NBA Energy Rankings – Bucks look to bounce again for postseason clinch after Lakers loss

We’re coming right down to the wire of the 2023-24 NBA common season, and the race to remain out of the play-in match is simply getting tighter within the Jap and Western Conferences.

Within the East, the Philadelphia 76ers have tumbled down the ranks since Joel Embiid’s knee harm. Having as soon as staked their declare behind the league-leading Boston Celtics, the injury-stricken 76ers are actually combating to remain out of the play-in image. In the meantime, the third-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers must be on excessive alert because the New York Knicks proceed to get wholesome and the Orlando Magic surge.

However as groups fall, others rise.

The Houston Rockets are driving a nine-game win streak and are scorching on the tails of the Golden State Warriors, who may get knocked out of the playoff image utterly.

There appears to be a special sort of March Insanity taking place within the NBA with lower than three weeks to go. This is the place all 30 groups stack up this week.

Observe: All through the common season, our panel (Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin and Ohm Youngmisuk) is rating all 30 groups from prime to backside, taking inventory of which groups are taking part in the perfect basketball and which groups are wanting most like title contenders.

Earlier rankings: Put up-Finals | Nov. 1 | Nov. 8 | Nov. 15 | Nov. 22 | Nov. 29 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 20 | Dec. 27 | Jan. 3 | Jan. 10 | Jan. 17 | Jan. 24 | Jan. 31 | Feb. 7 | Feb. 14 | Feb. 28 | Mar. 6 | Mar. 13 | Mar. 20

Soar to a workforce:

ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS

1. Boston Celtics
2023-24 document: 57-15

Whereas Boston’s loss to Atlanta was noteworthy as a result of the Celtics blew a 30-point lead, it did not impression maybe probably the most outstanding stat from what’s been a outstanding Boston season: that the Celtics are a staggering 49-3 when hitting greater than one-third of their 3-pointers this season. That’s the third-best mark in NBA historical past, behind the 1987-88 Lakers (27-0) and the 2016-17 Warriors (54-2). And whereas the Celtics have already run away with the East’s greatest document, they’re nonetheless taking part in for the No. 1 general seed within the postseason — Boston’s magic quantity is 5 — and residential court docket in any potential Finals matchup.— Bontemps

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2. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 document: 51-21

• Earlier rating: 2

• Subsequent video games: vs. PHX (Mar. 27), vs. MIN (Mar. 29), vs. CLE (Mar. 31), vs. SA (Apr. 2)

Jamal Murray has not performed in two straight video games because of an ankle harm, and Nikola Jokic was held out for a sport in opposition to Portland with a decrease again and left hip subject, because the Nuggets attempt to maintain their stars wholesome for the postseason. Nonetheless, Denver continues to roll, having received 15 of 17 video games because the All-Star break. On Wednesday, the Nuggets host Phoenix and get an opportunity to avenge a type of losses, an extra time setback to the Suns again on March 5. After that, they face Minnesota for the second time in 10 days, an opportunity for Denver to place more room between itself and the Wolves within the standings with simply over a few weeks left within the common season. — Youngmisuk

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3. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 document: 46-26

After considered one of their greatest wins of the season in opposition to the Thunder on Sunday, the Bucks had considered one of their most disappointing losses, blowing a 19-point fourth-quarter result in the LeBron-less Lakers on Tuesday. The silver lining? The Bucks preserve their No. 2 spot within the Jap standings, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard on the ground Milwaukee is plus-16.8 per 100 possessions, the perfect mark amongst three-man lineups within the NBA this season. — Collier

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4. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
2023-24 document: 50-21

• Earlier rating: 3

• Subsequent video games: vs. HOU (Mar. 27), vs. PHX (Mar. 29), @ NY (Mar. 31), @ PHI (Apr. 2)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 12 factors in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Bucks, solely the fourth time this season he failed to attain at the least 20. The Thunder are 1-3 in these video games. It was a fair more durable outing for Chet Holmgren, who was held to 6 factors on 1-of-10 taking pictures, the worst taking pictures efficiency of his rookie season. Oklahoma Metropolis is 8-11 when Holmgren shoots lower than 50% from the ground and 42-10 when he shoots at the least 50%. — MacMahon

