NBA Energy Rankings – Wemby leads Spurs, and the Warmth push for the postseason

We’re within the remaining third of the 2023-24 NBA common season, and the postseason race in each conferences is tight.

Within the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Denver Nuggets are all inside a half-game with one another, jostling for the No. 1 spot. And regardless of a formidable win over the Thunder on Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers stay caught within the play-in bubble, half a recreation behind the Dallas Mavericks.

Whereas it seems no group within the East will catch the Boston Celtics, who most lately topped their regular-season dominance with a 52-point win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, the Miami Warmth and Indiana Pacers — one recreation aside — might make one other stunning postseason run, with the well being of the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks nonetheless up within the air.

This is the place all 30 groups stack up this week, with only one month to go.

Word: 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 enjoying the very 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 | Jan. 31 | Feb. 7 | Feb. 14 | Feb. 28

Bounce to a group:

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: 48-13

• Earlier rating: 1

• Subsequent video games: @ DEN (Mar. 7), @ PHX (Mar. 9), @ POR (Mar. 11), @ UTA (Mar. 12)

Getting into Tuesday night time’s recreation in Cleveland, the Celtics had the document for point-differential, outscoring its opponents by 243 factors throughout its 11-game successful streak. Boston is on tempo to have a internet score over 10, one thing few golf equipment in NBA historical past have achieved. The Celtics have the identical lead over No. 2 Milwaukee within the East that No. 1 Minnesota has over No. 7 Sacramento within the West — an indication of simply how dominant the Celtics have been. — Bontemps

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2. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 document: 42-19

The Nuggets suffered their first loss for the reason that All-Star break, snapping a six-game win streak after Phoenix someway survived in time beyond regulation in Denver after blowing a 22-point second-half lead. The Suns managed to do one thing that has solely occurred 5 instances all season — power Nikola Jokic to have extra turnovers (seven) than assists (5). The Nuggets are actually 1-4 in these video games. Jokic and Denver will look to rebound in a colossal showdown at residence in opposition to the Celtics on Thursday. That recreation would be the finish of a six-game gauntlet by which the Nuggets confronted the Warriors, Kings, Warmth, Lakers and Suns. — Youngmisuk

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3. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 document: 41-21

• Earlier rating: 6

• Subsequent video games: @ GS (Mar. 6), @ LAL (Mar. 8), @ LAC (Mar. 10), @ SAC (Mar. 12)

The Bucks have received six consecutive video games popping out of the All-Star break, together with a victory over the Clippers on Monday with out Giannis Antetokounmpo, due to a protection that appears again in type. Milwaukee ranks first in protection for the reason that break, giving up 102.6 factors per 100 possessions to gasoline its successful streak. — Collier

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4. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 document: 43-19

• Earlier rating: 4

• Subsequent video games: @ IND (Mar. 7), @ CLE (Mar. 8), @ LAL (Mar. 10), @ LAC (Mar. 12)

The Timberwolves dropped consecutive residence video games over the weekend to the Kings and Clippers for simply the second time all season earlier than beating the Blazers on Monday to take care of a slight benefit within the race for the No.1 seed within the West. The Wolves, who high the league in protection however rank seventeenth in offense, start considered one of their longest street journeys of the season, a six-game set that begins with a back-to-back contests in opposition to the Pacers and Cavs on Thursday and Friday. — Collier

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5. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
2023-24 document: 42-19

• Earlier rating: 2

• Subsequent video games: @ POR (Mar. 6), vs. MIA (Mar. 8), vs. MEM (Mar. 10), vs. IND (Mar. 12)

Oklahoma Metropolis has spent a complete of two days atop the Western Convention standings this season. The Thunder slipped out of the highest spot with Monday’s street loss to the Lakers, a possible first-round foe who received three of the 4 conferences between the groups this season and the one group to beat Oklahoma Metropolis thrice. Anthony Davis (27.0 factors, 13.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists per recreation within the collection) has been an particularly tough matchup for rookie middle Chet Holmgren. — MacMahon

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6. LA Clippers
2023-24 document: 39-21

• Earlier rating: 5

• Subsequent video games: @ HOU (Mar. 6), vs. CHI (Mar. 9), vs. MIL (Mar. 10), vs. MIN (Mar. 12)

The Clippers’ inconsistent play continued after considered one of their most spectacular wins at Minnesota with a disappointing loss the following night time at Milwaukee, the place they blew a 15-point second-half result in a Bucks group enjoying with out Giannis Antetokounmpo. This was the primary of 4 back-to-backs in a month jammed with 17 video games in 31 days. The Clippers will miss Russell Westbrook’s power and hustle as the previous MVP broke his left hand Friday and underwent surgical procedure on Monday. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the hope is Westbrook will return earlier than the postseason begins, giving Bones Hyland a chance off the bench. — Youngmisuk

