NBA Energy Rankings: Durant drives Suns within the West and Beverley begins with the Bucks

With the 2023-24 NBA commerce deadline behind us, the race for the postseason is heating up.

Within the West, the battle for the No. 1 seed is nearer than ever with the Minnesota Timberwolves lately reclaiming the highest spot by just one sport. Daily, groups within the center are jostling for place, and the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are attempting to carry on to a play-in spot.

Within the East, the race is for the No. 2 spot, with the Boston Celtics separating themselves considerably from the remainder of the pack and topping our Energy Rankings for the thirteenth week in a row.

With just some months left within the common season, let’s try the place all 30 groups stack up as we head into the All-Star break.

Be aware: 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 the most effective basketball and which groups are trying most like title contenders.

Earlier rankings: Submit-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

Leap 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 document: 42-12

• Earlier rating: 1

• Subsequent video games: vs. BKN (Feb. 14), @ CHI (Feb. 22), @ NY (Feb. 24), vs. PHI (Feb. 27)

The Kristaps Porzingis period in Boston continues to go swimmingly, because the 7-foot-3 Latvian has settled into his new house as easily as even probably the most partisan of Celtics supporters may have hoped for. Porzingis has scored no less than 25 factors in 4 of the previous 5 video games — all wins. On Sunday, he as soon as once more confirmed how he generally is a matchup nightmare for the Warmth, who’ve used Bam Adebayo to constantly give the Celtics hassle in current seasons. — Bontemps

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2. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 document: 38-16

• Earlier rating: 6

• Subsequent video games: @ POR (Feb. 15), vs. MIL (Feb. 23), vs. BKN (Feb. 24), vs. SA (Feb. 27)

The Wolves are again on high of the Western Convention by a sport after a pair of street wins. Minnesota gained in Milwaukee and picked up a dominant 21-point victory over the Clippers on Monday in Los Angeles. The Wolves have 12 wins this season by no less than 20 factors and personal probably the most street wins within the league with 18. — Collier

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3. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 document: 35-17

• Earlier rating: 5

• Subsequent video games: vs. CHI (Feb. 14), vs. ORL (Feb. 22), @ PHI (Feb. 23), @ WAS (Feb. 25), vs. DAL (Feb. 27)

Cleveland’s nine-game successful streak got here to an finish Monday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, with Darius Garland’s 3 failing to attach on the buzzer in a loss to Philadelphia. Winners of 17 of their previous 20 video games, the Cavs have charged up the Japanese Convention standings to No. 2. With a tender schedule over the subsequent few weeks — video games in opposition to the Bulls (twice), Magic, Sixers (with out Joel Embiid), Wizards, Mavericks and Pistons — they need to be capable to create area between themselves and people beneath them. — McMenamin

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4. LA Clippers
2023-24 document: 35-17

• Earlier rating: 2

• Subsequent video games: @ GS (Feb. 14), @ OKC (Feb. 22), @ MEM (Feb. 23), vs. SAC (Feb. 25)

In a sport that could possibly be impactful on the Western Convention playoff seedings on the finish of the season, the Clippers had been spanked by the Timberwolves at house by 21 on Monday. The Clippers have been scorching since December, however they’ve had some hassle in opposition to groups with size and dimension. Within the Clippers’ 5 losses since Jan. 7, Minnesota has crushed them twice. The opposite three losses have come from the Pelicans, Cavs and Lakers — all groups which might be massive or lengthy. Kawhi Leonard says the Clippers have been successful off expertise thus far and might get even higher. “We’re proper there,” Leonard mentioned. “… There’s methods for us to get higher, and that is scary. We begin jelling somewhat late and now it is time to form of flip it round.” — Youngmisuk

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5. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 document: 36-18

• Earlier rating: 3

• Subsequent video games: vs. SAC (Feb. 14), vs. WAS (Feb. 23), @ POR (Feb. 23), @ GS (Feb. 25)

The All-Star break is likely to be coming on the proper time because the Nuggets can use the time without work to heal. Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope each sat out the second half of a 112-95 loss at Milwaukee on Monday. Murray performed simply 18 minutes due to bilateral tibia irritation, whereas Caldwell-Pope lasted simply 9 minutes with proper hamstring tightness. The Nuggets face the Kings at house Wednesday earlier than hitting the break. If the Nuggets maintain Murray and Caldwell-Pope out, they may have 9 days off to relaxation. Nothing is extra essential to the Nuggets than holding their starters wholesome proper now. — Youngmisuk

