NBA Power Rankings: Heading Down The Stretch

Charlotte is coming off winning three of their past four. It was a nice week for the Hornets, who are three games back of Detroit/Chicago for the final spot in the East. Their only loss came to the Phoenix Suns, which I’m sure they’re kicking themselves over as they attempt to sneak into the playoffs. Their playoff run is in the hands of <a rel=. (28-35). Previous: 20th. Charlotte Hornets. 20. team. 170

34. The Trail Blazers need to get on a hot streak to keep up with the Nuggets in the West. They currently sit one-and-a-half games back. <a rel=. (27-35). Previous: 17th. Portland Trail Blazers. 19. team

Milwaukee is right where they were a week ago. A game-and-a-half behind for the eighth spot. <a rel=. (29-33). Previous: 19th. Milwaukee Bucks. 18. team. 89

Previous: 18th. Miami Heat. 17. team. 110. The Heat continue to stay hot after a 3-1 week, including back-to-back wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’re still a game-and-a-half back for the final playoff spot, but they could conceivably finish as high as the sixth seed as they’re only two-and-a-half behind the Pacers. The Heat host seven of their next eight games, giving them a nice opportunity to catch up in the standings.. (30-34)

Denver Nuggets. 16. team. 73. The Nuggets climbed closer to .500 after winning two out of three this week. The Nuggets don’t have the easiest path to the finish line, so the eighth spot is very much in play. They will get to play Portland and Dallas down the stretch, giving them the opportunity to stave off the competition. <a rel=. (29-34). Previous: 16th