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7. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 document: 40-21

• Earlier rating: 7

• Subsequent video games: @ ATL (Mar. 6), vs. MIN (Mar. 8), vs. BKN (Mar. 10), vs. PHX (Mar. 11)

Cleveland surged up the Jap Convention standings, due to the MVP-caliber play from Donovan Mitchell, regardless of the absences of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Now, whereas Mitchell recovers from a PRP injection in his left knee, can these two and the remainder of the Cavs’ younger core return the favor? They failed the primary check, shedding to the Knicks on Sunday — a scary reminder of how fickle momentum might be, contemplating what occurred within the first spherical of final yr’s playoffs. — McMenamin

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8. New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 document: 37-25

Because the Pelicans proceed to battle for playoff positioning within the West, the upcoming three-game street journey has fortuitous timing: beginning with Tuesday’s win in Toronto in opposition to a Raptors squad with out Scottie Barnes, adopted by video games at Philadelphia with out Joel Embiid and at Atlanta with out Trae Younger. New Orleans sits three video games behind the LA Clippers for the fourth spot within the West, however simply 4 forward of Golden State at No. 10. — Lopez

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9. New York Knicks
2023-24 document: 36-26

New York, losers of seven of its previous 10 video games, appeared to catch a big break when Jalen Brunson’s awful-looking harm in Sunday’s win over the Cavaliers was deemed to solely be a knee bruise. The very last thing the Knicks want is to lose one other starter, as they’re nonetheless ready for OG Anunoby, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson to return from long-term accidents. The hope is all three might be on the court docket by the tip of March, leaving New York attempting to hold on till its roster is entire once more. — Bontemps

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10. Miami Warmth
2023-24 document: 35-26

Miami’s defensive identification has performed a big half in it being only one recreation again of the fourth seed and home-court benefit within the playoffs. Since Jan. 31, Miami has held opponents to 106.2 factors per 100 possessions, the second-best mark within the league over that stretch. — Lopez

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11. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 document: 35-26

No matter momentum Phoenix constructed previous to the All-Star break disappeared someplace within the Indianapolis snow. The Suns are 2-4 for the reason that break with 4 of their subsequent 5 video games coming in opposition to Denver, Cleveland and two in opposition to Boston. With Devin Booker presently sidelined with a proper ankle sprain, the Suns — No. 6 within the West — are in peril of sliding again into the play-in image with fewer than 20 video games remaining. — McMenamin

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12. Orlando Magic
2023-24 document: 36-26

The Magic’s win over the Pistons on Sunday was the group’s thirty fifth of the season, surpassing their win complete from a yr in the past and making them 10 video games over .500 for the primary time since 2011-12. It was the seventeenth time the Magic held an opponent below 100 factors this season, the third-best mark within the league behind Minnesota (20) and New York (18). Orlando has the fourth-best protection (111.4 factors allowed per 100 possessions), which might be its highest rating since ending fourth in 2010-11. — Lopez

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13. Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 document: 34-28

Dallas has been the worst defensive group within the league for the reason that All-Star break, permitting 124.4 factors per 100 possessions in six video games coming into Tuesday’s matchup with the Pacers. The return of wing Dante Exum, one of many Mavs’ finest on-ball defenders, ought to assist, however coach Jason Kidd is hesitant to provide Exum heavy minutes after he missed many of the previous two months attributable to foot and knee accidents. The 28-year-old guard had earned a beginning function earlier than the harm on Jan. 1, however Kidd stated that’s not the plan.— MacMahon

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14. Sacramento Kings
2023-24 document: 34-26

• Earlier rating: 14

• Subsequent video games: @ LAL (Mar. 6), vs. SA (Mar. 7), vs. HOU (Mar. 10), vs. MIL (Mar. 12)

The Kings are bouncing out and in of the play-in image, and there is actually no telling the place they’re going to find yourself. They have been shedding to short-handed groups — most lately in opposition to an injured Warmth squad at residence after a street win in opposition to the Clippers. After a players-only assembly, they went on to beat the No. 1 Wolves with out De’Aaron Fox, solely to observe it up by blowing a 22-point lead at residence to the Bulls. — Andrews

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15. Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 document: 35-25

• Earlier rating: 13

• Subsequent video games: vs. MEM (Mar. 6), vs. NO (Mar. 8), @ NY (Mar. 10), @ NY (Mar. 12)

After a tough stretch, Tobias Harris bounced again in an enormous manner with 31 factors in opposition to Charlotte on Friday and one other 28 in Dallas on Sunday — each wins for the 76ers. Philadelphia wants extra performances like that from Harris if it desires to stay within the high six of the East — and out of the play-in morass — till it may get Joel Embiid again. — Bontemps

