NBA Energy Rankings: Paul George and Clips discover footing, Pacers seek for East bounce again

We’re per week out from the 2023-24 NBA Commerce deadline (Feb. 8, 3 p.m. ET) and, nicely, loads can occur between every now and then, with the long run’s of high-profile gamers reminiscent of Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine and Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray nonetheless up within the air.

The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder have taken a dip in our rankings, after shedding to the bottom-dwelling Detroit Pistons final Sunday, giving them their sixth win of the season. And the surging LA Clippers made an announcement after blowing out the Japanese Convention-leading Boston Celtics, handing them their second residence lack of the season.

Final week was full of ridiculous scoring outbursts by Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, Devin Booker, and Karl-Anthony Cities. As we enter into the second half of the season, can we count on extra eye-catching 70-points video games? Will the Milwaukee Bucks discover their defensive footing with Doc Rivers? And might the Brooklyn Nets make a push within the East with the return of Ben Simmons?

Questions abound as we glance to see the place each crew settles per week earlier than the commerce deadline.

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 high to backside, taking inventory of which groups are taking part in one of the best basketball and which groups are trying most like title contenders.

Earlier rankings: Publish-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

Soar to a crew:

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 report: 37-11

Via the primary half of the season, it is onerous to take a look at the Kristaps Porzingis deal as something however an enormous win for the Celtics. When he’s on the court docket, Boston has a plus-12 web score — simply one of the best of any of the core rotation gamers, and an indication of simply how impactful the 7-3 Latvian huge man has been to the Celtics, winners of seven of their previous 10 video games. Porzingis’ capacity to each create mismatches offensively and defend the rim defensively has made him a seamless slot in Beantown. — Bontemps

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2. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 report: 33-15

The defending champs have received seven of their previous 9 video games, a stretch together with their first win at Boston this season and victories over Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Indiana (twice). Jamal Murray added his fourth 30-point recreation in his previous 11 video games with a 35-point outing towards Milwaukee. The following recreation is definitely one the Nuggets can be motivated for as they journey to face Oklahoma Metropolis, which crushed the Nuggets 119-93 on Dec. 29 in Denver. — Youngmisuk

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3. LA Clippers
2023-24 report: 30-15

• Earlier rating: 7

• Subsequent video games: @ WSH (Jan. 31), @ DET (Feb. 2), @ MIA (Feb. 4), @ ATL (Feb. 5)

The Clippers misplaced for simply the third time in January after they had their five-game profitable streak snapped in Cleveland on Monday. However that loss did not spoil what has been a profitable begin to this seven-game street journey. The Clippers received back-to-back video games at Toronto and Boston, punctuated by a 19-point win in TD Backyard. The Clippers led by as a lot as 36 and handed the Celtics their second residence loss in what was L.A.’s most spectacular win of the season. Paul George has been taking part in by a groin concern, although, which is one thing the crew continues to observe carefully because it enters the again half of this street journey in Washington, Detroit, Miami and Atlanta. — Youngmisuk

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4. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 report: 33-14

• Earlier rating: 5

• Subsequent video games: vs. DAL (Jan. 31), vs. ORL (Feb. 2), vs. HOU (Feb. 4), @ CHI (Feb. 6)

The Wolves bounced again from a disappointing loss to San Antonio with a victory over Oklahoma Metropolis on Monday evening, transferring again into sole possession of first place within the Western Convention. Minnesota has been in or tied for first place within the West for all however in the future since Nov. 19, when the Thunder held possession for a day final week. These two groups and Denver will proceed to battle for his or her place within the standings, as Minnesota hosts Dallas, Orlando and Houston this week earlier than heading on the street. — Collier

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5. Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 report: 29-17

After a two-game absence that resulted within the 76ers shedding to the Nuggets and Path Blazers, Joel Embiid returned to the beginning lineup Tuesday evening towards the Warriors. Embiid — who has extra factors scored than minutes performed thus far this season, one thing solely Wilt Chamberlain has achieved for a full season — can miss solely 5 extra video games to nonetheless be eligible for a second straight MVP award. — Bontemps

