NBA Team Rankings: Playoff Battles Heat Up as Nuggets Stay Ahead

• 2024-25 Record: 60-12
• Previous Ranking: 2
• Next Games: vs. MEM (Mar. 27), vs. IND (Mar. 29), vs. CHI (Mar. 31)

Jaylin Williams, the Thunder`s third-string center, has become a key contributor during their impressive March performance (12-1). Primarily coming off the bench, Williams has averaged 7.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists this month. Notably, he achieved his first two career triple-doubles in two starts, leading to wins against the Trail Blazers and 76ers when several regular starters were rested. Williams now joins Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Josh Giddey as the only Thunder players to record multiple triple-doubles in a single season. — Tim MacMahon

• 2024-25 Record: 58-14
• Previous Ranking: 1
• Next Games: vs. SA (Mar. 27), @ DET (Mar. 28), vs. LAC (Mar. 30)

While the Cavaliers have achieved success this season through a balanced approach and a deep roster, Donovan Mitchell remains their central figure. This was evident in a 123-112 loss to the Suns last week, Cleveland`s fourth consecutive defeat, where Mitchell scored a season-low seven points on 2-for-18 shooting. Despite the Cavaliers` overall talent, Mitchell is crucial to their playoff performance; if he underperforms, the team`s success is at risk. — Dave McMenamin

• 2024-25 Record: 53-19
• Previous Ranking: 3
• Next Games: @ PHX (Mar. 26), @ SA (Mar. 29), @ MEM (Mar. 31)

The Boston Celtics appear to have avoided a major injury to star Jayson Tatum, even though he`s listed as doubtful for Wednesday`s game due to an ankle sprain sustained in Monday`s win against Sacramento. Tatum injured his ankle on a 3-point attempt contested by Domantas Sabonis but was able to walk off the court unaided. As the Celtics focus on the postseason, maintaining player health will be vital for another Finals run. — Tim Bontemps

• 2024-25 Record: 47-26
• Previous Ranking: 4
• Next Games: @ UTAH (Mar. 27), @ PHX (Mar. 30), @ LAL (Mar. 31)

The Houston Rockets typically capitalize on favorable opportunities for wins, but they missed one on Sunday against the Nuggets, even with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic sidelined due to an ankle injury. Jamal Murray dominated the Rockets` defense, scoring 39 points and ending Houston`s nine-game winning streak. Coach Ime Udoka described the performance as `sloppy` at a critical time when the Rockets are aiming to refine key aspects for the postseason. Houston has cultivated a physical, defense-oriented identity that Udoka wants his team to fully embrace as they conclude the regular season. — Michael Wright

• 2024-25 Record: 45-28
• Previous Ranking: 5
• Next Games: vs. MIL (Mar. 26), vs. UTAH (Mar. 28), vs. MIN (Apr. 1)

The Nuggets began a five-game home stand with a 10-point defeat to the Bulls. However, the primary concern is Nikola Jokic`s health for the playoffs. Jokic has been absent for five consecutive games and was questionable for Wednesday`s game against the Bucks. Coach Michael Malone indicated that Jokic might return sometime during this home stand. In Jokic`s absence, Jamal Murray has scored 39 and 28 points in the last two games. — Ohm Youngmisuk

• 2024-25 Record: 45-26
• Previous Ranking: 7
• Next Games: vs. LAC (Mar. 26), @ MIL (Mar. 28), vs. POR (Mar. 30), vs. PHI (Apr. 1)

After having the league`s second-worst defense in February, New York has improved significantly in March, allowing just 109.1 points per 100 possessions, which is the second-best in the league for this period. While they have faced weaker opponents recently, this has allowed them to address important areas while Jalen Brunson is out with an ankle injury and Mitchell Robinson regains his form. — Chris Herring

• 2024-25 Record: 43-28
• Previous Ranking: 9
• Next Games: @ IND (Mar. 26), @ CHI (Mar. 27), @ MEM (Mar. 29), vs. HOU (Mar. 31)

The Lakers have a 3-7 record in their last 10 games, and the returns of LeBron James from a groin injury and Rui Hachimura from a knee injury haven`t yet provided a boost as they both work to regain their peak condition. Their seven losses have been by an average of 15.7 points. The schedule remains challenging for L.A. as they conclude their road trip with games in Indiana and Chicago, followed by a match against the Grizzlies. — McMenamin

• 2024-25 Record: 44-28
• Previous Ranking: 6
• Next Games: @ OKC (Mar. 27), vs. LAL (Mar. 29), vs. BOS (Mar. 31), vs. GS (Apr. 1)

