We’ve made it three quarters of the way through the 2023-24 season, and we’re shaping up for an unbelievable finish to the regular season, an epic Play-In Tournament (in the West) and an incredible playoff run for two NBA Finals-bound teams. With one quarter left, it’s time to bust out that red pen and throw down some grades on each team through the season.
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We also have the bold predictions we made right before the season, so we’ll update how those are looking. (Spoiler alert: Some of them are really not great!) And, as always, we’ll flawlessly rank all 30 teams without a single disagreement.
And then, as always, we’ll flawlessly rank all 30 teams.
Reminder: The Power Rankings don’t just rank the 30 teams. We divide these teams into tiers, which teams can move in and out of. We currently have the tiers broken into seven new categories:
- Incomprehensibly bad – These guys are historically inept right now.
- Not tanking but maybe someday — They haven’t started tanking yet, but it’s on the table this season.
- Looking to make the Play-In — They’ve been rebuilding/retooling and think they can crack the top 10 in their respective conference.
- Play-In Tournament teams or better — They should be in the mix unless something disastrous happens.
- Playoff teams — Probably don’t have to worry about dropping down to the Play-In Tournament.
- On the brink of contention — A piece away from us believing they can win the title.
- Contenders — They are contending for the championship, barring a massive injury.
As always, I am sure we will all agree on the placement of all 30 teams, especially your favorite team.
Here’s how the Power Rankings work:
- It’s up to my discretion how the rankings shake out. For some teams, they’ll be hit in the short term. Others will be given the benefit for the long term. Yes, it is entirely subjective.
- If I have a team ahead of another team, there’s no reason to ask why they’re ranked above the team you like. The answer is pretty simple: I think that team is set up better for success.
- Yes, I watch the games. And yes, I watch your favorite team.
- This is supposed to be fun, so let’s have fun.
With all that said, let’s dive into Week 20 of The Athletic’s NBA Power Rankings. Stats and records are through Monday’s action.
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Tier 1 - The Contenders
1
Boston Celtics
1
Last Rank
First-quarter grade A | Ranked second
Second-quarter grade A+ | Ranked first
Third-quarter grade A++
What can you possibly say about the Celtics at this point? Their dominance is insane. They have the best offense in NBA history and a better net rating than the 2016-17 Kevin Durant Golden State Warriors. They’re on pace to win 66 games and are currently riding an 11-game win streak. With the way they’re playing, there is zero reason (outside of massive injuries) for them to not make the NBA Finals.
Preseason prediction update: Jayson Tatum wins MVP.
Despite being the best player on the best team, I don’t think Tatum has a real chance, if we’re going off betting odds. BetMGM has him fifth at +3000 to win it.
Key Stats
Record
48-12
Offensive Rating
121.7 (1st)
Defensive Rating
110.2 (2nd)
Net Rating
11.5
Rank over time
Wins
Sixers
117-99
Mavs
138-110
Warriors
140-88
Eastern
Tier 1 - The Contenders
2
Denver Nuggets
3
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B | Ranked fourth
Second-quarter grade A- | Ranked third
Third-quarter grade A-
This Nuggets team is just casually competing for the No. 1 seed in the West and doing the very calm, poised thing of just making sure they’re as healthy as they can be. No pressure or scrambling to make sure they get the top seed at all costs. They’re confident in who they are and know they can beat anybody.
Preseason prediction update: Denver leads the league in offensive rating.
They’re not even close on this one. Denver is eighth in offensive rating, and sits 4.3 points per 100 possessions behind first place.
Key Stats
Record
42-19
Offensive Rating
117.4 (8th)
Defensive Rating
113.0 (9th)
Net Rating
4.4
Rank over time
Wins
Kings
117-92
Heat
103-97
at Lakers
124-114
Western
Tier 1 - The Contenders
3
Minnesota Timberwolves
4
Last Rank
First-quarter grade A+ | Ranked first
Second-quarter grade A | Ranked sixth
Third-quarter grade A
The Wolves are still very much in the hunt for the No. 1 seed, and their defense is still very much the class of the NBA. There are still some very real questions about their offense, namely in crunchtime. And those can’t be answered without trying to forge this team through the fire of the postseason with real expectations on its shoulders. But Anthony Edwards seems unbothered by the pressure. And Jaden McDaniels already looks like he’s worth that extension.