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6. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 report: 32-15

• Earlier rating: 6

• Subsequent video games: @ POR (Jan. 31), @ DAL (Feb. 3), @ UTA (Feb. 4), @ PHX (Feb. 6)

The Bucks dropped Doc Rivers’ teaching debut Monday towards the Nuggets, however Milwaukee has taken a step in the fitting path defensively up to now week. In 4 video games since Adrian Griffin was fired as head coach, Milwaukee is giving up 110.9 factors per 100 possessions, ninth within the NBA throughout that span. Monday was the primary day of a nine-day, five-game street journey for the Bucks, which continues Wednesday evening in Portland for Damian Lillard’s first recreation there since being traded this summer time. — Collier

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7. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
2023-24 report: 32-15

• Earlier rating: 3

• Subsequent video games: vs. DEN (Jan. 31), vs. CHA (Feb. 2), vs. TOR (Feb. 4), @ UTA (Feb. 6)

Rookie of the Yr candidate Chet Holmgren had his worst two-game offensive stretch through the Thunder’s back-to-back losses to the Pistons and Timberwolves. He was held to a mixed 13 factors on 6-of-20 capturing within the losses, which brought about Oklahoma Metropolis to fall out of first place within the West. Nonetheless, Holmgren is averaging 16.7 factors on 53.3% capturing, a significant component within the 32-15 Thunder’s success. However Oklahoma Metropolis is 2-5 when he fails to attain in double digits and 5-8 when he shoots lower than 50%. — MacMahon

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8. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 report: 28-16

• Earlier rating: 8

• Subsequent video games: vs. DET (Jan. 31), @ MEM (Feb. 1), @ SA (Feb. 3), vs. SAC (Feb. 5)

Break up the Cavs! Not solely has Cleveland received 10 out of its previous 11 video games — together with a double-digit comeback towards the Clippers — however Darius Garland has been upgraded to questionable to make his return Wednesday from a 19-game absence due to a fractured jaw. The Cavaliers are No. 5 within the East however solely 2½ video games behind the No. 2 Bucks, whom they’ve crushed twice up to now two weeks. — McMenamin

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9. New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 report: 26-21

Regardless of taking part in the league’s hardest schedule in January, the Pelicans have one of many month’s high offensive scores, scoring 120.5 factors per possession, the fourth-best mark within the league. New Orleans has gone 7-7 in January, and all seven wins have been by double digits, together with 5 of these by 20 factors or extra. Nevertheless, 5 of the seven losses have been by double digits as nicely, and the Pelicans have dropped three in a row. They will look to get again on monitor towards Houston on Wednesday. — Lopez

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10. New York Knicks
2023-24 report: 31-17

No Julius Randle? No downside! Nicely, no less than, thus far. Fortunately for New York, it seems Randle’s shoulder harm goes to be measured in weeks, not months, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, which means the Knicks ought to get him again with loads of time left within the common season — and have the upcoming All-Star break to mitigate the variety of video games missed. Nonetheless, New York has been the most popular crew within the league of late, ripping off wins in 13 of its previous 15 video games since OG Anunoby made his debut. That Anunoby commerce has put the Knicks again within the battle for a top-three seed within the East. — Bontemps

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11. Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 report: 26-21

• Earlier rating: 13

• Subsequent video games: @ MIN (Jan. 31), vs. MIL (Feb. 30), @ PHI (Feb. 5), @ BKN (Feb. 6)

Luka Doncic has scored or assisted on a median of 79.7 factors over the previous three video games. In accordance with ESPN Stats & Info, solely Wilt Chamberlain has accounted for extra factors over a three-game span, producing 82 and 81 factors in overlapping three-game runs in 1962. Doncic rested for a complete of 10 minutes through the Mavs’ stretch of three video games in 4 nights, beginning along with his franchise-record 73-point efficiency in Atlanta, as co-star Kyrie Irving has been sidelined by a sprained proper thumb. The Mavs, who had misplaced 5 of the earlier seven video games, went 2-1 throughout Doncic’s historic week. — MacMahon

