NBA energy rankings 2024-25: Celtics take over No. 1, whereas Lakers vault up into prime 5

The previous couple of weeks have solidified that we have now three clear title contenders, and each different workforce close to the highest is simply attempting to show they’ve an opportunity towards that trio.

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1. Cleveland Cavaliers (55-10, Final Week No. 1). When the Cavaliers beat the Celtics, we noticed on the finish of the sport one thing Kenny Atkinson has been experimenting with: Lineups with De’Andre Hunter on the 4 and Evan Mobley at middle, whereas Jarrett Allen sits on the bench. Hunter can play the three subsequent to Mobley and Allen (and people lineups have a +16.5 web score however in simply 21 minutes), however greater than that, Hunter affords the chance for versatility relying on the matchup. Lineups with Max Strus on the three, Hunter on the 4 and Mobley on the 5 have a +17.5 web score, however in restricted minutes. That versatility is one motive the Cavaliers have received 15 in a row and why they’re a reliable title contender — they’ll match up with anybody.

2. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (53-12, LW 2). It nonetheless appears to be like just a bit off and clunky to the bare eye, however the Thunder’s two-big lineup with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have a +12.5 web score up to now (in non-garbage time, stats by way of Cleansing the Glass). It may be very effecive towards sure lineups, for instance on Sunday vs. Denver, it was a 57.9 web score in 18 minutes. Small pattern measurement, however that is working. Coach Mark Daigneault has to play the duo collectively extra over the season’s ultimate 5 weeks to allow them to construct chemistry, however it’s already working. Additionally, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped make his MVP case final weekend.

3. Boston Celtics (47-18, LW 3). Jayson Tatum tends to be an afterthought within the MVP race — we take how nicely he performs without any consideration. In a sport Sunday towards the Lakers, LeBron James and Luka Doncic appeared to attract all the eye main into the printed, and Jayson Tatum was one of the best participant on the court docket. He dropped 40 factors with eight rebounds, performed high-level protection and helped lead his workforce to a win. Tatum is not going to win the MVP, however he must be greater than the afterthought he has been within the race.

SECOND TIER CONTENDERS

4. Golden State Warriors (37-28, LW 5). Golden State will get an infusion of athleticism on Thursday with the return of Jonathan Kuminga to the lineup. He is been out since Jan. 4 with a nasty sprained ankle. The problem for Steve Kerr: Kuminga and Jimmy Butler have performed greater than half of their minutes this season on the 4, and that is Draymond Inexperienced’s pure place if we need to throw him within the combine. Kerr has a puzzle to determine. The Warriors are 2-0 on their present homestand however issues get more durable this week with the Knicks, Nuggets and Bucks coming to city.

5. Denver Nuggets (42-23, LW 6). Nikola Jokic is taking part in “one of the best basketball of my life” and simply helped lead Denver to a cut up of video games in Oklahoma Metropolis (serving to his MVP case alongside the best way), however he is doing it whereas taking part in by a collection of smaller accidents (elbow, ankle). If Denver goes to make a deep playoff run, they want to ensure he — plus Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon — are as wholesome as doable for the postseason. There are powerful assessments this week towards the Timberwolves, shorthanded Lakers, and Warriors.

6. Los Angeles Lakers (40-23, LW 4). Los Angeles will not be the identical workforce with out the protection and glue to the offense that LeBron James brings — they misplaced to the tanking Nets with out him — and this week face a tricky schedule whereas shorthanded with the Bucks, Nuggets and resurgent Suns on the docket. LeBron is probably going out a few weeks, and whereas he’ll push to get again the Lakers have to guarantee that groin pressure is totally healed as a result of in a deep West it can not linger into the postseason in the event that they need to make a run.

PLAYOFFS OR BUST

7. New York Knicks (41-23, LW 7). In two video games with out Jalen Brunson, the Knicks offense struggled towards a superb Clippers protection however put up 130 towards a mediocre Kings protection (sixteenth within the NBA this season). Count on extra of that up-and-down efficiency within the coming weeks whereas the Knicks work by a road-heavy portion of the schedule (they’re 1-2 on this street journey up to now with 4-of-5 forward away from Manhattan). Like the 2 groups above them on this checklist, the Knicks want to attend out so long as it takes with Brunson’s ankle to ensure he’s proper with the playoffs, even when meaning he is out for many of the remainder of the common season.

8. Memphis Grizzlies (41-34, LW 10). Memphis has gone 3-1 since Ja Morant rejoined the lineup — he and Desmond Bane have began to search out an offensive rhythm collectively. Nonetheless (and persevering with the well being theme of this NBA Energy Rankings), the Grizzlies have to get Jaren Jackson Jr. again wholesome from his sprained ankle to make a critical postseason run. Good take a look at Friday evening towards the Cavaliers.