Preseason prediction update: Anthony Edwards wins All-Star MVP.
Sadly, he did not. Damian Lillard did. Edwards didn’t really try and admitted to it, so I’ll never pick him for it again. Shoutout to KAT for trying though.
Key Stats
Record
43-19
Offensive Rating
114.6 (18th)
Defensive Rating
108.0 (1st)
Net Rating
6.6
Rank over time
Wins
Spurs
114-105
Grizzlies
110-101
Blazers
119-114
Losses
Kings
124-120 OT
Clippers
89-88
Western
Tier 1 - The Contenders
4
Oklahoma City Thunder
2
Last Rank
First-quarter grade A | Ranked fifth
Second-quarter grade A+ | Ranked second
Third-quarter grade A+
I understand their size issue, which I think will eventually be their undoing should they match up with Denver in a seven-game series. But we also must remember the Thunder have been so good this season that we’ve jumped them up to, “How do they win a title?” expectations. This Thunder team is awesome on both ends of the floor. It might have the MVP with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder already have an identity, despite their youth, and they play a certain style of basketball that is really hard to plan against.
Preseason prediction update: Josh Giddey has a dozen triple-doubles.
He has just one on the season. He doesn’t even have 12 for his career. He’s currently at nine. Going to need a busy final month and a half!
Key Stats
Record
42-19
Offensive Rating
119.1 (3rd)
Defensive Rating
111.5 (5th)
Net Rating
7.6
Rank over time
Wins
Rockets
112-95
at Suns
118-110
Losses
at Spurs
132-118
at Lakers
116-104
Western
Tier 1 - The Contenders
5
Milwaukee Bucks
7
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B+ | Ranked third
Second-quarter grade A- | Ranked seventh
Third-quarter grade B
Have the Bucks actually figured out their defense, or are they just playing the Hornets and Bulls a lot? The defensive numbers are much better under Doc Rivers so far, but these next seven games will be the ultimate test. They have the second-toughest schedule the rest of the season, so the Bucks will be put through the fire. It will either crumble them by the playoffs or make them be as ready to go as anybody.
Preseason prediction update: The Bucks don’t finish top 15 in defensive rating.
This Rivers switch may end up proving this one incorrect. Milwaukee is up to 15th in defensive rating and within reasonable striking distance of 12th.
Key Stats
Record
39-21
Offensive Rating
119.0 (4th)
Defensive Rating
114.6 (15th)
Net Rating
4.4
Rank over time
Wins
Hornets
123-85
at Hornets
111-99
at Bulls
113-97
Clippers
113-106
Eastern
Tier 1 - The Contenders
6
LA Clippers
5
Last Rank
First-quarter grade C+ | Ranked 16th
Second-quarter grade A | Ranked fourth
Third-quarter grade A-
We’ve seen a little bit of slippage lately with the Clippers, but they were also winning at a bit of an unreasonable pace once they “figured it out.” Still, you have to love where this Clippers team is, outside of the Russell Westbrook injury. The Clippers have so much firepower on offense that it’s kind of underselling Norman Powell’s Sixth Man of the Year odds. The defense could be better, and I think it will be. Is this the best we’ve felt about the Clippers … ever?
Preseason prediction update: They don’t land James Harden before the trade deadline.
It happened before the paint dried on those new In-Season Tournament courts.