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5. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 document: 49-22

• Earlier rating: 4

• Subsequent video games: vs. DET (Mar. 27), @ DEN (Mar. 29), vs. CHI (Mar. 31), vs. HOU (Apr. 2)

The Wolves have fallen to 3rd within the West however may have an opportunity to make up some floor in a key matchup at Denver on Friday evening. One large turnaround for Minnesota because the All-Star break: its fourth-quarter offense has surged. In keeping with analysis by ESPN Stats & Data, the Wolves have flipped from twenty sixth in fourth-quarter offensive effectivity earlier than the break to No. 1 because the begin of the second half. — Collier

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6. New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 document: 44-28

The Pelicans started an important six-game homestand on Tuesday evening in opposition to the Thunder. In a battle with the Clippers over the fourth seed and home-court benefit within the first spherical, New Orleans will proceed to wish large video games from Zion Williamson, who has averaged 26 factors, 7.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists within the Pelicans’ previous 10 video games (7 wins) — particularly with Brandon Ingram coping with a bone contusion in his left knee. — Lopez

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7. New York Knicks
2023-24 document: 43-28

• Earlier rating: 9

• Subsequent video games: @ TOR (Mar. 27), @ SA (Mar. 29), vs. OKC (Mar. 31), @ MIA (Apr. 2)

The Knicks proceed to rack up wins whereas their injured beginning frontcourt of Julius Randle, OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson stays sidelined. Coach Tom Thibodeau stated earlier than Monday’s win over the Pistons that Robinson’s return is imminent, and he probably will probably be again on the court docket earlier than his injured teammates. Robinson, who has been out since Dec. 8, would give New York 48 minutes of high-level heart play, as Isaiah Hartenstein has been excellent in his place because the workforce’s beginning heart for the previous three months, averaging 9.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per sport . — Bontemps

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8. Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 document: 43-29

Heart Daniel Gafford has thrived alongside Luka Doncic since arriving in Dallas on the commerce deadline. Gafford was taking pictures 77.6% from the ground for the Mavericks getting into Tuesday evening’s sport in Sacramento, with Doncic aiding on 42 of his 97 subject objectives. That is extra assists than any of Gafford’s Wizards teammates delivered to him throughout his 45 video games for Washington this season. Dallas, now No. 7 within the West, is 11-1 in video games Gafford has began. — MacMahon

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9. Sacramento Kings
2023-24 document: 42-30

The Kings’ offense is not as dominant because it was a season in the past — it ranks thirteenth now, in comparison with No. 1 final season — however their protection has ticked up properly, rating 14th after a dismal twenty fifth final season. If they will preserve this, they’re going to hit their stride at exactly the suitable time. — Andrews

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10. LA Clippers
2023-24 document: 44-27

• Earlier rating: 8

• Subsequent video games: @ PHI (Mar. 27), @ ORL (Mar. 29), @ CHA (Mar. 31), @ SAC (Apr. 2)

The Clippers’ stunning slide continues within the West. As soon as in first place in early February, the Clippers fell to fifth on Monday evening after dropping for the sixth time in 9 video games with New Orleans proudly owning the season tiebreaker over them. They’ve regarded disinterested at instances, and each James Harden and Paul George say the Clippers lack an identification. Head coach Ty Lue stated the workforce’s identification proper now’s “gentle” and he challenged his leaders and workforce to be extra invested. The Clippers’ standing within the West may worsen. They hit the street for Harden’s return to Philadelphia on Wednesday after which fly to Orlando, Charlotte and cross-country to Sacramento earlier than returning residence to face the Nuggets. — Youngmisuk

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11. Orlando Magic
2023-24 document: 42-29

• Earlier rating: 10

• Subsequent video games: vs. GS (Mar. 27), vs. LAC (Mar. 29), vs. MEM (Mar. 30), vs. POR (Apr. 1)

Jonathan Isaac’s 23 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Kings was the third most he has performed this season, a doubtlessly crucial improvement because the Magic surge up the East. He additionally tied a profession excessive with 25 factors — his first 20-point sport since Dec. 15, 2019. Isaac has already proved his worth on protection this season. In keeping with Second Spectrum, Isaac has held opponents to a 41.4% efficient subject aim share because the contesting defender, the perfect within the NBA amongst gamers to contest 200-plus photographs. — Lopez