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6. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
2023-24 document: 37-17

• Earlier rating: 4

• Subsequent video games: vs. LA (Feb. 22), vs. WAS (Feb. 23), @ HOU (Feb. 25), vs. HOU (Feb. 27)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored no less than 30 factors in 39 video games. Solely Wilt Chamberlain (twice), James Harden and Tiny Archibald have had extra 30-point performances earlier than the All-Star break, in line with ESPN Stats & Data analysis. The Thunder are 28-10 when their All-Star scores no less than 30 and 8-7 when he does not, together with the one sport he missed this season. — MacMahon

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7. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 document: 35-20

Earlier this week, the Bucks held the Hornets and Nuggets to beneath 100 factors — one thing they’ve completed just one different time this season. Milwaukee is 3-6 since Doc Rivers was employed as head coach, however the crew is trending in the correct path defensively, rating seventh within the NBA in that class throughout that span. The Bucks journey to Memphis on Thursday for his or her ultimate sport earlier than the All-Star break. — Collier

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8. New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 document: 32-22

• Earlier rating: 11

• Subsequent video games: vs. WSH (Feb. 14), vs. HOU (Feb. 22), vs. MIA (Feb. 23), vs. CHI (Feb. 25), @ NY (Feb. 27)

After giving up an astonishing 87 first-half factors to the Lakers on Friday night time in a 139-122 loss, the Pelicans refocused on protection over their subsequent two video games — albeit in opposition to subpar opponents — defeating Portland 93-84 on Saturday and Memphis 96-87 on Monday. They grew to become the primary crew up to now two seasons to win back-to-back video games with out scoring 100 factors in both sport and the primary this season to carry their opponent to fewer than 90 factors in consecutive video games. For New Orleans to remain out of the play-in event within the West, it might want to proceed to lean on its No. 7-ranked protection. — Lopez

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9. New York Knicks
2023-24 document: 33-21

• Earlier rating: 7

• Subsequent video games: @ ORL (Feb. 14), @ PHI (Feb. 22), vs. BOS (Feb. 24), vs. DET (Feb. 26), vs. NO (Feb. 27)

Officiating crew chief Ed Malloy nearly instantly admitted Jacyn Goble incorrectly known as a foul on Jalen Brunson within the ultimate moments of New York’s loss in Houston on Monday night time. However the admission will do nothing to salve the injuries of a reeling Knicks crew that enters Wednesday’s sport in Orlando on a three-game dropping streak. The Knicks are additionally down a number of key contributors, together with probably Donte DiVincenzo, who left Monday’s loss with a hamstring difficulty. — Bontemps

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10. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 document: 32-22

• Earlier rating: 9

• Subsequent video games: vs. DET (Feb. 14), @ DAL (Feb. 22), @ HOU (Feb. 23), vs. LAL (Feb. 25)

Phoenix beat Sacramento 130-125 in a high-scoring sport Tuesday whereas getting solely 5 factors from Bradley Beal. But it surely was not as a result of he had an off night time. Beal performed simply 5 minutes after tweaking a hamstring, and coach Frank Vogel mentioned Beal can be out till after the All-Star break. Whereas the Suns have risen to No. 5 within the West, the damage bug nonetheless hasn’t let up this season. — McMenamin

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11. Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 document: 31-23

• Earlier rating: 13

• Subsequent video games: vs. SA (Feb. 14), vs. PHX (Feb. 22), @ IND (Feb. 25), @ CLE (Feb. 27)

Daniel Gafford’s arrival on the commerce deadline and prompt influence — averaging 17.5 factors, 13.0 rebounds and three.0 blocks in his first two video games — is not the one vital improvement for the Mavs’ massive man rotation. Maxi Kleber, who missed many of the season’s first half because of a dislocated pinky toe that popped misplaced on 4 events, has regained his type. The Mavs have outscored opponents by 75 factors with Kleber on the ground throughout their five-game successful streak. Kleber taking part in heart permits the Mavs to play a 5-out offense and swap every part defensively, and he may be paired with Gafford or Dereck Full of life II as an influence ahead in massive lineups. — MacMahon

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12. Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 document: 32-21

• Earlier rating: 12

• Subsequent video games: vs. MIA (Feb. 14), vs. NY (Feb. 22), vs. CLE (Feb. 23), vs. MIL (Feb. 25), @ BOS (Feb. 27)

