NBA Power Rankings: March

Posted byjachoman9Posted inNBA

Going into March, what teams are finals contenders, and who will need some help getting into the playoffs:

1. Phoenix Suns (49-11)

The Phoenix Suns have been far and away the best team in the NBA this year. However, Chris Paul will be out for a long time, which could lead to a few more losses down the road and possibly missing out on the 1 seed. There schedule shouldn’t be too hard down the stretch though.

2. Golden State Warriors (43-17)

The Warriors have been a lot better this season then they have the last few. They have been on a bad stretch though. They have lost 4 of their last 6 games. They should get Draymond Green back in a few weeks, which should help them on defense a lot, and help them contend for the no. 1 seed in the west.

3. Miami Heat (40-21)

The Heat made some moves last offseason, and it has payed off. They are no. 1 in the east right now, and I expect it to stay that way. They have a very important stretch coming up with some of the best teams in the east. At home vs Chicago, at the Bucks, at Brooklyn, and home vs the 76ers.

4. Memphis Grizzlies (42-20)

The Grizzlies have one of the biggest surprises this year. They went from an 8 seed early out last year, to one of the best teams in the NBA. Ja Morant has been one of the best players this season. Their schedule is not very difficult moving forward, and they should be the 3 seed moving forward, or maybe even the 2.

5. Philadelphia 76ers (36-23)

The 76ers took part in a huge blockbuster deal earlier this month. They sacrificed their depth and their future to add James Harden and win now. In Harden’s debut, they man handled the Timberwolves. If they stay healthy and Embiid keeps playing at MVP caliber, then Philadelphia could make a championship run.

6. Chicago Bulls (39-22)

Demar DeRozan has been playing amazing, and he should be the front runner for MVP at this point. With Lavine coming back they are just that much better. They have a moderately tough schedule remaining, and they should contend for the 1 seed.

7. Utah Jazz (37-22)

The Jazz have had a very up and down season, but they are on a very good stretch right now winning 7 of their last 8. Donovan Mitchell has been playing amazing, and as long as he is healthy, they have a chance to win any game. After playing the Suns, they have a relatively easy stretch until they have to play the Grizzlies, Suns, and Warriors in their last 5 games.

8. Brooklyn Nets (32-29)

The Nets are in an interesting situation. Kyrie Irving can only play in away games, Kevin Durant has been injured for a long time but will be back soon, and Ben Simmons hasn’t played in a game since the playoffs of last year. They just beat the Bucks, and their new additions of Seth Curry and Andre Drummond have been playing very well. When they get Durant back in the line up, and Simmons helps the D, then the Nets should be a very big threat.

9. Milwaukee Bucks (36-25)

The Bucks are the defending champs and they, at times, have played like a champion this year. They don’t quite have the depth they had last year. Giannis has been playing like an MVP, Khris Middleton went to the All-Star game, and Bobby Portis has been playing great, but the rest of the team needs to step up. They have lost 4 of their last 5 and they have a tough stretch coming up with the Heat, Bulls, and Suns.

10. Boston Celtics (36-26)

The Celtics have been playing amazing lately, especially on defense. They have won 13 of their last 15 games and their defense have been no. 1 in several categories since Jan 1. Their remaining schedule isn’t very tough either. They could definitely surprise some people with a deep playoff run if they keep it up.

11. Cleveland Cavaliers (36-24)

The Cavaliers have been a huge surprise this year with their young talent. They have been quite consistent all season which could come in handy in the playoffs. Jaret Allen and Darius Garland have been playing especially well. They have a pretty consistently tough schedule left, and they may take a dip in the standings.

12. Dallas Mavericks (35-25)

Luka Doncic has been playing amazing lately with 3 45+ point games in last 5 outings. They have got a tough stretch coming up though, and that may dig them in whole to the point where they might not be able to keep up with Utah for the 4 seed.

13. Denver Nuggets (35-25)

Denver has been on a roll lately. They have won 5 straight and 7 of the last 8. Jokic could possibly repat as MVP and their remaining schedule isn’t too tough. They could definitely look to pass the Mavericks for the 5 seed and possibly the Jazz for the 4 seed.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves (32-29)

Despite getting embarrassed by Philadelphia, they are pretty good shape to be the 7 or 8 in the play-in even though their schedule is pretty tough. With good play from KAT, Edwards, and Russel, the Timberwolves have been a pleasant surprise this year.

15. Toronto Raptors (32-27)

After losing 4 of their last 5, the Raptors could possibly be at risk of being passed by the Nets and Hornets and forced to play as a 9/10 seed in the play in. They have a pretty average remaining schedule however, so I project that they will probably end with an 8 seed.

16. Los Angeles Clippers (31-31)

17. Charlotte Hornets (30-31)

18. Atlanta Hawks (29-31)

19. Los Angeles Lakers (27-32)

20. Washington Wizards (27-33)

21. New York Knicks (25-35)

22. San Antonio Spurs (24-37)

23. Portland Trail Blazers (25-35)

24. New Orleans Pelicans (24-36)

25. Sacramento Kings (22-40)

26. Indiana Pacers (20-41)

27. Oklahoma City Thunder (19-41)

28. Houston Rockets (15-44)

29. Detroit Pistons (14-46)

30. Orlando Magic (14-47)

What Teams are Finals Contenders?

  • Phoenix Suns
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Miami Heat
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Brooklyn Nets

What Teams Can Make Deep Runs?

  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Utah Jazz
  • Boston Celtics

What Teams are In?

  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets

What Teams are in Play-In Territory?

  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Los Angeles Lakers

What Teams Need Help But Can Still Make It?

  • Washington Wizards
  • New York Knicks
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • Sacramento Kings

What Teams are Out?

  • Indiana Pacers
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Houston Rockets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Orlando Magic

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