NBA Energy Rankings – The Warriors maintain on to play-in hopes because the Magic ascend within the East

With lower than a month remaining within the common season, groups are starting to punch their tickets to the postseason whereas concurrently preventing fatigue to arrange for a possible deep playoff run.

The dominant Boston Celtics turned the primary crew to clinch a playoff spot final week. In the meantime, the race behind them within the Jap Convention is filled with questions. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by the harmful duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, at present have the sting. And the Philadelphia 76ers, who’ve been with out reigning MVP Joel Embiid since Jan. 30, are at risk of dropping into the play-in match.

There is no such thing as a clear-cut favourite within the West, and seed Nos. 4 to eight are constantly shuffling, preventing to remain out of the play-in. After a few losses this month, the LA Clippers’ lead for the 4-seed has shrunk to at least one recreation forward of the New Orleans Pelicans. And regardless of a rocky season, the Houston Rockets are on a late-season cost, using a six-game profitable streak to doubtlessly throw a wrench into the race.

With fewer than 20 video games left within the common season, it is crunch time for everybody. Let’s check out this week’s Energy Rankings to see the place all 30 groups stand as we enter this stretch.

Be aware: 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 high to backside, taking inventory of which groups are enjoying the very best basketball and which groups are wanting most like title contenders.

Earlier rankings: Put up-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 | Mar. 6 | Mar. 13

Soar to a crew:

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 report: 54-14

• Earlier rating: 1

• Subsequent video games: vs. MIL (Mar. 20), @ DET (Mar. 22), @ CHI (Mar. 23), @ ATL (Mar. 25)

How Sam Hauser would fare as a key reserve within the Celtics’ rotation was considered one of their largest questions heading into the season. He has slotted into that position seamlessly, capturing 43% on 3s whereas taking 5.5 of them per recreation. On Sunday towards the Wizards, Hauser hit 10 treys earlier than exiting with an ankle harm. — Bontemps

2. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 report: 48-21

The Nuggets did not have a lot time to let Kyrie Irving’s unimaginable left-handed hook shot on Sunday linger. They’d Tuesday evening’s showdown at Minnesota to fret about, and Denver completed a four-game highway swing with one other high quality win, even when the Wolves had been short-handed. Denver has now gained 12 of 14 video games because the All-Star break, with their solely losses coming in time beyond regulation towards Phoenix and on the buzzer-beater by Kyrie. The Nuggets return house to face New York earlier than hitting the highway once more, to Portland, on Saturday. — Youngmisuk

3. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
2023-24 report: 47-20

• Earlier rating: 3

• Subsequent video games: vs. UTA (Mar. 20), @ TOR (Mar. 22), @ MIL (Mar. 24), @ NO (Mar. 26)

There are indications that Gordon Hayward, who was sidelined for seven weeks as a consequence of a calf harm earlier than making his Thunder debut, is discovering his rhythm as an Oklahoma Metropolis reserve. He’s 12-of-19 from the ground, together with 5-of-8 from 3-point vary, with 17 assists up to now six video games. That is a drastic enchancment from Hayward’s first seven outings in a Thunder uniform when he went 7-of-28 from the ground, lacking his lone 3-point try, and registered solely seven assists. Oklahoma Metropolis has scored 125.4 factors per 100 possessions in Hayward’s minutes whereas profitable 5 of the previous six video games. — MacMahon

4. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 report: 47-22

What an incredible few weeks for Anthony Edwards’ spotlight reel. After hitting his head on the backboard for a game-saving block earlier this month, he adopted it with top-of-the-line dunks of the season, posterizing John Collins on Monday with one other jaw-dropping leap. Edwards additionally scored 25 factors within the second half to guide the Wolves to their third win in a row. The Wolves then misplaced an vital matchup with Denver on Tuesday, dropping them one recreation behind the reigning champions as the 2 attempt to hold tempo within the race for the highest seed within the West. — Collier

5. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 report: 44-24

• Earlier rating: 4

• Subsequent video games: @ BOS (Mar. 20), vs. BKN (Mar. 21), vs. OKC (Mar. 24), vs. LAL (Mar. 26)