Key Stats
Record
39-21
Offensive Rating
118.8 (5th)
Defensive Rating
114.2 (12th)
Net Rating
4.6
Rank over time
Wins
Wizards
140-115
at Wolves
89-88
Losses
Lakers
116-112
at Bucks
113-106
Western
Tier 1 - The Contenders
Tier 2 - Brink of Contention
7
Cleveland Cavaliers
6
Last Rank
First-quarter grade C+ | Ranked 12th
Second-quarter grade B+ | Ranked ninth
Third-quarter grade A-
You have to be a little concerned about this Donovan Mitchell injury situation. I’m still hesitant with this team when it’s at full strength, but there is so much talent on the roster. The Cavs have to figure out their offense moving forward – with or without a healthy Mitchell. Their main lineup just doesn’t generate offense. Even though their defense is their identity, they need to score to have success in the postseason. Anything short of the second round is a massive disappointment.
Preseason prediction update: Cleveland finishes top three in the East.
The Cavs are currently third in the East and have a 3 1/2-game lead on fourth place. This one feels good.
Key Stats
Record
39-21
Offensive Rating
115.6 (15th)
Defensive Rating
110.6 (3rd)
Net Rating
5.0
Rank over time
Wins
Mavs
121-119
at Pistons
110-100
Losses
at Bulls
132-123 2OT
Knicks
107-98
Eastern
Tier 2 - Brink of Contention
8
Phoenix Suns
9
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B | Ranked ninth
Second-quarter grade B | Ranked 10th
Third-quarter grade B
We keep having to wait to see what this team looks like healthy for an extended period of time. Now they’re dealing with a Bradley Beal minutes restriction and Devin Booker’s ankle injury. I still like this team’s peak, even if it feels like we have a small chance of seeing it. At this point, positioning can’t take precedent over health. If they have to get through the Play-In Tournament, then so be it. They also have to stop giving the ball to the other team so much. They consistently cough it up, and it kills them from being an elite offensive squad – which is what they were supposed to be.
Preseason prediction update: Devin Booker makes first team All-NBA.
I’m not sure Booker is going to be able to pull this off. I’m guessing Luka Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander have the top spots locked up, and Booker isn’t a lock for even being on the second team with how competitive guard play is this season.
Key Stats
Record
35-26
Offensive Rating
117.1 (11th)
Defensive Rating
114.3 (13th)
Net Rating
2.8
Rank over time
Wins
Rockets
110-105
Losses
Rockets
118-109
Thunder
118-110
Western
Tier 2 - Brink of Contention
9
Dallas Mavericks
8
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B+ | Ranked 10th
Second-quarter grade B | Ranked 15th
Third-quarter grade B+
Even with the rough week, I really like where the Mavs are. They weathered injuries in the first half of the season, beefed up the roster at the trade deadline and look like they could be exceptionally dangerous in a playoff setting. Dončić has generated legitimate MVP buzz. Kyrie Irving has been phenomenal and comfortable when available. The Mavs can’t defend, but they just need to get timely stops. Can they improve their defense to average by season’s end?
Preseason prediction update: Kyrie Irving plays at least 70 games for the first time since 2016-17.
Irving could only miss 12 games the entire season for this to be true, and he’s already missed 14.
Key Stats
Record
34-27
Offensive Rating
117.6 (7th)
Defensive Rating
117.0 (22nd)
Net Rating
0.6
Rank over time
Wins
at Raptors
136-125
Losses
at Cavs
121-119
at Celtics
138-110
Sixers
120-116
Western
Tier 2 - Brink of Contention
Tier 3 - Playoff Teams
10
Miami Heat
11
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B | Ranked 17th
Second-quarter grade B- | Ranked 13th
Third-quarter grade B+
Nobody wants to believe in this team, but that’s exactly what it seems to do to people every single season. Do the Heat have another “surprise” postseason run in them? The biggest problem with this Heat team is it simply can’t build enough continuity to have a consistently dangerous offense. The Heat are shockingly bad inside the arc. But we all should know by now Jimmy Butler can carry them through some muck.
Preseason prediction update: The Heat make the Eastern Conference finals.
This is going to be extremely tough, but it’s still very doable. They’re healthy enough and look pretty good when the whole squad is there.