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12. Sacramento Kings
2023-24 report: 27-18

• Earlier rating: 15

• Subsequent video games: @ MIA (Jan. 31), @ IND (Feb. 2), @ CHI (Feb. 3), @ CLE (Feb. 5)

After a four-game skid, the Kings are driving a four-game profitable streak, with probably the most notable distinction being that their protection has been the twelfth finest within the league over the previous 4 video games. The Kings stays a strong crew, led by De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk. Their function gamers’ strong contributions have been a pleasant shock, too, as Harrison Barnes is averaging 25.7 factors over the previous 4 video games.— Andrews

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13. Indiana Pacers
2023-24 report: 27-21

• Earlier rating: 14

• Subsequent video games: @ NY (Feb. 1), vs. SAC (Feb. 2), @ CHA (Feb. 4), vs. HOU (Feb. 6)

The Pacers’ three-game profitable streak was snapped Tuesday towards Boston regardless of the return of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who posted 13 factors and 10 assists in 22 minutes. However even throughout his absence, the Pacers have maintained their explosive offense. They’ve recorded no less than 30 assists in 27 video games this season, already the second most in a season in franchise historical past (38 video games in 1991-92). — Collier

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14. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 report: 27-20

• Earlier rating: 9

• Subsequent video games: @ BKN (Jan. 31), @ ATL (Feb. 2), @ WSH (Feb. 4), vs. MIL (Feb. 6)

Regardless of Devin Booker scoring 152 factors over a three-game span, the Suns got here away with one win to point out for it. In that lone win towards the Warmth, 4 Suns gamers scored between 19 and 23 factors, with Eric Gordon main the crew in scoring off the bench (23 factors). Phoenix has three video games left on its seven-game street journey towards groups with a mixed report of 47-81 — an ideal probability to make the most of a mushy schedule. — McMenamin

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15. Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 report: 24-25

L.A. allowed 127 or extra factors for the fifth straight recreation in Tuesday’s 138-122 loss to the Hawks. The Lakers are 2-3 in that span and can not seem to muster a smidge of consistency. “We might, on any given evening, beat any crew within the NBA,” LeBron James mentioned. “After which on any given evening, we are able to get our ass kicked by any crew within the NBA. That is simply the [facts].” — McMenamin

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16. Miami Warmth
2023-24 report: 24-23

• Earlier rating: 11

• Subsequent video games: vs. SAC (Jan. 31), @ WSH (Feb. 2), vs. LAC (Feb. 4), vs. ORL (Feb. 6)

On Jan. 15, the Warmth have been 24-16 and taking part in a few of their finest basketball of the season. Since then, Miami has misplaced seven in a row, the longest shedding streak in Erik Spoelstra’s time as head coach (since 2008-09). Over these seven video games, Miami has averaged simply 101.7 factors. Miami has additionally struggled defensively, permitting 124.2 factors per 100 possessions in that stretch. Previous to that, the Warmth’s defensive score was 112.6, ninth finest within the league to that time. That is the Warmth crew that should present as much as get the season again on monitor. — Lopez

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17. Orlando Magic
2023-24 report: 24-23

• Earlier rating: 16

• Subsequent video games: @ SA (Jan. 31), @ MIN (Feb. 2), @ DET (Feb. 4), @ MIA (Feb. 6)

Paolo Banchero had 36 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in Monday’s loss to the Mavericks, elevating his season averages to 23.0 factors, 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists. He is on tempo to grow to be the sixth participant to common these numbers throughout a complete season in a participant’s rookie or sophomore season, becoming a member of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Jerry West, Sidney Wicks and Oscar Robertson (the one participant to do it twice). If the Magic wish to climb again up the standings, they will want the previous No. 1 decide to proceed his stellar play. — Lopez

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18. Utah Jazz
2023-24 report: 24-25

John Collins averaged 15.3 factors and seven.5 rebounds whereas capturing 60.4% from the ground in January. It has been his most efficient month in a Jazz uniform, however his minutes have dropped to 24.3 per recreation. That is as a result of Collins and Walker Kessler, the 7-footer who was an All-Rookie choice final season, are splitting time and barely on the ground collectively. However coach Will Hardy is placing Collins in place to play to his strengths as a rim runner for the Jazz, who received 10 of their 16 video games in January to catapult again into the Western Convention playoff race. — MacMahon