Bringing future Corridor of Famer Kyle Lowry house to Philadelphia is not only story, it is an essential addition for a 76ers crew that has been beset by a seemingly unending collection of accidents in current weeks that has destroyed its depth. It is unclear whether or not Lowry can be on the court docket for Philadelphia’s sport at house in opposition to the Warmth earlier than the All-Star break, however he’s anticipated to be prepared after the break and contribute alongside All-Star Tyrese Maxey. — Bontemps

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13. Sacramento Kings
2023-24 document: 30-23

• Earlier rating: 10

• Subsequent video games: @ DEN (Feb. 14), vs. SA (Feb. 22), @ LAC (Feb. 25), vs. MIA (Feb. 26)

When the Kings are good, they’re actually good — like after they beat the Nuggets by 29 factors. However after they’re down, they’re actually down — like after they had been blown out by the bottom-dwelling Pistons final week. The Kings are nonetheless a harmful crew and doubled down on that by not making any strikes on the commerce deadline. However their inconsistency may doom them when it issues most. — Andrews

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14. Orlando Magic
2023-24 document: 29-25

• Earlier rating: 15

• Subsequent video games: vs. NY (Feb. 14), @ CLE (Feb. 22), @ DET (Feb. 24), @ ATL (Feb. 25), vs. BKN (Feb. 27)

As Orlando makes an attempt to remain out of the play-in event within the East, Franz Wagner is taking part in a few of his finest basketball of the season, fueled by his 3-point taking pictures. By the primary 34 video games, Wagner was taking pictures 28.8% on 4.8 makes an attempt per sport. After he returned from an damage on Jan. 21: 38.9% on 6.25 makes an attempt per sport, with a number of 3s in 9 of the 12 contests. Wagner has additionally had his highest-scoring video games of the season up to now 10 days, scoring 38 in a win at Detroit, 34 in a win versus San Antonio and 36 in a win in opposition to Chicago. — Lopez

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15. Indiana Pacers
2023-24 document: 30-25

• Earlier rating: 14

• Subsequent video games: @ TOR (Feb. 14), vs. DET (Feb. 22), vs. DAL (Feb. 25), vs. TOR (Feb. 26)

All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is already near breaking his personal crew information. He simply recorded his thirtieth double-double of the season, simply two shy of his personal franchise document (32) set final season, and put up his thirty second sport with no less than 10 assists, additionally two shy of his document (34) from 2022-23. His robust play has not been sufficient to beat the Pacers’ current skid (they’ve dropped 5 of their previous eight video games). However they’re going to have an opportunity to regain some floor after they face the reeling Raptors on the street Wednesday. — Collier

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16. Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 document: 29-26

• Earlier rating: 16

• Subsequent video games: @ UTA (Feb. 14), @ GS (Feb. 22), vs. SA (Feb. 23), @ PHX (Feb. 25)

On the finish of a movie session Monday, coach Darvin Ham mentioned a number of hypothetical information that the Lakers may shut their season with and the place every would get them within the standings. He would not reveal the precise quantity, nevertheless it was one thing like, “If we go 21-7, we are able to get the No. 6 seed.” When requested about his coach’s tactic, LeBron James mentioned, “Having a aim is essential,” however added that predicting an end result is not as essential as cleansing up errors on a game-to-game foundation. — McMenamin

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17. Golden State Warriors
2023-24 document: 26-25

• Earlier rating: 19

• Subsequent video games: vs. LAC (Feb. 14), @ UTA (Feb. 15), vs. LAL (Feb. 22), vs. CHA (Feb. 23), vs. DEN (Feb. 25), @ WAS (Feb. 27)

The Warriors did not make any massive strikes on the commerce deadline, however may not have wanted to. The sentiment from throughout the group was that they think about their core and plan on figuring it out. Up to now so good. They’re driving a five-game successful streak and are above .500 for the primary time since Dec. 23. At tenth within the West, they’re barely hanging on to the ultimate play-in spot, however the indicators are extra optimistic now than at any time this season. — Andrews

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18. Miami Warmth
2023-24 document: 29-25

• Earlier rating: 17

• Subsequent video games: @ PHI (Feb. 14), @ NO (Feb. 23), @ SAC (Feb. 26), @ POR (Feb. 27)

Whereas Miami tries to get its offense restarted — solely two video games with over 120 factors and 5 video games with beneath 100 up to now month — the protection has returned to its traditional stingy requirements. Of their previous seven video games, the Warmth are permitting 104.7 factors per 100 possessions, the most effective mark within the NBA since Jan. 31. The protection must carry Miami by means of an upcoming six-game street journey — break up up by the All-Star break — that runs by means of the top of February. — Lopez

