NBA Power Rankings: The Final Countdown

(35-42). Previous: 19th. Detroit Pistons. 20. team. 64. The Pistons continued their tailspin, falling two games back of the Pacers for the final playoff spot, and going 1-2 for the week. The Pistons are on the cusp of elimination, with their final games coming against the Raptors, Rockets, Grizzlies, Wizards, and Magic. That’s a difficult stretch for a struggling team that may need to win out.

Charlotte Hornets. 19. team. 170. The Hornets looked just about dead, but rattled off three consecutive wins this week, with the teams ahead of them struggling. After a Tuesday night loss to the Wizards, Charlotte sits two games behind the Indiana Pacers for the eighth seed, with remaining games against the Heat, Celtics, Bucks, and Hawks. <a rel=. (36-42). Previous: 20th

Denver Nuggets. 18. team. 73. Denver went 2-1 this week, as they sit one game behind the Trail Blazers for the eighth spot. After losing to the Trail Blazers on the March 28, Denver lost the tiebreaker, so they’re really two games back. Emmanuel Muddiay returned to the lineup against the Heat, scoring 17 points with nine assists.. (37-40). Previous: 17th

Miami had a home and home against the New York Knicks this week, which they split. Then, they lost a close, three point game to the Nuggets. They sit a half game back of the Pacers for the eighth spot, and finish the season with Charlotte, Toronto, Cleveland, and Washington (twice). There is a very real chance they miss the playoffs, as they look for one more push.. (37-40). Previous: 16th. Miami Heat. 17. team. 110

(38-40). Previous: 15th. Indiana Pacers. 16. team. 100. Indiana have lost their last four games, and went 1-2 this week. After looking like a near clinch for the playoffs, they currently sit a half game ahead of the Miami Heat for the eighth seed. They played an incredibly fun double overtime game against the Cavaliers, in which <a rel=