The Grizzlies have struggled on the road recently, losing three straight games during their current five-game road trip. Star guard Ja Morant has missed his third consecutive game due to a hamstring injury, and the team announced that Brandon Clarke will be out for the rest of the season with a PCL sprain in his right knee. Morant has played in only 43 of Memphis` 70 games this season due to injuries and needs to establish rhythm with his teammates in Memphis`s updated offense before the playoffs. — Wright

• 2024-25 Record: 41-31
• Previous Ranking: 8
• Next Games: @ NO (Mar. 28), @ SA (Mar. 30), @ MEM (Apr. 1)

Stephen Curry rejoined the Warriors in Miami and participated in an individual workout after Monday`s practice. However, coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Curry felt some discomfort during a specific movement late in the workout and wasn`t quite ready to return. They opted to give Curry a few more days to rest. The Warriors were heavily defeated in Jimmy Butler`s return to Miami but have an opportunity to rebound against the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday. Kerr anticipates Curry`s return then, given all goes well, which would provide him a week of rest since his pelvic contusion injury against Toronto on Thursday. A healthy and rested Curry is essential for them to avoid the play-in tournament. — Youngmisuk

• 2024-25 Record: 41-32
• Previous Ranking: 10
• Next Games: vs. PHX (Mar. 28), vs. DET (Mar. 30), @ DEN (Apr. 1)

After an eight-game winning streak, the Timberwolves have lost three of their last four games, dropping to No. 8 in the competitive Western Conference. However, center Naz Reid is strengthening his case for consecutive Sixth Man of the Year awards, scoring 20 points off the bench for the 24th time this season on Monday, setting a new franchise record. Minnesota needs Reid to maintain this level of performance in their upcoming home games against Phoenix and Detroit before facing the Nuggets in Denver next week in a crucial matchup. — Jamal Collier

• 2024-25 Record: 42-29
• Previous Ranking: 12
• Next Games: vs. LAL (Mar. 26), @ WAS (Mar. 27), @ OKC (Mar. 29), vs. SAC (Mar. 31)

The Pacers have won five straight games and seven of their last eight, taking a two-game lead over the Bucks for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Tyrese Haliburton extended his strong second half of the season with 11 consecutive double-doubles, the longest active streak in the league. Haliburton is on track to achieve the best assist-to-turnover ratio (5.46) in a season since Muggsy Bogues in 1990-91. — Collier

• 2024-25 Record: 40-31
• Previous Ranking: 13
• Next Games: @ NYK (Mar. 26), @ BKN (Mar. 28), @ CLE (Mar. 30), @ ORL (Mar. 31)

The Clippers have won eight of their last 10 games, with their most recent loss being a narrow two-point defeat to the Thunder on Sunday. They have been playing some of their best basketball recently, even with Tyronn Lue returning from a back issue for the Thunder game. The Clippers, still missing assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy, are starting a late-season East Coast road trip, beginning in New York against the Knicks, followed by games against the Nets, Cavs, and Magic before returning home. — Youngmisuk

• 2024-25 Record: 40-31
• Previous Ranking: 11
• Next Games: @ DEN (Mar. 26), vs. NYK (Mar. 28), vs. ATL (Mar. 30), vs. PHX (Apr. 1)

The Bucks have lost three of their last five games and are 4-6 in their last 10, a tough stretch coinciding with the significant injury news of Damian Lillard being out indefinitely with a blood clot in his right calf. The Bucks are 8-5 this season when Lillard is absent, averaging 108.5 points, compared to 115.7 points when he plays. — Collier

• 2024-25 Record: 41-32
• Previous Ranking: 14
• Next Games: vs. CLE (Mar. 28), @ MIN (Mar. 30)

With nine games remaining, the Pistons are three games behind the Pacers and Bucks in the loss column for the No. 4 seed in the East and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Detroit could still realistically catch the Bucks for fifth, which would mean a more favorable first-round matchup against Indiana instead of facing New York as the No. 6 seed. The Pistons demonstrated their depth on Sunday, defeating the Pelicans even with All-Star Cade Cunningham and starter Tim Hardaway Jr. sidelined due to minor injuries. — Kevin Pelton

• 2024-25 Record: 35-37
• Previous Ranking: 15
• Next Games: vs. POR (Mar. 27), @ ORL (Mar. 29), @ IND (Mar. 31)