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12. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 document: 44-28

• Earlier rating: 6

• Subsequent video games: vs. IND (Mar. 27), @ BKN (Mar. 29), @ MIN (Mar. 31), vs. ATL (Apr. 1)

Halfway by way of March, Cleveland was the No. 2-seeded workforce within the East. Now, with 10 video games to go, the Cavs have an actual concern about falling to fifth with New York and Orlando surging. They’re 5-7 this month with out Donovan Mitchell, who has missed time due to his left knee and a nasal fracture, with no return date recognized. — McMenamin

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13. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 document: 42-30

The ten video games remaining on the Suns’ schedule are in opposition to opponents with a mixed .647 successful share, making it the hardest remaining stretch out of any workforce within the league. Monday’s sport in opposition to the Victor Wembanyama-less Spurs was imagined to be a gimme earlier than Phoenix confronted that gauntlet, however the Suns misplaced 104-102. “We positively laid an egg,” Bradley Beal informed reporters afterward. Phoenix is hanging on to the No. 8 spot within the West, with the Lakers — who personal the tiebreaker — looming. — McMenamin

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14. Indiana Pacers
2023-24 document: 41-32

Indiana’s prolific offense has been the important thing to its success this season, and the Pacers wish to turn into simply the second workforce in NBA historical past to attain at the least 100 factors in each sport throughout the common season. They’ve already eclipsed the 100 mark of their first 73 video games, becoming a member of the 1981-82 Nuggets as the one groups in league historical past to take action. The Pacers are presently holding on to the No. 6 slot within the East with a one-game benefit over the Warmth to keep away from the play-in match. — Collier

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15. Miami Warmth
2023-24 document: 39-33

Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors brings the Warmth right into a tie with the 76ers on the prime of the play-in match race. Miami is up 2-1 within the season sequence over the Sixers, so their April 4 sport will maintain further significance. On Sunday, the Warmth bounced again from an 88-point efficiency in a loss to the Pelicans to attain 121 factors, solely the third time they’ve hit the 120-point mark because the All-Star break. Miami is 11-3 this season when it hits that mark. — Lopez

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16. Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 document: 40-32

• Earlier rating: 16

• Subsequent video games: @ MEM (Mar. 27), @ IND (Mar. 29), @ BKN (Mar. 31), @ TOR (Apr. 2)

Anthony Davis performed 52 minutes and 51 seconds in Tuesday’s double-overtime thriller in Milwaukee — probably the most taking part in time of his profession and probably the most by a Lakers participant since Kobe Bryant in 2012. Their reward for the win? A sport in Memphis in opposition to the Grizzlies for the second evening of a back-to-back. “It was enjoyable,” Davis stated. “Let’s line up and do it yet again tomorrow.” — McMenamin

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17. Houston Rockets
2023-24 document: 36-35

• Earlier rating: 20

• Subsequent video games: @ OKC (Mar. 27), @ UTA (Mar. 29), vs. DAL (Mar. 31), @ MIN (Apr. 2)

Who would have imagined that the Rockets would have the NBA’s longest energetic successful streak proper now? Jalen Inexperienced, who has averaged an environment friendly 29 factors per sport throughout the nine-game run, has been the headliner because the Rockets battle for a play-in spot. An unsung hero? Backup heart Jock Landale, who has averaged 11.4 factors, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks within the seven video games since Alperen Sengun went down with a sprained ankle. The Rockets have outscored opponents by 92 factors in Landale’s 166 minutes, and he ranks second on the workforce in plus-minus throughout that span behind solely Inexperienced (plus-131). — MacMahon

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18. Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 document: 39-33

• Earlier rating: 17

• Subsequent video games: vs. LAC (Mar. 27), @ CLE (Mar. 29), @ TOR (Mar. 31), vs. OKC (Apr. 2)

