1 (5)Rating 96

Hou11-2

Don't look now but the Rockets are literally heading to the moon down the stretch here as they end Week 19 at the top of the Power Rankings on the back of a 11-2 record over the last 3 weeks. The Joker is firing. Maxey is playing. And the team right now is saying "Haliburton who?" as they power their way into the playoffs, cementing a top 6 finish to avoid the Play In, and looking like 5th will be where they land. It doesn't get any easier no matter where you place in the West, but a Jokic led team is going to be a problem for most.

2 (14)Rating 84

Mil9-3

The Bucks are 9-3 over the last 3 weeks which locks up the 2nd spot in the ranks, and with a 56 win record at the time of writing this, they would comfortably be winning the West. Alas, as an East team, they're comfortably behind the Knicks on the standings, and then will have to go through them to get to the final week of the year, if everything else goes right, but they are a proven star studded and powerful team led by SGA and Mobley, and maybe the "smaller move" has been the right choice for the Bucks down the stretch heading into the playoffs.

3 (1)Rating 82

LAL9-5

The Lakers are 9-5 down the stretch, claiming 3rd on the Power Ranks, and this team has been touted as being up the top of the standings all year after acquiring the alien from the Pacers, and boasting one of the most talented teams in the land. It wasn't clicking precisely, though, and Justin could see that, so he wasn't afraid to make some big time moves through the year to keep the dream alive this year but also look nicer for the future. Also, to acquire depth and certainty. Kawhi out, Ingram in. Zion out, Draymond and DeRozan in. Big time moves, for a team looking to go all the way.

4 (13)Rating 80

SA9-4

Don't look now, but while the Spurs are 4th in the Power Ranks this week, they are back atop the Western Conference standings after declaring the year lost a few weeks ago and looking to make some moves to reflect that. They then flipped back the other way a bit again from there, and the line up changed almost entirely around Giannis and Murray, but the blend they have landed with has worked as well as or better than originally, and they are now looking like a legit threat to add a 3rd title to the resume. And who would bet again a Giannis led team?

5 (2)Rating 77

NY8-5

New York have been the best team all year, but might be a tad disappointed with an 8-5 record over the last 3 weeks, especially as the team that's 6 wins ahead of everyone and at 62 wins on the year. It's not a "march" to the playoffs, but then they have probably been experimenting and trying to get the best out of their already elite squad after some final trades to round it out. The roster looks primed, though, and we wouldn't let any end of season form sour what has been a remarkable year for the Knicks.

6 (4)Rating 76

GS9-4

The Warriors are everyone's 2nd favourite team, am I right? Well everyone except Joel who can't quite fathom that no stars can get the job done as well as the Warriors have this year. And who can blame him really? We all love them because they're the underdog, the successful rebuild story and the elite coaching and manipulation of the game by all round good guy Daz, but if you really break it down, it's fascinating what Daz has got out of a team that doesn't bode as a good rebounding team, offensive team, and has holes defensively too if you look hard enough, and yet they're good at all facets and have come good with 47 wins and counting and are now unlikely to fall below 4th in the West. Special.

7 (9)Rating 76

Ind9-3

The Pacers have been another success story this year, which is an interesting take IMO (of my own opinion) after being the team that had Wemby and traded him, which I will always vehemently chastise as a wrong step. That said, they were a struggling low seed playoff team the last couple of years and never really settled enough to give any line up a real shot with Wemby at the helm to know if they were actually able to come good or not, so they moved him out too. They didn't stop there, and have had some other key strong moves of bringing in garland, then sending out Garland, and the identity of the team formed nicely around the Cade/Chet/Bridges core which has flourished in this engine. 50 wins and counting, 9-3 over the last few weeks while sporting injuries, and they're going to come all back together for what could be a nice playoff run if Yeet can get the line ups and match ups right.

Por9-4

What can't be said about the Blazers and their immaculate GM record of the unsinkable Jmac. Not only does this man hold the entire league to order over the 1st round pick market, seemingly adding 1sts from everywhere, even when teams that say they want to "stop the rot", but he then successfully does what everyone was waiting for and finds the right targets and price to acquire not one top of the league out and out star, but two of them, and the dynasty is beginning. It hasn't been all smooth sailing on the court just yet with the two big names and the strong supporting crew and stud rookie, but the foundations are now there and the warchest remains as impressive as ever, even if Joel will tell you just how many 1sts he no longer has like owning 5 times more than any othe team was a normal thing to begin with. hats off, my friend.