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16. Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 document: 34-29

LA beat the Thunder 116-104 on Monday to shut out the season collection 3-1 in opposition to the No. 2 group within the West. “It is about us,” Anthony Davis stated when requested if the No. 9-seeded Lakers’ success in opposition to the Thunder proves something about their true potential. “We do not actually care what seed we’re in. We proved it final yr. It does not matter.” Talking of seeding, the Lakers have two video games within the subsequent week in opposition to No. 7 Sacramento. They’re presently 1½ video games behind the Kings. — McMenamin

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17. Golden State Warriors
2023-24 document: 32-28

• Earlier rating: 18

• Subsequent video games: vs. MIL (Mar. 6), vs. CHI (Mar. 7), vs. SA (Mar. 9), @ SA (Mar. 11)

Regardless of their 52-point loss to the Celtics, the Warriors have discovered one thing in Jonathan Kuminga, who has emerged as their No. 2 scoring possibility behind Stephen Curry. After successful 11 of their previous 15 video games, the Warriors can have a agency grasp of a play-in spot, and will probably sneak their manner right into a top-6 seed. — Andrews

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18. Indiana Pacers
2023-24 document: 35-28

Tyrese Haliburton is in a taking pictures hunch. He went 0-for-12 from 3 in consecutive losses in opposition to the Pelicans and Spurs, probably the most in a two-game span with no make in group historical past, becoming a member of Danny Granger in March 2011 and Reggie Miller in Dec. 1991. To flee the play-in — they’re one recreation out of the No. 6 spot — they may want pre-slump Haliburton, beginning with a matchup this weekend in opposition to the Timberwolves’ top-ranked protection earlier than starting a street journey via Orlando and Oklahoma Metropolis. — Collier

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19. Chicago Bulls
2023-24 document: 29-32

• Earlier rating: 19

• Subsequent video games: @ UTA (Mar. 6), @ GS (Mar. 7), @ LAC (Mar. 9), vs. DAL (Mar. 11)

Coby White’s career-high 37 factors and DeMar DeRozan’s 19-point fourth quarter helped the Bulls rally from a 20-point deficit in Monday’s win in opposition to the Kings, marking the third 20-point comeback for Chicago this yr (tied for probably the most within the NBA.) The Bulls have alternated in wins and losses of their previous six video games and have a stronghold on the No. 9 seed within the East, main by 2½ video games over the No. 10 seed and 4½ video games again from No. 8. — Collier

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20. Houston Rockets
2023-24 document: 27-34

• Earlier rating: 22

• Subsequent video games: vs. LAC (Mar. 6), @ POR (Mar. 8), @ SAC (Mar. 10), @ SA (Mar. 12)

Second-year ahead Tari Eason underwent season-ending surgical procedure Monday to take away a benign development from his left shin. He’s anticipated to recuperate upfront of coaching camp and to be a key function participant for the Rockets subsequent season. Eason was restricted to solely 22 video games this season, however Houston outscored opponents by 9.4 factors per 100 possessions throughout his 480 minutes. The Rockets went 12-10 with Eason within the rotation and 14-24 with out. — MacMahon

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21. Utah Jazz
2023-24 document: 28-34

Jordan Clarkson had 38 factors, 10 rebounds and 7 assists in Monday’s win over the woeful Wizards, becoming a member of Campy Russell as the one gamers in NBA historical past to have not less than a 35-10-5 line off the bench since starters had been tracked in 1970-71, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Info. It was a vivid spot in what’s been a tough season for the Jazz, losers of eight of their previous 10 video games, and Clarkson, who has an efficient subject aim proportion of 47.0%, rating second to final amongst 165 gamers with not less than 400 makes an attempt. — MacMahon

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22. Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 document: 27-34

After beginning off Trae Younger’s absence with back-to-back wins, the Hawks dropped back-to-back video games to the Nets, who the Hawks are preventing with for the ultimate spot within the East’s play-in match. Atlanta is 2½ video games forward of Brooklyn, and regardless of the losses, ESPN’s BPI odds nonetheless give the Hawks a 66% likelihood to get the No. 10 seed, bearing in mind Younger’s harm. — Lopez

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23. Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 document: 24-37

With Ben Simmons in the midst of one more prolonged harm absence — once more due to a nerve problem in his again — it is grow to be one other misplaced season for the previous All-NBA ahead. Simmons has proven he is usually a helpful participant when he is on the court docket this season, averaging 7.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists. However the absolute lack of taking pictures exterior the instant paint space — 48 of his 74 pictures this season are on the rim, and solely 4 of them are greater than 10 toes away from the basket — make it exhausting to see how Simmons is usually a dependable contributor frequently.— Bontemps

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24. Toronto Raptors
2023-24 document: 23-39

Scottie Barnes possible noticed his season come to an finish after present process surgical procedure Monday to restore the third metacarpal bone in his left hand. Nonetheless, Toronto needs to be thrilled concerning the development it has seen this season from Barnes, averaging profession highs in factors (19.9), rebounds (8.2), assists (6.1) and blocks (1.5), with vital jumps in 3-point proportion (34.1) and makes an attempt (4.9) per recreation. With Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, Toronto has a younger core to construct round. — Bontemps

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25. Memphis Grizzlies
2023-24 document: 21-41

• Earlier rating: 25

• Subsequent video games: @ PHI (Mar. 6), vs. ATL (Mar. 8), @ OKC (Mar. 10), vs. WAS (Mar. 12)

Ahead Jake LaRavia, the No. 19 decide within the 2022 draft who spent many of the season assigned to the G League or injured, has been getting rotation minutes for the reason that All-Star break. He has averaged 9.8 factors and 4.7 rebounds whereas taking pictures 34% from the ground in these six video games, 5 of which have been losses for Memphis. The Grizzlies moved on from David Roddy, one other ahead chosen within the first spherical of that draft, on the commerce deadline. Memphis, which has the sixth-best lottery odds, might goal that place once more on this yr’s draft. — MacMahon

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26. San Antonio Spurs
2023-24 document: 13-49

• Earlier rating: 28

• Subsequent video games: @ SAC (Mar. 7), @ GS (Mar. 9), vs. GS (Mar. 11), vs. HOU (Mar. 12)

Within the Spurs’ 132-118 victory over Oklahoma Metropolis on Feb. 29, Victor Wembanyama, Tre Jones, Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan scored all 34 of the group’s factors within the fourth quarter. That lineup mixture has been efficient for the Spurs this season. In 462 minutes, that four-man group has a plus-6.6 internet score and are plus-79. Add sixth man Keldon Johnson to the lineup, and the plus-minus is 50 (in simply 107 minutes) and a plus-20.2 internet score. — Lopez

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27. Portland Path Blazers
2023-24 document: 17-43

• Earlier rating: 27

• Subsequent video games: vs. OKC (Mar. 6), vs. HOU (Mar. 8), vs. TOR (Mar. 9), vs. BOS (Mar. 11)

The Blazers did not register one win in February, and silver linings, even amid a descent to the underside of the standings, have gotten tougher to determine. Scoot Henderson, who has missed the previous six video games, shouldn’t be residing as much as expectations, averaging simply 12.9 factors on 37.5% taking pictures this season. As topsy-turvy as this season has been, it is exhausting to inform if this younger core can work long run — Andrews

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28. Charlotte Hornets
2023-24 document: 15-47

The Hornets have dropped 5 straight video games however have a chance to interrupt that slide of their subsequent 4 video games. They hit the street to play the Wizards, who’ve misplaced 15 straight contests. After that, they play the Nets, Pistons and Grizzlies. With LaMelo Ball nonetheless out, Vasilije Micic has discovered new life in Charlotte after beginning the season in OKC. In a begin in opposition to Orlando on Tuesday, Micic had 21 factors, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and two steals. He’s averaging 15.3 factors and 5.6 assists in his previous two video games.— Youngmisuk

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29. Detroit Pistons
2023-24 document: 9-52

For the primary time since early November, the Pistons do NOT have the worst document within the NBA. A victory over Chicago on Tuesday night time acquired Detroit — which dropped 28 video games in a row at one level — out of the basement of the Jap Convention, vaulting them previous Washington. And the Pistons might even construct some house between them and the Wizards. After coming back from Miami, the Pistons start a six-game homestand this week, starting with video games in opposition to the Nets, Mavericks, Hornets and Raptors. — Collier

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30. Washington Wizards
2023-24 document: 9-52

• Earlier rating: 30

• Subsequent video games: vs. ORL (Mar. 6), vs. CHA (Mar. 8), @ MIA (Mar. 10), @ MEM (Mar. 12)

The Wizards’ shedding streak has reached 15 straight. If Washington cannot snap the slide in opposition to Orlando on Wednesday, Friday’s residence recreation in opposition to Charlotte looms massive as a result of after that recreation, they go on a four-game street swing at Miami, Memphis, Houston and Chicago. Regardless of the shedding streak, Tyus Jones has been enjoying his finest basketball, averaging 11.6 assists in his previous 9 video games, and through that stretch, he has three video games of 15 or extra assists. — Youngmisuk