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19. Houston Rockets
2023-24 report: 22-24

• Earlier rating: 19

• Subsequent video games: vs. NO (Jan. 31) , vs. TOR (Feb. 2), @ MIN (Feb. 4), @ IND (Feb. 6)

Jalen Inexperienced’s roller-coaster season has taken an upward flip lately, as he recorded the primary three point-rebound double-doubles of his profession over his previous three video games. Inexperienced averaged 29.7 factors and 10.7 rebounds in that span, which included two 30-point performances, matching his complete for the remainder of the season. His 34-point, career-high 12-rebound, seven-assist outing in Monday’s win over the Lakers was arguably one of the best all-around recreation of the previous No. 2 general decide’s profession. — MacMahon

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20. Chicago Bulls
2023-24 report: 22-26

Accidents are beginning to pile up for the Bulls now that ahead Patrick Williams can be sidelined for no less than two weeks by a left foot harm. He joins Zach LaVine and Torrey Craig on the injured listing, scaling down a Bulls rotation that options two gamers within the high 10 in minutes per recreation — DeMar DeRozan (fourth) and Coby White (tenth). After touring to Charlotte on the second evening of a back-to-back, the Bulls return residence to host two robust Western Convention opponents within the Kings and Timberwolves. — Collier

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21. Golden State Warriors
2023-24 report: 20-24

Regardless of the epic double-overtime loss towards the Lakers on Saturday, there’s some excellent news for Golden State: It might need discovered a five-man lineup it might probably depend on with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Inexperienced, Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga. In simply 66 minutes collectively, that five-man combo has a web score of plus-13.2, which is the very best of any Warriors lineup with no less than 60 minutes logged collectively. — Andrews .

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22. Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 report: 20-27

Atlanta was a Saddiq Bey game-saving dunk away from its second five-game shedding streak of the season Sunday, however when the fourth-year ahead slammed residence Trae Younger’s miss, it sealed the Hawks’ 126-125 win over the Raptors. Dejounte Murray had two profitable photographs final week, and paired with Bey’s dunk, the Hawks have recorded three go-ahead baskets with two seconds or much less remaining within the fourth quarter or time beyond regulation, probably the most within the NBA this season, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Info analysis. The following two weeks can be pivotal for the Hawks. They started a troublesome four-game homestand Tuesday evening, earlier than jetting up the coast for a two-game street set towards the Celtics and Sixers. — Lopez

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23. Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 report: 19-27

• Earlier rating: 24

• Subsequent video games: vs. PHX (Jan. 31), @ PHI (Feb. 3), vs. GS (Feb. 5), vs. DAL (Feb. 6)

Brooklyn obtained a much-needed enhance Monday evening with the return of Ben Simmons, who almost put up a triple-double in 18 minutes in a blowout victory over the Jazz. Simmons, along with his capacity to assault downhill in each the half court docket and transition, provides Brooklyn a completely completely different dimension. The query now, in fact, is whether or not Simmons — who has missed way more time than he has performed the previous three years, and missed 38 video games due to a again concern earlier than returning — can truly keep on the court docket. Nonetheless, after Monday’s win, the Nets are simply 5-12 over their previous 17 contests. — Bontemps

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24. Memphis Grizzlies
2023-24 report: 18-29

• Earlier rating: 25

• Subsequent video games: vs. CLE (Feb. 1), vs. GS (Feb. 2), @ BOS (Feb. 4), @ NY (Feb. 6)

Memphis has been hit so onerous by accidents that the NBA granted the Grizzlies three 10-day hardship roster exemptions. The Grizzlies, who’ve managed to win three of their previous 5 video games, have been relying closely on a pair of gamers on two-way contracts: GG Jackson and Scotty Pippen Jr. Jackson has averaged 10.6 factors on 66.3% true capturing in 19.5 minutes per recreation this month, whereas Pippen has averaged 8.5 factors and 4.0 assists in three video games since signing with Memphis. — MacMahon