9 (6)Rating 73

Was8-4

Don't look now, but the reigning champ Wizards are right here in the mix again after struggling through adversity this year including with their perennial stud, Lebron James. The DNA of the championship team that held everyone to ransom last year is still there and strong in Capela, Lebron and Booker, and they have some nice depth pieces that have developed on the bench, key role players to complement, and a new offensive PG to help get that job done. No one wants to meet these guys in the playoffs, and they might just have avoided the Play In bracket, too.

10 (12)Rating 68

Utah8-5

The Jazz have had a remarkable turnaround on paper, but in reality should never have been where they were in the first place. All they needed was a GM that cared, and knew a little more about on court stuff. Craig took over from the ailing Jazz and now they have locked up a Play In spot, with outside chance to push into a not Play In spot. If Embiid is indeed set to play right out of the gate in the playoffs, too, then this team with it's reinvented line up which saw Wagner, Porzingis and even Daniels exit the team are going to be a problem to behold with a nice mix of offence, and vet defense which could see them make some waves.

Sac8-4

The Kings were nearly a fairytale. Battling the negative GM issue yet again this year after not learning the lesson last season, they became hand tied again without a way to trade. Couple this with injuries to key guys like Mitch, Herro and Braun, and the Kings have had to battle their way to anything yet again. That said, they got relatively healthy down the stretch and were everyone's shout to try and make that final Play in spot going 8-4 over the last 3 weeks and really making that push. They need alot of "right" things to happen in the final week though to achieve that goal. The team is long and lean and looking ripe for next year, though.

12 (16)Rating 62

Bos8-4

Boston may have been right to be fearful of a Tatum return. They have gone 8-4 over the last 3 weeks which has shot their tanking effort and lottery odds right in the foot on the back of Tatum getting them wins in alot of key games against fellow tankers and other good teams, too. They have the option to swap with the Pels now though, so they have a double shot at that top pick and they get a preview of what the team can look like for next year with a healthy Tatum back in the fold. News flash, they're dangerous!

13 (10)Rating 57

Cha7-5

The Hornets are still rudderless at this point of the season after their GM skipped out to the Jazz and a new challenge, but the team was left in such good stead after being in a massive 2nd apron and debt hole the other year, that they are still flying along without any real roster changes or strategy changes to a 7-5 last 3 weeks and pushing for 6th spot in the East. The admin will run the team through the playoffs and get a fresh faced GM in for the draft and subsequent trading frenzy leading to FA.

14 (18)Rating 56

Cle7-6

The Cavs have really sputtered down the stretch this year with 7-6 over the last 3 weeks not really where they want to be when they feel they are competing for a title. The team hasn't really been the same since the Barnes trade, and Curry has missed a bunch of time too which doesn't help. Bane simply hasn't fit the scheme right, and Shams knows it, but couldn't rectify that at the deadline. Has their value trade meant they can no longer take that elusive title that they crave or will they come good with the strategy through the playoffs, pending a Curry return?

15 (7)Rating 55

Atl7-7

The Hawks have been there abouts for most of the year and many like me are probably on the fence about whether they are ahead of their curve, behind their curve or simply sitting on their curve. They've made some bold plays to condense into a talented young squad and they are stoked about bringing the above .500 lock to the team record for the first time in Bulldog's tenure, and so they should be. This team boasts weapons on both ends and good size at all positions too. The continued development is going to propel them next year, too.

16 (20)Rating 55

Mem7-5

Again the Grizz seem to have languished more than anyone thinks they should have, especially the GM. as the team once again boasts one of the best looking and deep rosters on paper, but again has been hovering around that Play In spot and now sitting in 6th in the West. Brown is a stud, JJJ is still there and been out most of the back end which helps explain the 7-5 run home, but maybe he'll be back to trouble the top of the West in the playoffs? The team is in a great spot with amazing talent and a motivated GM, so they're only going to finally find that formula and take the league by storm eventually.