As Philadelphia gears up for the return of James Harden Wednesday, the 76ers proceed to be ravaged by harm. Buddy Hield left Monday’s loss in Sacramento with an ankle sprain, Kelly Oubre Jr. missed that sport with a shoulder harm he suffered in Sunday’s win over the Clippers, and Joel Embiid continues to be sidelined with none timetable for a return. In the meantime, the 76ers are combating with each Indiana and Miami to keep away from the play-in match — and a possible first-round sequence with both the Celtics or Bucks. — Bontemps

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19. Golden State Warriors
2023-24 document: 37-34

• Earlier rating: 18

• Subsequent video games: @ ORL (Mar. 27), vs. CHA (Mar. 29), @ SA (Mar. 31), vs. DAL (Apr. 2)

The Warriors are hanging on to the No.10 seed, just one sport forward of the Rockets, who’re driving a nine-game successful streak. After their disappointing loss to the conference-leading Timberwolves on Sunday, the Dubs bounced again with a win in opposition to the Warmth, led by Klay Thompson’s 28 factors. With 11 video games left within the common season the Warriors have the simplest schedule among the many groups within the Western Convention play-in race. This will probably be an important stretch in the event that they wish to keep away from falling out of the playoffs altogether, and their matchup in opposition to the Rockets on April 4 would be the sport to observe. — Andrews

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20. Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 document: 32-39

• Earlier rating: 21

• Subsequent video games: vs. POR (Mar. 27), vs. BOS (Mar. 28), vs. MIL (Mar. 30), @ CHI (Apr. 1)

Barring an epic collapse over their remaining 11 video games, the Hawks are destined for the 9-10 play-in sport. Up 5.5 video games on the Nets, Atlanta bought an unlikely victory on Monday evening when the workforce overcame a 30-point deficit in opposition to the Celtics. It was tied for the fourth-largest comeback within the NBA prior to now 25 seasons and the primary 30-point comeback prior to now two seasons. In reality, getting into Monday, per ESPN Stats & Data analysis, groups had been 5-2,606 (.002) over the previous 25 years in video games they trailed by 30-plus factors. — Lopez

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21. Chicago Bulls
2023-24 document: 34-38

• Earlier rating: 19

• Subsequent video games: vs. IND (Mar. 27), @ BKN (Mar. 29), @ MIN (Mar. 31), vs. ATL (Apr. 1)

With an opportunity to get again to .500 final week, the Bulls dropped three in a row, together with a loss to the short-handed Wizards at residence on Monday evening — a brand new main contender for many disappointing lack of the season, a class that already contains two losses to the Pistons. Chicago’s success in opposition to the groups on the prime of the convention is not a lot better — 3-13 in opposition to the highest 5 groups within the East. The Bulls have virtually reached their ceiling: yet one more 9-10 play-in berth. — Collier

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22. Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 document: 27-45

• Earlier rating: 23

• Subsequent video games: @ WAS (Mar. 27), vs. CHI (Mar. 29), vs. LAL (Mar. 31), @ IND (Apr. 1)

Brooklyn, now 12-30 because the notorious tank sport on Dec. 27, is all however taking part in out the string over the ultimate few weeks of the common season. Whereas the Nets may technically nonetheless move the Hawks for the tenth and remaining spot within the Jap Convention’s play-in combine, they’re 5.5 video games again with 10 video games to play — requiring both a very huge change in fortune or a whole collapse by Atlanta. — Bontemps

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23. Utah Jazz
2023-24 document: 29-43

• Earlier rating: 22

• Subsequent video games: vs. SA (Mar. 27), vs. HOU (Mar. 29), @ SAC (Mar. 31), vs. CLE (Apr. 2)

For the reason that commerce deadline, the Jazz have the NBA’s worst document (3-16), worst defensive ranking (123.2) and worst internet ranking (minus-10.2). Lauri Markkanen has missed eight of these 19 video games whereas being listed on the harm report with a proper quadriceps contusion as Utah, which owes a top-10-protected decide to Oklahoma Metropolis, has misplaced its manner comfortably into the highest 10 of the draft lottery odds. Markkanen has shot solely 40% from the ground within the 11 video games he has performed throughout that span, in comparison with 50.1% earlier than the deadline. — MacMahon

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24. Memphis Grizzlies
2023-24 document: 24-48