Seemingly secure in the ninth play-in spot a week ago, with a three-game lead over the struggling Mavericks and inconsistent Suns, the Kings now find themselves fighting to maintain that position after losing four straight home games. Sacramento is now only half a game ahead of Dallas and tied with Phoenix, with one of these teams set to miss the play-in while the other two will compete in the 9-10 game. Domantas Sabonis`s return on Monday should help the Kings, who went 3-6 in the nine games he missed due to injuries. — Pelton

• 2024-25 Record: 35-37
• Previous Ranking: 17
• Next Games: @ MIA (Mar. 27), @ MIL (Mar. 30), vs. POR (Apr. 1)

While unlikely, there`s still a small chance (1.5%, according to ESPN`s Basketball Power Index) for Atlanta to reach the top six in the East. The seventh-place Hawks, currently 5½ games behind the sixth-place Pistons, have gained two games on Detroit in their last 10 games. The Pistons have the NBA`s second-toughest remaining schedule, whereas Atlanta`s is the seventh-easiest. — Herring

• 2024-25 Record: 35-37
• Previous Ranking: 18
• Next Games: vs. BOS (Mar. 26), @ MIN (Mar. 28), vs. HOU (Mar. 30), @ MIL (Apr. 1)

The Suns` current four-game winning streak is their longest since a seven-game streak from late October to early November. Kevin Durant has averaged 40 points in the last two games of this streak against Eastern Conference powerhouses Cleveland and Milwaukee. However, before getting too optimistic about Phoenix`s resurgence, consider their next eight games: two against Boston, and games against Oklahoma City, Houston, Minnesota, New York, Golden State, and Milwaukee again. — McMenamin

• 2024-25 Record: 35-38
• Previous Ranking: 16
• Next Games: vs. DAL (Mar. 27), vs. SAC (Mar. 29), vs. LAC (Mar. 31), @ SA (Apr. 1)

The Magic may be finding their stride at the right moment. Back-to-back wins against the Lakers and Hornets gave Orlando their first three-game winning streak since December 1st. Combined with a win in Cleveland before a home loss to Houston, there are indications that Orlando is developing enough offense to complement their strong defense. This starts with star Paolo Banchero, who is averaging 30 points in March while shooting 41.2% from 3-point range, resembling his strong early-season form before a severe oblique strain. — Pelton

• 2024-25 Record: 35-38
• Previous Ranking: 19
• Next Games: @ ORL (Mar. 27), @ CHI (Mar. 29), vs. BKN (Mar. 31)

Spencer Dinwiddie, playing on a veteran`s minimum contract during his second stint with Dallas, has been crucial in maintaining the injury-affected Mavericks` playoff hopes. Dinwiddie averaged 23.5 points and 9.5 assists, shooting 72.7% from the field in the Mavs` recent wins against the Pistons and Nets. He also scored 28 points with six assists in a March 10 win over the Spurs, which is the Mavs` only other victory since Kyrie Irving sustained a season-ending knee injury. — MacMahon

• 2024-25 Record: 32-41
• Previous Ranking: 21
• Next Games: @ SAC (Mar. 27), @ NYK (Mar. 30), @ ATL (Apr. 1)

With nine games left, the Blazers are running out of time to overtake the Mavericks and Suns for the 10th and final play-in spot in the West. However, they remained in contention with impressive home wins last week against the Grizzlies and the Nuggets (without Jokic). Portland`s improved defense, led by All-Defensive candidate Toumani Camara, is more than just luck with opponent shooting percentages. While opponents shot only 31% from 3-point range against the Blazers in February, that has increased to 38% in March, yet Portland is still defending at a league-average level. — Pelton

• 2024-25 Record: 32-40
• Previous Ranking: 22
• Next Games: vs. LAL (Mar. 27), vs. DAL (Mar. 29), @ OKC (Mar. 31), vs. TOR (Apr. 1)

The Bulls have an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, averaging an NBA-best 122.5 points during this period starting from March 6th. Their backcourt is leading the way, with Coby White achieving three consecutive 35-point games, his longest streak, and Josh Giddey averaging 22.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 10.3 rebounds, while shooting 54% (53% from 3-point range) since the All-Star break. Chicago is two games behind Orlando for the No. 8 seed in the East. — Collier

• 2024-25 Record: 31-40
• Previous Ranking: 23
• Next Games: @ CLE (Mar. 27), vs. BOS (Mar. 29), vs. GS (Mar. 30), vs. ORL (Apr. 1)

