NBA Power Rankings: Trade Deadline Impact Already Showing On Court
By Reid Mueller
Previous: . Washington Wizards. 10. team. 142. The Washington Wizards have been one of the hotter teams in the association since the beginning of December. The Wizards were off to a rough start losing both games since the break ended, but beat the KD-less Warriors to get back on track. <a rel=. (35-23)
211. The Grizzles have split their two games this week, as they try to make ground up on the LA Clippers and the fifth spot in the Western Conference. <a rel=. (36-25). Previous: . Memphis Grizzles. 9. team
77. The Clippers have struggled to return to their form as they start the tail end of the season. It’s a long shot to catch up to the Rockets for the three seed, they need to focus on just sticking in the 4/5 matchup. <a rel=. (36-23). Previous: . Los Angeles Clippers. 8. team
Previous: . Toronto Raptors. 7. team. 81. The Raptors have won their past four games after trading for Serge Ibaka. They’re gearing up for a huge home and home against the Washington Wizards with Kyle Lowry, who’s unavailable after wrist surgery. He’s expected to be out until April. The addition of Ibaka makes the Raptors an interesting team down the stretch, but they’ll need to heavily rely on their point guard depth and <a rel=. (36-24)
Boston Celtics. 6. team. 18. Boston currently holds the number two spot in the Eastern Conference, but haven’t been playing impressive basketball as of late. Deciding not to give away half of their starting unit for Jimmy Butler means that they need to rely on Coach Stevens even more than <a rel=. (38-22). Previous: