023, the Hawks made it by means of to the playoffs, doing so from the 9-10 sport two seasons in the past. Atlanta did beat Chicago 113-101 on April 1 in Chicago, and it may get a lift from Trae Younger, who was cleared to return to apply this week. — Lopez

22. Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 document: 31-48

It has been an especially disappointing season for the Nets, who anticipated to be competing for a play-in spot all through the spring. As an alternative, they’ve been in a tailspin for greater than three months, for the reason that notorious tank sport in opposition to the Bucks on Dec. 27. Now, Brooklyn heads right into a vital offseason through which it not solely has to determine whom to rent at head coach, however what route the franchise must be taking after such a dismal marketing campaign. So as to add insult to harm, they’re and not using a draft choose this yr as a reward for his or her failures. — Bontemps

23. Memphis Grizzlies
2023-24 document: 27-52

Memphis ought to be capable to bounce again subsequent season when Ja Morant returns from shoulder surgical procedure and Desmond Bane is wholesome and again in his co-star position. The silver lining in Memphis’ injury-marred season? Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s averaging a career-high 22.6 factors per sport, has proven development whereas continuously pressured right into a No. 1 choice position, and up to date second-round picks Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson appear to be rotation gamers. On prime of that, the Grizzlies, who must discover a beginning middle, will get a choose within the prime half of the lottery. — MacMahon

24. Toronto Raptors
2023-24 document: 25-54

Toronto’s rash of accidents has induced it to sink within the standings to the purpose the place the Raptors now have a superb likelihood of holding their top-six protected first spherical choose, which in any other case would go to the Spurs as a part of final season’s Jakob Poeltl commerce. If the Raptors do hold it, they will get one other younger piece so as to add to their group of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick, because the franchise formally turns the web page on the previous decade and strikes ahead after buying and selling OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam in the course of the season. — Bontemps

25. Utah Jazz
2023-24 document: 29-50

Utah has misplaced sufficient within the two months for the reason that commerce deadline — when the Jazz subtracted three rotation gamers and added two 2024 draft picks — to be comfy that it’s going to hold its personal top-10-protected first-round choose this yr. It is the second straight yr that the Jazz made deadline offers that weakened the staff. With an acclaimed 2025 draft class, will the Jazz prioritize, ahem, participant growth all subsequent season? — MacMahon

26. Portland Path Blazers
2023-24 document: 21-58

The Blazers have already turned the web page on the season and are prepping for the draft, the place they are going to have a prime choose. Their younger core of guards Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe provides them three ball handlers — two of whom can rating in any respect three ranges. Due to that, filling out their frontcourt — which already has Jerami Grant and DeAndre Ayton — must be what they go after within the draft. — Andrews

27. San Antonio Spurs
2023-24 document: 20-59

With 12 months 1 of Victor Wembanyama almost within the books, the Spurs’ focus this offseason will shift to the way to construct round their distinctive star. San Antonio may very well be positioned so as to add two extra lottery picks to the roster subsequent season (they’ve a top-six protected choose from the Raptors) and will additionally look to the commerce market. — Lopez

28. Charlotte Hornets
2023-24 document: 19-60

New Hornets GM Jeff Peterson has a lot to do that summer time, beginning with hiring a brand new head coach to switch Steve Clifford, who’s transferring right into a entrance workplace position. That new coach will inherit a roster that options LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Ball has to get wholesome after enjoying in a complete of 58 video games over the previous two seasons, and Miller confirmed huge potential in his rookie season. Peterson will even must determine on Miles Bridges’ future as he will likely be an unrestricted free agent and the Hornets retain his Fowl rights. — Youngmisuk

29. Washington Wizards
2023-24 document: 15-65

The following chapter of Michael Winger’s and Will Dawkins’ rebuild begins this offseason as they search for a brand new head coach. They’ve two first-round picks and hope to search out one other gem after hitting on Bilal Coulibaly with the seventh general choose final summer time. Regardless of their season wanting largely drab, Kyle Kuzma led the staff in scoring, Jordan Poole performed significantly better towards the top of the season and Deni Avdija performed his finest basketball this season. Winger and Dawkins will proceed to determine who they wish to retain as they proceed to reshape the franchise. — Youngmisuk

30. Detroit Pistons
2023-24 document: 13-66

Detroit is closing out the ultimate week of a depressing common season through which they might end with the bottom win complete in franchise historical past. The Pistons have already misplaced as many video games (65) as they did in the course of the 2022-23 season, once they completed with the worst document within the NBA. The Pistons will end their season in opposition to the playoff-bound Bulls and Mavs in addition to the Wemby-led Spurs. — Collier