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19. Utah Jazz
2023-24 document: 26-28

• Earlier rating: 18

• Subsequent video games: vs. LAL (Feb. 14), vs. GS (Feb. 15), vs. CHA (Feb. 22), vs. SA (Feb. 25), @ ATL (Feb. 27)

Utah has gone again to its jumbo beginning frontcourt since sending small ahead Simone Fontecchio to Detroit earlier than the commerce deadline, however the trio of Walker Kessler, John Collins and Lauri Markkanen continues to be an ungainly match. The Jazz have been outscored by 20.6 factors per 100 possessions within the 140 minutes these three have performed collectively this season, and so they had been minus-18 in 20 minutes with them on the ground of their two losses because the commerce deadline. — MacMahon

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20. Chicago Bulls
2023-24 document: 26-28

• Earlier rating: 22

• Subsequent video games: @ CLE (Feb. 14), vs. BOS (Feb. 22), @ NO (Feb. 25), vs. DET (Feb. 27)

The Bulls made historical past final week as the one crew within the NBA to not make a transfer on deadline week for the third 12 months in a row. However they did win three out of 4 video games final week to construct a two-game cushion for the No. 9 seed within the East. Third-year taking pictures guard Ayo Dosunmu helps the Bulls climb again into competition, beginning 4 of the previous 5 video games and averaging 16.4 factors and three.8 assists on 57.9% taking pictures from the sphere in February. He had a career-high 29 factors within the Bulls’ win over the Hawks on Monday. Chicago subsequent faces the red-hot Cavs on Wednesday to wrap up the primary half of February earlier than heading into the All-Star break. — Collier

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21. Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 document: 24-30

• Earlier rating: 21

• Subsequent video games: @ CHA (Feb. 14), vs. TOR (Feb. 23), vs. ORL (Feb. 25), vs. UTA (Feb. 27)

After standing pat on the deadline, the Hawks pulled out victories in opposition to the 76ers and Rockets. After months of commerce rumors, Dejounte Murray had 34 factors, 7 assists and 6 rebounds within the Hawks’ first sport since Thursday’s commerce deadline. He is averaging a career-best 21.6 factors, and his 46.5% discipline aim share is a tick above his profession finest. Atlanta is holding on to tenth within the Japanese Convention, attempting to make the play-in event for the third consecutive season. To do it once more, it would want Murray to proceed taking part in at this degree. — Lopez

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22. Houston Rockets
2023-24 document: 24-29

• Earlier rating: 20

• Subsequent video games: @ MEM (Feb. 14), @ NO (Feb. 22), vs. PHX (Feb. 23), vs. OKC (Feb. 25), @ OKC (Feb. 27)

No. 4 general decide Amen Thompson has averaged 10.3 factors, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals up to now 4 video games filling in because the starter for injured level guard Fred VanVleet. The 6-foot-7 Thompson had 8 factors, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals in an enormous win Monday over the Knicks. The final rookie to have no less than that many rebounds, assists and steals in a sport: Magic Johnson in March 1980. — MacMahon

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23. Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 document: 21-32

• Earlier rating: 23

• Subsequent video games: @ BOS (Feb. 14), @ TOR (Feb. 22), @ MIN (Feb. 24), @ MEM (Feb. 26), @ ORL (Feb. 27)

At this level, it is arduous to see Ben Simmons recapturing his prior All-Star type. That mentioned, the 27-year-old ahead is proving to be a helpful participant for Brooklyn now that he is again on the court docket. Regardless of persevering with to be a non-threat past the arc, Simmons has made an influence on the boards and in establishing teammates in his first 5 video games again (the Nets are 3-2), averaging six rebounds and 6 assists. For a Brooklyn crew sorely missing in shot creation, it has proved to be a really stable contribution. — Bontemps

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24. Toronto Raptors
2023-24 document: 19-35

• Earlier rating: 25

• Subsequent video games: vs. IND (Feb. 14), vs. BKN (Feb. 22), @ ATL (Feb. 23), @ IND (Feb. 26)

It has been a tough begin in Toronto for guard Immanuel Quickley, who’s taking pictures 39.9% from the sphere after Monday’s blowout loss to Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. However a deeper dive into the numbers indicators that higher instances are forward — particularly that, by means of his first six weeks north of the border, Quickley is taking pictures simply 38.6% on 2-point photographs, far beneath his 46.5% profession common. As soon as that regresses to the imply, Quickley — who’s taking pictures 41% on 3-pointers with the Raptors — will appear like the long-term reply at level guard Toronto believes him to be. — Bontemps