With Khris Middleton again within the lineup, the Bucks picked up back-to-back wins at house after a tricky West Coast journey, throughout which they went 1-3. The Bucks have 14 video games remaining within the common season with a pair of matchups to make use of as measuring sticks this week: on the highway towards the NBA-best Celtics and at house versus the West-best Thunder. — Collier

6. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 report: 43-25

• Earlier rating: 8

• Subsequent video games: vs. MIA (Mar. 20), @ MIN (Mar. 22), @ MIA (Mar. 24), vs. CHA (Mar. 25)

After being sidelined practically two weeks with a bone bruise in his left knee, Donovan Mitchell returned for simply two video games earlier than going out with an harm once more. Mitchell underwent surgical procedure on Tuesday to restore a nasal fracture, and he’s anticipated to overlook at the very least one other week, the crew introduced. Cleveland is 10-9 with out Mitchell this season and 33-16 with him. The query now’s whether or not the Cavs, at present a recreation behind Milwaukee for second place within the East, can hold tempo with two video games towards Miami and a matchup with Minnesota this week. — McMenamin

7. New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 report: 42-26

• Earlier rating: 7

• Subsequent video games: @ ORL (Mar. 21), @ MIA (Mar. 22), @ DET (Mar. 24), vs. OKC (Mar. 26)

After a meniscus tear delayed his season debut till December, Trey Murphy III shot 42.3% from deep earlier than taking three video games off round New Yr’s Day due to knee soreness. Over the subsequent two months, Murphy struggled, capturing 39.8% total and 32.0% from 3. This month, Murphy’s shot has come again. He’s averaging 20.7 factors and capturing 47.8% from deep on 9.9 makes an attempt per recreation. The Pelicans are 12-0 this season when Murphy scores at the very least 16 factors. — Lopez

8. LA Clippers
2023-24 report: 42-25

• Earlier rating: 5

• Subsequent video games: @ POR (Mar. 20), @ POR (Mar. 22), vs. PHI (Mar. 24), vs. IND (Mar 25)

The Clippers launched into a two-game journey in Portland this week displaying little fear about shedding 4 of their previous 5 video games. Although Kawhi Leonard stated the Clippers’ lack of urgency in Sunday’s house loss to Atlanta was psychological and Paul George stated the Clips lacked an identification, coach Ty Lue reiterated his confidence on this crew. Terance Mann additionally stated earlier than Tuesday’s apply that the squad’s late-season assuredness stays excessive due to the expertise Leonard, George, James Harden and Russell Westbrook have. “Playoffs is a complete completely different ballgame,” Mann stated. “Everyone’s nervous about what the hell is going on in common season proper now? I imply, cool. We’re not nervous — that does not waver our confidence going into the playoffs in any respect.” — Youngmisuk

9. New York Knicks
2023-24 report: 41-27

OG Anunoby is now sidelined indefinitely with extra points in his proper elbow, however his impression on the courtroom has been apparent since debuting with the Knicks in the beginning of the yr. Together with the three video games he performed final week earlier than his newest elbow flare-up, New York is 15-2 when Anunoby is in uniform this season. And within the 598 minutes he has been on the courtroom, the Knicks are outscoring their opponents by 24 factors per 100 possessions. — Bontemps

10. Orlando Magic
2023-24 report: 41-28

Tuesday’s win towards the Hornets marked 41 victories for the Magic, placing the franchise on observe for simply its second profitable marketing campaign since 2018-19. Coach Jamahl Mosley’s squad is effectively positioned to earn a top-six seed within the playoffs, as they’re 3.5 video games forward of Philadelphia within the East. ESPN Analytics provides them a 91% probability of doing so. — Lopez

11. Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 report: 40-29

Kyrie Irving’s 20-foot, buzzer-beating lefty hook to clinch Sunday’s win over the Nuggets was a continuation of the Mavericks’ clutch excellence this season — a stark distinction to their struggles in shut video games final season. The Mavs are 20-8 in video games which might be inside 5 factors within the remaining 5 minutes, giving them the league’s finest profitable share (71.4%) in such contests. In clutch conditions, Dallas ranks second in offensive ranking (128 factors per 100 possessions) and fifth in web ranking (plus-20.3). Dallas has particularly excelled with Irving on the courtroom within the clutch, outscoring opponents by 62 factors in 56 minutes. — MacMahon

12. Sacramento Kings
2023-24 report: 39-28

• Earlier rating: 12

• Subsequent video games: @ TOR (Mar. 20), @ WAS (Mar. 21), @ ORL (Mar. 23), vs. PHI (Mar. 25)

The Kings strung collectively big back-to-back wins towards the Bucks and Lakers earlier than dropping a recreation to the Knicks then beating the Grizzlies in time beyond regulation. For the Kings (sixth place within the West) to keep away from the play-in match, they should put collectively a extra cohesive defensive recreation — their protection is nineteenth — and keep away from fourth-quarter scrambles, as they’re tied for tenth in clutch video games performed this season (33-19). — Andrews

13. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 report: 39-29

• Earlier rating: 9

• Subsequent video games: vs. PHI (Mar. 20), vs. ATL (Mar. 21), @ SA (Mar. 23), @ SA (Mar. 25)

How powerful is the West this marketing campaign? Final season, Phoenix completed eight video games above .500 and was the No. 4 seed. This season, they’re 10 video games above .500 and at present No. 8 within the convention. Kevin Durant’s mini capturing stoop is one thing to watch, as he has averaged simply 12 factors on 36% capturing and 22.2% from 3 within the Suns’ previous two video games. — McMenamin

14. Indiana Pacers
2023-24 report: 38-31

• Earlier rating: 16

• Subsequent video games: @ DET (Mar. 20), @ GS (Mar. 22), @ LAL (Mar. 24), @ LAC (Mar. 25)

The Pacers are simply 7-6 because the All-Star break, and guard Tyrese Haliburton is mired in a capturing stoop. In these 13 tilts, Haliburton has shot 20-of-94 (21.3%) from 3; and in March, he’s capturing simply 16.9% from deep. He’s nonetheless averaging 15.8 factors and 9.8 assists because the break, however the Pacers want extra from their star as they attempt to keep out of the East’s play-in. A loss to Cleveland on Monday dropped Indiana to No. 7. — Collier

15. Miami Warmth
2023-24 report: 37-31

• Earlier rating: 14

• Subsequent video games: @ CLE (Mar. 20), vs. NO (Mar. 22), vs. CLE (Mar. 24), vs. GS (Mar. 26)

Warmth heart Bam Adebayo has made at the very least one 3-pointer in 4 consecutive video games and has gone 5-of-5 from deep in that stretch, together with a game-winning shot towards the Pistons on Sunday. Previous to that, Adebayo had made simply 9 3-pointers in his first 472 profession video games. Miami’s offense wants something it could possibly get to start out rolling. The Warmth have scored 100 or fewer factors 16 instances this season, fourth most within the NBA. Miami is 2-14 in these contests, together with losses to Denver and Philadelphia final week. — Lopez

16. Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 report: 37-32

As troublesome because it was to lose Anthony Davis in a expensive defeat to the Warriors on Saturday after he was poked within the eye, it may have been a lot worse. “The corneal abrasion was really proper in the midst of my eye,” Davis defined Monday. “Anytime I regarded, it was blurry. My eye was swollen. I assumed my eye was, like, [torn] open.” Davis returned to place up 22 factors on 10-for-14 capturing and 15 rebounds in Monday’s win over the Hawks, and he sounded assured the harm would not stop him from attacking the 13 video games left within the common season. — McMenamin

17. Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 report: 38-30

• Earlier rating: 17

• Subsequent video games: @ PHX (Mar. 20), @ LAL (Mar. 22), @ LAC (Mar. 24), @ SAC (Mar. 25)