9. Detroit Pistons (37-29, LW 9). Shaq will not be watching them — which speaks to a key difficulty with a number of the largest analysts/ambassadors of the NBA — however the Pistons are one of the best story within the NBA and now have a top-10 protection on the season, a protection that’s No. 1 within the league over the previous 15 video games. J.B. Bickerstaff — he’s the coach in Detroit, Shaq — deserves a variety of credit score for that and can get some Coach of the 12 months votes for it. Detroit is tied with the Bucks and Pacers for the 4/5/6 seeds within the East, however the Pistons have the hardest remaining schedule of these groups.

10. Indiana Pacers (36-28, LW 8). Tyrese Haliburton missed three video games, the Pacers dropped all three. He comes again and hits the shot of the yr to beat the Bucks — that’s how a lot Haliburton and his well being matter to this workforce. Talking for hoops followers all over the place, a Bucks vs. Pacers first-round collection — with everybody wholesome — could be must-watch tv.

11. Milwaukee Bucks (36-28, LW 12). Milwaukee is 5 video games behind the Knicks for the No. 3 seed with 18 to play, is that an excessive amount of floor to make up? In all probability, particularly in the event that they lose video games just like the one Tuesday to Indiana (the Bucks get a rematch at dwelling Saturday). The fact for Milwaukee is it is a good workforce led by an elite participant in Giannis Antetokounmpo, however they do not strike any concern within the hearts of the highest groups within the league. Possibly they’ll change that Sunday once they host the Thunder and have an opportunity at a signature win.

12. Houston Rockets (40-25, LW 13). Fred Van Vleet is about to return this week, possibly as early as tonight (Wednesday). VanVleet has missed 16 of the Rockets’ earlier 17 video games because of a proper ankle pressure, and greater than his g 14.4 factors and 5.8 assists a sport, they’ve missed him as a flooring normal. How VanVleet performs the remainder of this season and particularly within the playoffs might have a bearing n his future — Houston has a $44.9 million workforce choice for him subsequent season and there will likely be a variety of groups with their eye on that scenario.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves (37-29, LW 14). I’ve been among the many crowd saying how a lot better Minnesota’s offense appears to be like with the attention take a look at with Naz Reid taking part in and fewer Julius Randle. Nonetheless, within the final 10 video games Randle has performed the Timberwolves are 10-0 and he’s averaged 17.9 factors, 7 rebounds and 5.5 assists an evening. It’s time to confess he makes this workforce higher, even when the match will not be seamless. Minnesota has received 5 straight however faces a superb measuring stick sport Wednesday evening vs. Denver.

14. Los Angeles Clippers (35-30, LW 15). Stat of the day from the must-read for Clippers followers Justin Russo: Since Feb. 1, no workforce within the NBA has allowed fewer wide-open three-point makes an attempt per sport than the LA Clippers (14.1). Opponents are taking pictures 42.5% on them. Since Feb. 1, no NBA workforce has seen opponents shoot 45% or higher on threes greater than the Clippers (5 occasions). So, unhealthy taking pictures luck performs into the Clippers going 3-4 of their final seven. Los Angeles has a 1.5-game lead over the Kings for the No. 8 seed within the West and has a better schedule the remainder of the best way.

15. Sacramento Kings (33-31, LW 11). One of many issues that obtained Mike Brown fired was the Kings’ struggles in clutch conditions this season. It was one of many issues that modified when Doug Christie first took over, however how have issues been going? The Kings are 11-10 with a +5.1 web score in clutch video games (inside 5 factors within the ultimate 5 minutes) because the teaching change. Make {that a} three-point sport within the ultimate three minutes, and the Kings are 9-8. The Kings want some clutch wins now, having dropped 3-of-4 as they struggle for play-in positioning. It is a powerful stretch of video games this week, however the huge one is in Phoenix on Friday evening (the second evening of a back-to-back), a sport towards one other workforce preventing for a West play-in slot.

16. Atlanta Hawks (31-34, LW 19). Atlanta has a fairly agency grip on the No. 7 seed within the East and desires to carry onto it — making up 5.5 video games on the Pistons for the No. 6 seed will not be occurring, however Atlanta is simply 1.5 video games above the No. 9 seed (and a a lot more durable rout out of the play-in). The Hawks have received 4-of-5 (benefiting from the Pacers with out Haliburton) and have to preserve it going this week with winnable video games towards the Hornets (2x), Nets and Clippers.

17. Miami Warmth (29-35, LW 16). Miami is 4-7 because the All-Star break (with a +1 web score) and has dropped to ninth within the East. Watch them play and the concept of a type of basic Warmth postseason runs appears unattainable, which begins to shift the main focus towards subsequent season. Miami is anticipated to attempt to commerce for Kevin Durant subsequent summer season, however is he the No. 1 choice they want subsequent to Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, or is it time for the Warmth to suppose long run (not how the franchise often operates)?

18. Orlando Magic (30-36, LW 17). Orlando is 10-21 this season within the video games Jalen Suggs has missed, and whereas there may be noise in that stat (Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner missed a few of these video games as nicely), it exhibits how a lot the offense struggles to create pictures when Suggs will not be within the rotation. And he will not be for the remainder of the season following knee surgical procedure. Orlando and Miami are tied for the 8/9 seeds within the East however that is a vital distinction, the Magic want wins to seize the No. 8 seed and a better path out of the play-in. The Magic are 1-1 on their present street journey and go to the Pelicans, Timberwolves and Cavaliers subsequent.

