NBA Power Rankings: Gaps Tightening At The Top Of Both Conferences

(26-41). Previous: 26th. Sacramento Kings. 25. team. 84. Sacramento had a challenging week that saw them go up against three probable playoff teams. They lost on the road to the Spurs, took the Wizards to overtime in Sactown, lost to Denver by 13, and finally ended their eight game losing streak hosting the Orlando Magic. The Kings are embracing their situation, deciding to start Buddy Hield, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Skal Labissiere. Things are going better than expected since the DeMarcus Cousins trade, as the youth movement is showing promise.

27. The New York Knicks went 1-3 over the past week’s road trip, losing to the Bucks, Pistons, and Nets. They beat the Pacers Tuesday night, 87-81. Kristaps Porzingis spoke of his frustration about the dysfunctional franchise the Knicks have become, after returning to the triangle offense. On the bright side, Porzingis and Willy Hernagomez have looked solid sharing the floor together. They bring a chemistry from their time spent as teammates in Europe.. (27-41). Previous: 23rd. New York Knicks. 24. team

Previous: 24th. New Orleans Pelicans. 23. team. 69. It was a slow week for the New Orleans Pelicans, as they played three games with three days rest between games. They opened with a loss at home to Toronto, then they went to Charlotte and won an overtime game. But, DeMarcus Cousins was benched early in the fourth quarter, and never saw the floor again. And finally, they beat Portland to finish the week 2-1. Next week they play Miami, Houston, Minnesota, and Memphis, as they try to get Boogie up to speed.. (27-40)

22. team. 79. Dallas needed a big week to stay in striking distance of Denver for the eighth seed out West. They opened on the right foot, beating the Nets in Dallas. The train went off the tracks from there, losing to the lowly Suns, and the Raptors by 22. Nerlens Noel hasn’t played due to swelling in his left knee — the knee he had previously torn his ACL in. Sitting three and a half games back, their season looks to be just about over.. (28-38). Previous: 21st. Dallas Mavericks

21. team. 86. The Timberwolves had a great week, going 3-1 against good competition. They won all three home games, beating the Clippers, Warriors, and Wizards, but lost their one road game in Milwaukee. Ricky Rubio and Karl Anthony-Towns have been on fire, showing what the team is capable of at their best. Rubio had his career high in assists (19) in the team’s win against the Wizards.. (28-38). Previous: 22nd. Minnesota Timberwolves