Kyle Lowry has stepped into the lineup for his hometown crew after arriving final month as a buyout signing and is averaging 8.6 factors and 4.8 assists and capturing 37.5% from 3. However even whereas Lowry has moved into the beginning lineup alongside Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia’s backcourt, the 76ers are nonetheless lacking, as Lowry put it, a “7-foot-2 man,” referring to reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who continues to get better from meniscus surgical procedure. — Bontemps

18. Golden State Warriors
2023-24 report: 35-32

• Earlier rating: 18

• Subsequent video games: vs. MEM (Mar. 20), vs. IND (Mar. 22), @ MIN (Mar. 24), @ MIA (Mar. 26)

The Warriors have the best remaining schedule amongst Western Convention groups within the play-in race. Nonetheless, they’re nearly a lock for the 9- or 10-seed, as they do not maintain tiebreakers over the Kings, Suns or Mavericks, who’re all forward of Golden State within the standings. The Dubs’ win over the Lakers provides them a possibility to safe house courtroom for the primary play-in recreation. But it surely is likely to be advantageous to go on the highway; the Warriors have misplaced 4 of their previous 5 video games inside Chase Middle. — Andrews

19. Chicago Bulls
2023-24 report: 34-35

The Bulls are one win from reaching .500 for the primary time since Oct. 30. They had been at that mark twice this season (1-1 and 2-2), however they have not spent a day over it. A giant motive for Chicago’s resurgence has been DeMar DeRozan’s continued fourth-quarter excellence. He has scored 166 clutch factors, simply shy of Stephen Curry’s league-leading 167 coming into Wednesday, and DeRozan ranks second behind Giannis Antetokounmpo in fourth-quarter scoring. — Collier

20. Houston Rockets
2023-24 report: 33-35

The Rockets are 8-1 in March to reignite their hopes of qualifying for the play-in. Jalen Inexperienced, the previous No. 2 choose who might be eligible for an extension of his rookie contract this summer time, has been enjoying the very best ball of his profession. Inexperienced, the West’s reigning participant of the week, averaged 26.6 factors and 6.1 rebounds per recreation. — MacMahon

21. Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 report: 30-38

Atlanta has an opportunity to steal yet another victory — on the Suns on Thursday — to spherical out their five-game journey. They’ve dropped three of 4 on this West Coast tour, with the triumph coming towards the Clippers. Because of the Nets’ four-game shedding streak, Atlanta seems to have a maintain on the No. 10 spot within the play-in race. The Hawks have gone 6-6 with out Trae Younger (finger surgical procedure) and have stayed aggressive as a consequence of Dejounte Murray, who has averaged 25.0 factors, 8.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds over his previous dozen video games. — Lopez

22. Utah Jazz
2023-24 report: 29-39

• Earlier rating: 23

• Subsequent video games: @ OKC (Mar. 20), @ DAL (Mar. 21), @ HOU (Mar. 23), vs. DAL (Mar. 25)

Rookie guard Keyonte George’s improvement is likely to be the Jazz’s high precedence down the stretch. “Keyonte has the chance to be an actual star on this league,” coach Will Hardy stated not too long ago. George, the No. 17 choose who has transitioned to level guard after enjoying primarily off the ball in highschool and school, has averaged 22.6 factors on .469/.400/.885 capturing splits and 5.4 assists over the previous 5 video games. — MacMahon

23. Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 report: 26-43

Going from Jacque Vaughn to Kevin Ollie on the sideline has performed little to reverse the downturn for the Nets ever because the notorious tanking recreation towards the Bucks on Dec. 27. Since then, Brooklyn is 11-28 — and 5-10 underneath Ollie after shedding to New Orleans on Tuesday evening. The Nets have fallen utterly out of the play-in race within the East, sitting 4 video games behind a Trae Younger-less Hawks. — Bontemps

24. Memphis Grizzlies
2023-24 report: 23-46

Contemplating how injury-ravaged the Grizzlies are, no person would have blinked if Desmond Bane sat out the remainder of the season after recovering from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for 2 months. Bane, nevertheless, was decided to return and did so this week in a loss towards the Thunder on Saturday. “I am right here for my crew. Regardless, I am right here,” Bane stated after he had 22 factors and 7 assists in his first recreation again. He adopted that with 24 factors and 4 assists in Monday’s time beyond regulation loss to the Kings. — MacMahon

25. Toronto Raptors
2023-24 report: 23-45

• Earlier rating: 24

• Subsequent video games: vs. SAC (Mar. 20), vs. OKC (Mar. 22), @ WAS (Mar. 23), vs. BKN (Mar. 25)

After a sluggish begin, Raptors rookie Gradey Dick has made important strides after the All-Star break. His minutes per recreation have practically doubled, from 15.3 to 26.6, and he has elevated his discipline aim share (40.3 to 44.4) and 3-point share (35.7 to 37.5) on the identical time. In what’s been a troublesome season for Toronto, together with Scottie Barnes lacking the remainder of the season after present process surgical procedure, Dick’s regular progress has been a current spotlight. — Bontemps

26. Portland Path Blazers
2023-24 report: 19-49

• Earlier rating: 26

• Subsequent video games: vs. LAC (Mar. 20), vs. LAC (Mar. 22), vs. DEN (Mar. 23), @ HOU (Mar. 25)

Maybe probably the most disappointing a part of the Path Blazers’ season has been how Scoot Henderson has struggled to regulate. After lacking 10 of Portland’s previous 12 video games, Henderson has remained inconsistent from the perimeter, capturing 18.2% from past the arc. On the flip facet, the addition of Deandre Ayton has been a small increase for Portland’s offense, because the sixth-year heart is having his finest month since becoming a member of the Path Blazers, averaging 26.8 factors per recreation capturing 63.5% in March. — Andrews

27. Charlotte Hornets
2023-24 report: 17-52

With LaMelo Ball on the sideline, Vasilije Micic is making probably the most out of his alternative with the Hornets. After enjoying in simply 30 video games with Oklahoma Metropolis earlier this season, Micic was traded to Charlotte as a part of a multiteam deal in February. He began his ninth consecutive recreation and entered Tuesday’s recreation towards the Magic averaging 15.6 factors, 5.8 assists and 49.5% capturing in March. — Youngmisuk

28. San Antonio Spurs
2023-24 report: 15-54

Victor Wembanyama is the thirteenth rookie to have 200 blocks in a season (since blocks turned official in 1973-74). With 207, he has the second most for a rookie in Spurs historical past, surpassing Tim Duncan’s 206 in 1997-98. David Robinson holds the report with 319 in 1989-90. In Sunday’s efficiency towards the Nets, Wembanyama put up 33 factors, 15 rebounds, 7 assists and seven blocks. It was his fifth recreation this season with at the very least 25 factors, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. All different rookies previous to Wembanyama completed that simply six instances. — Lopez

29. Detroit Pistons
2023-24 report: 12-56

• Earlier rating: 29

• Subsequent video games: vs. IND (Mar. 20), vs. BOS (Mar. 22), vs. NO (Mar. 24), @ NY (Mar. 25)

The Pistons have dropped three in a row as they attempt to maintain off Washington within the race to keep away from the worst report within the NBA. Detroit is about to enter a stretch of 5 straight video games towards postseason-bound groups, internet hosting the Pacers, Celtics and Pelicans this week. The crew has additionally been sitting Cade Cunningham to keep away from him enjoying in each video games of a back-to-back. — Collier

30. Washington Wizards
2023-24 report: 11-58

Not many knew what to anticipate this season when Washington drafted 19-year-old Bilal Coulibaly with the seventh choose final summer time. The 6-foot-8 French swingman has proven that he is not only a long-term challenge. Whereas he posted 10 video games this season of two or extra blocks and had seven video games with three or extra blocks, Coulibaly additionally displayed some flashes of offensive potential. Thrice this season he made 4 3-pointers in a recreation and had scored in double figures in 5 straight video games earlier than a season-ending proper wrist fracture on Monday. The rookie, who will not want surgical procedure, finishes the season averaging 8.4 factors, 4.1 rebounds and 34.6% capturing from 3. He’s a strong choose up to now for Washington’s new regime led by Michael Winger and Will Dawkins. — Youngmisuk