LAC6-6

The Clippers led by Andrew seem to have settled a little at the minute. They made the big move to bring in Hartenstein in the offseason, and it was the right one, honestly, as they needed that big guy next to Paolo and the rest of the budding young stars. The "big" move is yet to be made though and they may need to get onto that to reach that next tier. They've held onto a Play In spot, barely, due to others around them not wanting to win, but this team looks like it should be destined for far more. Maybe next year will be the year, or maybe they garner more interest and strategy through the play in and playoffs if they make it?

18 (3)Rating 49

Mia6-6

Miami have been flying, so don't let the 6-6 last 3 weeks fool you. They hit an injury wall these past few weeks but they won't be experiencing that come the playoffs, and as I have always said, Pete is a guy who knows what he is doing when he has the healthy bodies and the right cattle in the paddock, and he has both now. This team could surprise any team in the East in a 7 game series as Pete will hone in on what your weaknesses are and will exploit that, as the game of cat and mouse plays out.

19 (22)Rating 46

OKC5-7

OKC are in a bit of a free fall, and you might suggest it's because the GM left but in reality, it's probably the GM left because of the freefall beginning from some of the moves made this year, his first year. Don't get me wrong, the team is still a strong outfit but 5-7 over the last 3 weeks really shows where they are at after being streets ahead in the West before they started making moves. Then Ant was out, and Mitchell never really gelled with Fox. Simons, gone, that reliable stud scorer. And finally, Deni and Ayton for Turner and Hunter was a catastrophic blow. Don't get me wrong as the buddy GM, I approved it enough for it to go through, but it was also under the impression that he was GAINING 1sts, and not just swapping...anywho, it is done and this is also more that kind of move you do when you think the season is lost and you want more future security, rather than when you're tipped to make the Finals. Good luck with your future endeavors, Cake.

20 (15)Rating 44

Chi6-6

The Bulls have dealt with injuries all year, too, in case you missed all of Jon's posts about it! But they are comfortably in the Play In spot right now and with Ball back and healthy, and Franz now set to take the court, maybe they suddenly go on a run since not even they know what they have on the court with this crew as they probably haven't been able to see any tape or examples! Add a stud, get some health, get wins? Sounds right.

Bkn6-8

Brooklyn have had a year to forget again overall, but you cannot say that they haven't tried. The team has made some big moves and reshaped the roster into what looks like a combination that should really turn things around next year. It may not sound like much, but 21st on the PR with a 6-8 record over the last 3 weeks is a massive difference when you were only on 12 wins before this period, and finally they might have a formula. Looking forward to seeing some health and good fortune for the Nets next year as they strive to get out of this horrible wooden spoon spot.

22 (26)Rating 34

Det5-7

It's tough to remember a time this year that the Pistons wanted to win, but they haven't done a good job of not winning recently going 5-7 in the last 3 weeks which has seen them rise a little in the standings. Diabate is a monster that has one of the best contracts in the league. Young talent like Bailey, Jenkins, Thompson and Wiliams is going to shine through into next year and the team is going to add a top lottery pick to the base and have a chunk of free agent cash to spend to boot. All is not lost in Detroit as the rebuild continues.

23 (25)Rating 25

Phi4-8

Philly had every intention of competing this year with the oldest starting line up in the league opening the year but they had Murray sitting with an uncertain return date and then lost Butler for the year, early, so they never really got in stride. Mitchell has been a shining light on the roster but then watching Adams go down and Sharpe too by the time Murray finally returned, and missing Mitchell for a chunk, the team pivoted to getting younger with a similar make up...except for Zion. They then moved to the tanking pile down the stretch as it served no purpose trying to get a play in spot with a couple of starters out for the year and others out too, and the rest is history. They still won too many games down the stretch, though.

24 (23)Rating 22

Orl5-9

Orlando have struggled this past 3 weeks to only a 5-9 record and this is all while supposedly trying to win. Luckily, the teams around them were in tank mode so that they will hold onto that Play In spot and have a chance to right the wrongs, but the talent level has decreased in Orlando and they're more of a rebuilder, so we don't expect them to get too far this year. New year, new outlook, and a better book balance, the Magic are right for the future.