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25. Toronto Raptors
2023-24 report: 17-30

Even after Toronto snapped a five-game shedding streak with a win over the Bulls on Tuesday evening, the Raptors are nonetheless twelfth within the Japanese Convention standings and look way more prone to miss the play-in than to sneak into the highest 10 by season’s finish. That ought to make gamers reminiscent of Bruce Brown much more obtainable previous to subsequent week’s commerce deadline than they probably already have been, and serves as a reminder that Toronto owes San Antonio a top-six protected first-round decide. Proper now? The Raptors sit within the sixth spot within the lottery. — Bontemps

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26. Portland Path Blazers
2023-24 report: 14-33

Portland continues to flash glimpses of its potential, happening to the wire towards the Thunder after which profitable in Houston in time beyond regulation final week. The Blazers then beat the Sixers by 26 factors Monday — their greatest margin of victory this season. In contrast to a few of the different groups on the backside of the standings, the Blazers are having some shocking assertion video games that ought to give the franchise hope. — Andrews

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27. San Antonio Spurs
2023-24 report: 10-37

The Spurs have proven indicators of development up to now month. Since Tre Jones entered the beginning lineup Jan. 4, San Antonio is 5-6 when each Jones and Victor Wembanyama play. The brand new beginning lineup of Jones, Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and Jeremy Sochan has a plus-12.7 web score in 129 minutes — sixth within the West amongst all five-man teams to play no less than 100 minutes this season. On high of that, the crew’s defensive score of 116.8 is 14th within the league since Jones started beginning. — Lopez

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28. Charlotte Hornets
2023-24 report: 10-35

• Earlier rating: 27

• Subsequent video games: vs. CHI (Jan. 31), @ OKC (Feb. 2), vs. IND (Feb. 4), vs. LAL (Feb. 5)

LaMelo Ball missed his second straight recreation Monday due to a proper ankle harm. Coach Steve Clifford mentioned Ball’s ankle is “actually sore” and that he is hopeful his franchise level guard can return to play towards Chicago on Wednesday. “His well being is the No. 1 concern,” Clifford mentioned. “He is our greatest participant, and we have to ensure he is wholesome, so clearly we’re being cautious. He needs to play.” In Ball’s absence, P.J. Washington and Brandon Miller have tried to compensate. Washington scored 43 factors in a loss to Utah, and Miller matched his profession excessive of 29 in a loss towards the Knicks on Monday. — Youngmisuk

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29. Washington Wizards
2023-24 report: 9-37

Even though that is clearly a rebuilding season, the Wizards changed Wes Unseld Jr. as head coach on Thursday with assistant Brian Keefe, who was elevated to interim coach. With Unseld now in a entrance workplace function, Keefe’s early focus has been to ascertain higher habits and energy. After shedding to Utah in Keefe’s first recreation, the Wizards received at Detroit and San Antonio — their first profitable streak of the season. They’d higher take pleasure in it now as a result of the Wizards’ subsequent 11 video games characteristic a few of the NBA’s finest: the Clippers, Warmth, Suns, Cavs (twice), Celtics, Sixers, Mavs, Pels, Nuggets and Thunder. — Youngmisuk

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30. Detroit Pistons
2023-24 report: 6-40

• Earlier rating: 30

• Subsequent video games: @ CLE (Jan, 31), vs. LAC (Feb. 2), vs. ORL (Feb. 4)

The Pistons are coming off an upset victory over the Thunder on Sunday with out Cade Cunningham and have been displaying some indicators of life. They’re 3-4 of their previous seven video games, not world beating by any means, however a step ahead for a squad that set the league report for longest shedding streak earlier this season. A significant brilliant spot? Twenty-year-old heart Jalen Duren, who has averaged 15 factors, 14 rebounds and three assists on 64% capturing over that stretch. The Pistons will look to construct on this momentum as they journey to face the surging Cavs earlier than returning residence to host the Clippers and Magic over the weekend. — Collier