Heart/ahead Brandon Clarke is on the verge of creating his season debut after a grueling rehabilitation course of from a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered on March 3, 2023. Clarke has been crucial off the Memphis bench all through his profession, averaging 10.7 factors on 60.4% taking pictures in 21.3 minutes per sport over his first 4 seasons. He’s within the first season of a four-year, $50 million contract extension. Now, after being eradicated from postseason competition, the Grizzlies will look to June’s draft, the place, with their lottery decide, they’re going to attempt to reset after their misplaced season. — MacMahon

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25. San Antonio Spurs
2023-24 document: 16-56

• Earlier rating: 28

• Subsequent video games: @ UTA (Mar. 27), vs. NY (Mar. 29), vs. GS (Mar. 31), @ DEN (Apr. 2)

After dropping their first seven video games with out Victor Wembanyama this season, the Spurs have now received the previous two video games with out their star rookie, together with Monday evening’s 104-102 win over the Suns. In reality, three of San Antonio’s 16 wins this season have come in opposition to Phoenix. The newest victory was sealed by a late 3-pointer from Jeremy Sochan, who was 0-for-14 on his 3s over the earlier three video games. — Lopez

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26. Toronto Raptors
2023-24 document: 23-49

With 10 video games to go within the common season, the largest basketball query surrounding Toronto is whether or not the Raptors will dangle on to their top-6-protected lottery decide. Toronto, which despatched the decide to San Antonio final yr in a deadline deal for heart Jakob Poeltl, presently sits within the sixth spot within the lottery, with Memphis sitting one win forward in seventh. — Bontemps

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27. Portland Path Blazers
2023-24 document: 19-53

The victories are ethical at this level within the season for Portland. Regardless of placing up a aggressive present in opposition to the Nuggets, Clippers and Bulls final week, the Path Blazers got here away with zero wins to point out for it. The silver lining? Whereas they’re nonetheless lacking Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant, they confirmed flashes of potential with their younger lineup. They made NBA historical past final Saturday, beginning 5 rookies in opposition to the NBA’s reigning champions — dropping 114-111, considered one of their extra aggressive video games this season. Rookie Scoot Henderson averaged 20 factors and 6 assists on 40% 3-point taking pictures of their previous 4 video games. These are the indicators of encouragement Portland is in search of because it closes out the season. — Andrews

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28. Charlotte Hornets
2023-24 document: 17-54

• Earlier rating: 27

• Subsequent video games: vs. CLE (Mar. 27), vs. GS (Mar. 29), vs. LAC (Mar. 31), vs. BOS (Apr. 1)

Regardless of the already eradicated Hornets driving an unlucky five-game dropping streak, rookie Brandon Miller continues his torrid play. He has scored in double figures in 26 of his previous 27 video games, the lone exception being a six-point outing in opposition to Philadelphia on March 16 when he was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul. Within the three video games since that, Miller has hit 9 3-pointers and is third on the workforce in 3-pointers made per sport. — Youngmisuk

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29. Washington Wizards
2023-24 document: 14-58

• Earlier rating: 30

• Subsequent video games: vs. BKN (Mar. 27), vs. DET (Mar. 29), vs. MIA (Mar. 31), vs. MIL (Apr. 2)

The Wizards have received three straight video games in opposition to Sacramento, Toronto and Chicago — their longest successful streak of the season. They usually’ve executed so with out injured level guard Tyus Jones (again) and rookie Bilal Coulibaly, who’s out for the season with a proper wrist harm. Through the successful streak, Richaun Holmes has dominated the glass, grabbing 14 or extra rebounds in every win. Of their race to the underside with the Pistons for the league’s worst document this season, the Wizards’ most vital date as soon as once more is available in June. — Youngmisuk

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30. Detroit Pistons
2023-24 document: 12-60

Detroit has dropped seven consecutive video games, together with the previous 5 video games by double digits. It’s the Pistons’ fourth streak of six or extra consecutive losses this season. They now personal a two-game lead over the Wizards for the worst document within the NBA, a doubtful honor they’re on tempo to win for the second straight season. Of their remaining 10 video games, solely two of them are at residence. — Collier