25 (19)Rating 21

Pho4-9

Phoenix just never looked comfortable, which you could argue is often the case for the Laddas led team as he never met a trade talk he didn't like. Couple that either win injuries, or because of injuries and the Suns fell into that hole of being unsure what to exactly do and then that meant they have basically been the 2nd worst team in the land for most of the year before getting some extra wins down the stretch as others tanked their way below them. They may yet finish bottom of the West as the Wolves have Davis back this week and might surprise some teams. That said, they have stayed true to Sharpe who looks like a star, they have 2 1sts this year, they have a franchise cornerstone C in the making and some other sweet younger pieces, and Bradley Beal may yet become a trade chip or a useful scorer too. One thing is for certain, half of this roster won't be on the roster by the start of next season and the Suns will be pushing for playoffs as always.

26 (27)Rating 13

Den4-10

Denver pushed the chips in when they first traded for Kyrie and then lost Sabonis, leaving JJ as the shining beacon of hope and the future as he pushed way up the rankings and ratings. The team is still a solid squad when trying to win and not experiment, as they were much better with Queta starting, but the style was not the direction the GM wanted to go in. And experimental line ups have been the way down the stretch leading them to here. But, look at that talent that will be returning next year and it looks like it should all fit together nicely, too.

27 (24)Rating 7

Dal2-10

The Mavs started oh so hot this year and have been again through spots on the season, but 2-10 over the last 3 weeks has been a real buzzkill to the season. They are likely to still make the Play In which is a stroke of luck, and they're winning more games in this final week to show that a healthy Mavs with Williams and Deni playing is going to be a nice little wrinkle in a play in and or playoff series, but on the whole the squad has probably already exceeded most peoples expectations on the season, so the rest is gravy. Moving forward, LJ has some nice young pieces and a budding star, so add a new rookie and lets build!

28 (29)Rating -8

Min2-10

The Wolves have had a stinker this year, lets be honest. Davis missed most of the year again and PG was healthy and playing like his usual 2k self, but then decided to cop a massive suspension which saw that story end early too. Sitting on hands is the story in Minny though overall as the team has stagnated a little looking or waiting for that deal that can refresh. Davis' value may never be higher in the rest of his career as it will be this offseason while there' hope he doesn't reinjure again and again, so if you're going to make that move, it might just be coming soon. PG is probably a forced hold, too, but Riley and Fears have come on strong and maybe the team could still push for a playoff berth if the oldies stay healthy and stay on the team, and the kids continue on the improve.

29 (30)Rating -13

NO1-13

The Pels have been honest in their appraisal of the end of their year and it's simply the "tactical tank" after moving off their impactful elite stars and shaping the future into a rebuild around a stud guard and another high few picks. Harper looks elite, Mathurin is just waiting for that chance and there's some real hope that a returning Dame can be a stud, too, if not a wicked trade chip to push to a contender for assets, which isn't a stretch. They've made losing an art form down the stretch matched only by the Raptors whom have done it just as well, but with far less talent on the roster, so who has done it better, really? The Pels will be back to pushing up the standings sooner than people realise if we know Leeroy though and the team will do it with a fresh look.

30 (28)Rating -20

Tor1-11

Overall the Raptors perplex me, I must say. They came into the year with some absolutely top level talent and a whole bunch of hope that it would connect and they would get onto their winning ways. They opened cap space moving off KD, but didn't necessarily lose out too much talent wise in doing so, which is a win. But then when it didn't work they went the full reset. Now there's nothing really wrong with that, we have seen teams like Portland do this with emphatic success, but the team went from having at least 2 1st round picks in 5 years and guys like Towns, Brunson, Hart, Bam? Others...to still only 1x 2026 1st, 5 1sts total and now only Walker Kessler whom is role player and an expiring Simons, with a swathe of "potential" with no real star standing out of the kids. Bub? Tre? Likely? Solid role players. Young. But where are the real prizes from moving out of so much top tier talent? Like I said, perplexed. But, Dylan is one of the most active GMs around and he has been in similar spots before and come out the other side looking strong. Will this be another of those that comes out of leftfield? It might hinge entirely on if that 2026 1st becomes #1.