San Antonio faces a difficult path to seriously contend for a play-in tournament spot, but they continue to compete. The Spurs limited Toronto to just 40 first-half points in a 123-89 victory on Sunday, securing their second three-game winning streak of the season with another road game upcoming against the Cavaliers. Veteran Chris Paul played in his 70th game of the season, becoming the first player in their 20th season or later to play in each of their team`s first 70 games in league history. — Wright

• 2024-25 Record: 31-41
• Previous Ranking: 20
• Next Games: vs. ATL (Mar. 27), @ PHI (Mar. 29), @ WAS (Mar. 31)

Miami finally ended their 10-game losing streak on Sunday, fueled by a 42-point performance from Andrew Wiggins. This followed his previous best game in Miami, where he scored 30 points in the last loss of the streak against the Rockets on Friday. Despite the 10-game losing streak, Miami remarkably remains in a play-in tournament position in the East. — Bontemps

• 2024-25 Record: 23-49
• Previous Ranking: 26
• Next Games: vs. TOR (Mar. 26), vs. LAC (Mar. 28), @ WAS (Mar. 29), @ DAL (Mar. 31)

For much of the season, the Brooklyn Nets showed resilience, consistently defying expectations. However, recent moves like trading Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, waiving Ben Simmons, and losing leading scorer Cam Thomas to a season-ending injury seem to have finally caught up with the lottery-bound Nets. They have a 2-11 record in March after a surprisingly decent 21-38 start. — Herring

• 2024-25 Record: 25-47
• Previous Ranking: 24
• Next Games: @ BKN (Mar. 26), vs. CHA (Mar. 28), @ PHI (Mar. 30), @ CHI (Apr. 1)

The Toronto Raptors are keeping pace with the 76ers and Nets in the lottery standings. However, facing one of the easiest schedules in the league has led to a 5-5 record in their last 10 games leading into Wednesday`s game against Brooklyn. A loss to the Nets would significantly reduce their chances of falling behind either of these teams in the lottery race over the next few weeks. — Bontemps

• 2024-25 Record: 23-49
• Previous Ranking: 25
• Next Games: vs. WAS (Mar. 26), vs. MIA (Mar. 29), vs. TOR (Mar. 30), @ NYK (Apr. 1)

In a season marked by disappointments, rookie Justin Edwards has been a positive highlight for his hometown team. Edwards is averaging 14 points and shooting 37.5% from 3-point range in March. He`s capitalizing on increased playing time and opportunities due to the numerous injuries the 76ers are facing. — Bontemps

• 2024-25 Record: 20-53
• Previous Ranking: 27
• Next Games: vs. GS (Mar. 28), vs. CHA (Mar. 30)

The Pelicans faced more injury setbacks when Zion Williamson suffered a lower back contusion, sidelining him for the last two games of a three-game road trip. Rookie Yves Missi is also dealing with hip soreness, keeping him out of Sunday`s loss to Detroit. This game marked the third time in franchise history that New Orleans lost despite shooting 55% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. It`s time for New Orleans to focus on the future and roster development. — Wright

• 2024-25 Record: 18-54
• Previous Ranking: 28
• Next Games: @ TOR (Mar. 28), @ NO (Mar. 30), vs. UTAH (Mar. 31)

The second half of the season, and in some ways the entire season, has been very challenging for Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball. After shooting just under 42% from the field before the All-Star break, the 23-year-old has shot only 35.3% since. His season field goal percentage of 40.1% and 3-point percentage of 33.6% are career lows, even with a league-high usage rate of 36%, which is also his career high. — Herring

• 2024-25 Record: 16-57
• Previous Ranking: 30
• Next Games: vs. HOU (Mar. 27), @ DEN (Mar. 28), @ CHA (Mar. 31)

The Utah Jazz have committed at least 20 turnovers in 22 games this season, the most by any team in a season since the 2018-19 Hawks, according to ESPN Research. The Jazz lead the league with 17.6 turnovers per game (1.5 more than any other team) and allow 22.1 points off turnovers per game (1.8 more than any other team). — MacMahon

• 2024-25 Record: 15-56
• Previous Ranking: 29
• Next Games: @ PHI (Mar. 26), vs. IND (Mar. 27), vs. BKN (Mar. 29), vs. MIA (Mar. 31)

The Washington Wizards are on a five-game losing streak heading into Wednesday`s game at Philadelphia. For the Wizards, the focus is on giving young players like Alex Sarr experience. Sarr is averaging 19.7 points in his last seven games, including a career-high 34-point game in a win over Denver. It will be encouraging to see Sarr finish his rookie season strongly, building momentum for his first offseason. — Youngmisuk