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25. Memphis Grizzlies
2023-24 document: 18-36

• Earlier rating: 24

• Subsequent video games: vs. HOU (Feb. 14), vs. MIL (Feb. 15), vs. LAC (Feb. 23), vs. BKN (Feb. 26)

Second-year wing Vince Williams Jr.’s emergence has been probably the most encouraging silver lining throughout a depressing, injury-marred season in Memphis. Williams, who began the season on a two-way deal earlier than signing a four-year contract in January, has earned a fame as a superb on-ball defender, and he averaged 12.5 factors, 6.4 rebounds and three.7 assists with a 60.2% true taking pictures share in 23 begins. — MacMahon

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26. Portland Path Blazers
2023-24 document: 15-38

• Earlier rating: 26

• Subsequent video games: vs. MIN (Feb. 15), vs. DEN (Feb. 23), vs. CHA (Feb. 25), vs. MIA (Feb. 27)

The Blazers are nonetheless banged up, taking part in with out Malcolm Brogdon, Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons, and are on a four-game dropping streak. Jerami Grant has been taking cost of their absence, scoring a career-high 49 factors in opposition to Detroit final week. After they’ve been wholesome they’ve discovered rotation, with Brogdon beginning and Henderson coming off the bench. The Blazers are taking part in the lengthy sport. — Andrews

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27. San Antonio Spurs
2023-24 document: 11-43

• Earlier rating: 27

• Subsequent video games: @ DAL (Feb. 14), @ SAC (Feb. 22), @ LAL (Feb. 23), @ UTA (Feb. 25), @ MIN (Feb. 27)

Victor Wembanyama had 27 factors, 14 rebounds, 10 blocks and 5 assists in 29 minutes Monday night time, placing up one of many extra unbelievable stat traces of the 2023-24 season. He is the primary participant in NBA historical past with 10 blocks and 5 assists in a sport whereas taking part in beneath half-hour (since blocks grew to become an official stat in 1973-74). And his 3-point shot is enhancing as effectively. In his previous 13 video games, Wembanyama is taking pictures 39.3% on 4.7 makes an attempt per sport. He has been within the league for … lower than 4 months. — Lopez

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28. Charlotte Hornets
2023-24 document: 12-41

• Earlier rating: 28

• Subsequent video games: vs. ATL (Feb. 14), @ UTA (Feb. 22), @ GS (Feb. 23), @ POR (Feb. 25), @ MIL (Feb. 27)

Charlotte snapped a 10-game slide and has gained two straight for the primary time since late November. Miles Bridges exercised his commerce veto energy in his contract and opted to remain in Charlotte this season, and he has been on hearth, averaging 28.4 factors over his previous 5 video games. Throughout that span, Bridges had back-to-back 40-point explosions and poured in 20 factors, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and three steals to stun Indiana on Monday. The Hornets are nonetheless with out the injured LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams, and so they traded away P.J. Washington and Gordon Hayward. However they acquired Grant Williams, Seth Curry, Vasilije Micic and Tre Mann, hoping to offer a midseason enhance. — Youngmisuk

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29. Detroit Pistons
2023-24 document: 8-45

• Earlier rating: 30

• Subsequent video games: @ PHX (Feb. 14), @ IND (Feb. 22), vs. ORL (Feb. 24), @ NY (Feb. 26), @ CHI (Feb. 27)

The Pistons gained back-to-back video games final week for the second time this season however blew a fourth-quarter lead in opposition to the Clippers for his or her likelihood at three in a row. Detroit needs to be inspired by the current uptick from second-year guard Jaden Ivey, who has scored no less than 20 factors in every of the previous three video games — the primary time he is completed that in his profession. — Collier

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30. Washington Wizards
2023-24 document: 9-44

• Earlier rating: 29

• Subsequent video games: @ NO (Feb. 14), @ DEN (Feb. 22), @ OKC (Feb. 23), vs. CLE (Feb. 25), vs. GS (Feb. 27)

Washington mentioned goodbye to beginning massive man Daniel Gafford, sending him to Dallas for Richaun Holmes and a first-round decide. Gafford, who exceeded expectations for Washington since coming in a midseason commerce in 2021, reminded them what they gave up, registering 16 factors, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks in opposition to his outdated crew Monday. However Washington is considering massive image: Including a first-round decide on this upcoming draft whereas additionally with the ability to shed some wage will assist the rebuild in Washington. — Youngmisuk