PLAY IN HOPEFULS

19. Phoenix Suns (30-35, LW 21). With the banged up and struggling Mavericks opening the door to the play-in, the Suns have performed just lately with an urgency seemingly missing a lot of the season. That stated, Phoenix continues to be 3-3 in its final six. The issue is identical one Phoenix has had all season: Their protection is twenty fifth within the league over these six video games (twenty seventh for the total season). As nice as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker might be, no workforce is profitable a lot with that protection. The Suns are 2.5 video games out of the play-in with 17 to play, they usually have a few close to must-win video games on the schedule this week: the Kings, then Sunday on the banged-up Lakers, and eventually the Raptors on Monday.

20. Dallas Mavericks (33-33, LW 18). Ought to Dallas push Anthony Davis (adductor pressure) and Dereck Full of life II (proper ankle stress fracture) to get again on the court docket for a postseason push, or simply write the season off (I’m within the write it off camp). Regardless of barely rolling out the league minimal 8 gamers for video games this week, the Mavericks snapped their five-game dropping streak due to the struggling Spurs (these groups face off once more Wednesday). The Spurs even have a really winnable sport Sunday towards what’s left of the 76ers.

21. Chicago Bulls (27-38, LW 22). In 9 video games because the All-Star break, Josh Giddey had discovered a rhythm and averaged 23.1 factors a sport taking pictures 52.5% from 3 whereas grabbing 10.9 rebounds and shelling out 8.4 assists an evening. Which is why it was harsh to see him limping off the court docket with a sprained ankle and coach Billy Donovan saying he will likely be “out for a bit bit.” Giddey is a restricted free agent this summer season, is he within the long-term plans for the Bulls and, in that case, what are they prepared to pay to maintain him? He’ll be one of many extra fascinating tales of the offseason.

CAPTURE THE (COOPER) FLAGG

22. Portland Path Blazers (28-38, LW 20). Losers of 4 straight (towards high quality groups) and now 5.5 video games out of the ultimate play-in spot, we are able to write off the Path Blazers as a postseason workforce. Nonetheless, there are positives. Rookie middle Donovan Clingan has proven promise, if he can enhance his conditioning and restrict foul hassle his position will develop. Additionally, defensive wing Matisse Thybulle is about to return to the rotation.

23. Toronto Raptors (22-43, LW 23). There are causes for concern in Toronto: The offense hasn’t seemed nice even when Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes are on the court docket collectively. Additionally, Barnes has solely been taking pictures 24.1% from 3 because the All-Star break. Nonetheless, it is a workforce tanking proper now and looking forward to when Brandon Ingram joins the rotation subsequent season, so do not learn an excessive amount of into the struggles now.

24. Philadelphia 76ers (22-42, LW 25). Philadelphia’s decide on this yr’s draft is top-six protected, however the 76ers would have the seventh-worst file within the league proper now, heading into the lottery. Do not count on to see Paul George or Tyrese Maxey once more this season as Philly tries to fall behind Toronto and Brooklyn within the standings. That makes Wednesday’s tank-off sport towards Toronto fascinating. Beginning Sunday, the Sixers head out on a six-game street journey.

25. New Orleans Pelicans (18-48, LW 24). Tune into Pelicans video games proper now since you need to see how good Trey Murphy might be (and talk about how a lot they need to characteristic him subsequent season) and a Zion Williamson triple-double.

26. San Antonio Spurs (26-37, LW 26). The one query left for the Spurs this season: Will De’Aaron Fox have surgical procedure on his injured left pinky finger? He stated he plans to have it evaluated whereas in Los Angeles subsequent week when the Spurs play the Lakers, and if he has surgical procedure, he will likely be shut down for the season (which suggests extra Stephon Fort with the ball in his fingers, not a foul factor for the rookie).

27. Brooklyn Nets (22-43, LW 27). The Nets are getting wholesome, which suggests even when D’Angelo Russell has an off evening like he did Monday, his teammates can step up and get him some revenge with clutch performs to beat the Lakers.

28. Charlotte Hornets (16-48, LW 30). The Hornets have received two in a row, placing their capacity to carry on to one of many three worst data within the league (and have a 14% likelihood on the No. 1 decide) in a little bit of jeopardy. New Orleans is only one sport forward of Charlotte because the No. 4 seed and will fall behind a sizzling Hornets workforce. Which makes you marvel if the Hornets will sit LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges quickly.

29. Washington Wizards (13-51, LW 29). Washington had gone on a bit run, profitable 4-of-6, till dropping their two most up-to-date video games. And now Bilal Coulibaly might miss time with a proper hip contusion after a nasty fall. Six of the Wizards’ subsequent eight video games are on the street.

30. Utah Jazz (15-50, LW 28). The Jazz are doing precisely what administration hopes: Exhibiting some progress and growth on the court docket, however they’ve misplaced six in a row and 10-of-12, conserving them one of many groups with the three worst data heading into the NBA Draft lottery.