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

5. team. 18. The Celtics started their week with a nice win against the Warriors in Oakland. They couldn’t keep the momentum up for their next game in Denver, which they lost by 20, but they rebounded against a struggling Bulls team, holding them to 26 first half points. This upcoming week needs to go perfectly if they want to catch the Cavaliers for the number one spot. They play the Timberwolves, Nets, Sixers, and the Wizards. Boston needs to play well against the non playoff teams, something they’ve struggled with.. (42-25). Previous: 6th. Boston Celtics

(44-22). Previous: 3rd. Cleveland Cavaliers. 4. team. 156. Cleveland has had an up and down week. They started with a five point loss in Detroit, then they beat the Magic in Orlando. Next, they lost a tough game in Houston, and finally avenged their loss in Detroit by beating the Pistons by 28 points. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have been playing well, but the surrounding pieces have struggled to score. The Cavs have a two game lead over the Celtics for the top spot in the East. Next week they play the Jazz at home before traveling to take on both LA teams.

169. Houston took one on the chin against the Jazz to start the week. The Rockets then kept their turnaround season going with wins over the Bulls and Cavaliers. They’re six and a half back from the leaders of the West, but are beginning to look like a team that could compete for a championship. Next week brings games against the Lakers, Pelicans, and the Nuggets twice. The schedule should lead to another successful week.. (46-21). Previous: 4th. Houston Rockets. 3. team

29. The Spurs are making their case as the best team in basketball. The Spurs lost to the Thunder to start the week, but won their next two games against the Warriors and Hawks. They’ve moved a half game behind the Warriors for first in the Western Conference. This week brings them Portland, Memphis, Sacramento, and Minnesota.. (52-24). Previous: 2nd. San Antonio Spurs. 2. team

(53-14). Previous: 1st. Golden State Warriors. 1. team. 41. The Warriors continue to struggle without Kevin Durant. They went 1-3 this week, with losses to the Celtics, Timberwolves, and Spurs, before beating the Sixers. To be fair, they held out their core against the Spurs, and lost a close one against Minnesota. This week they host the Magic and Bucks, before heading out to play the Thunder and Mavericks. Steph Curry has struggled to get his shot to fall. If it starts falling, their worries would disappear very quickly.