Key Stats
Record
34-26
Offensive Rating
113.4 (21st)
Defensive Rating
112.6 (8th)
Net Rating
0.8
Rank over time
Wins
at Blazers
106-96
Jazz
126-120
Losses
at Nuggets
103-97
Eastern
Tier 3 - Playoff Teams
11
New Orleans Pelicans
12
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B | Ranked 14th
Second-quarter grade B+ | Ranked 11th
Third-quarter grade B+
I’m consistently dazzled by the idea of this team. There’s so much to love about what they bring to the table, and Zion Williamson is certainly playing some great basketball as an initiator. I know they’ve had guys in and out of the lineup all season, but they should be a better offensive team than what we’ve seen. They’re one of the few squads that can and should be top 10 in both offense and defense. This team should shoot a lot more 3-pointers.
Preseason prediction update: The Pelicans finish top 10 in both offense and defense.
New Orleans is sixth in defense, so that one feels like an easy win here. The Pels are 12th in offense but very much could work their way up to top 10.
Key Stats
Record
36-25
Offensive Rating
117.0 (12th)
Defensive Rating
112.2 (6th)
Net Rating
4.8
Rank over time
Wins
at Knicks
115-92
Pacers
129-102
Losses
at Pacers
123-114
Western
Tier 3 - Playoff Teams
12
Orlando Magic
14
Last Rank
First-quarter grade A+ | Ranked seventh
Second-quarter grade B | Ranked 17th
Third-quarter grade A-
This Magic team is doing it for me. It’s the same story all season long. The offense is mediocre, but the defense is top notch. Paolo Banchero is a star. Franz Wagner is pretty awesome. And, even though I wouldn’t pick them to win a playoff series, their defense might be so good that this becomes a team you don’t want to have to go through in the first round. Jamahl Mosley hasn’t received nearly enough credit for just how good they are.
Preseason prediction update: Paolo Banchero averages 25 points per game.
Banchero is up to 22.9 points per game on the season. He’s averaging 24.7 over his last 32 games, but this one looks like it won’t happen.
Key Stats
Record
35-26
Offensive Rating
113.1 (23rd)
Defensive Rating
111.4 (4th)
Net Rating
1.7
Rank over time
Wins
Nets
108-81
Jazz
115-107
Pistons
113-91
Eastern
Tier 3 - Playoff Teams
13
New York Knicks
10
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B+ | Ranked 11th
Second-quarter grade A- | Ranked eighth
Third-quarter grade B+
These injuries are piling up, and the Knicks could be down four starters for a bit with Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson all hurt. Hopefully they start getting some of those guys back because we know how dangerous this team looks when they’re healthy. The last part of this season is going to be all about surviving the injuries and trying to stay out of the Play-In Tournament. But as long as they’re healthy by the postseason, they should be fine.
Preseason prediction update: Jalen Brunson makes the All-Star Game.
This one was an easy win, and he would’ve started if the fan voting had worked out better for him.
Key Stats
Record
36-25
Offensive Rating
117.3 (9th)
Defensive Rating
113.3 (10th)
Net Rating
4.0
Rank over time
Wins
at Cavs
107-98
Losses
Pelicans
115-92
Warriors
110-99
Eastern
Tier 3 - Playoff Teams
14
Sacramento Kings
13
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B | Ranked 15th
Second-quarter grade B- | Ranked 14th
Third-quarter grade B
The Kings seem to be the forgotten team in the West. The top four in the conference have separated themselves. Everybody is trying to figure out if the Warriors and Lakers can actually matter. And, when talking about the traffic jam in fifth through eighth, others just concentrate on the Suns and Mavs. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis have been so good. I’d like to see Keegan Murray get back to hitting 3-pointers, but the rest of his play has been excellent. The Kings just need the rest of the supporting cast to be consistent.
Preseason prediction update: The Kings finish top six in the West.
It’s very doable, but the Kings are battling Phoenix, New Orleans and Dallas to finish in the fifth or sixth spots in the West. They’re currently a half game behind sixth.
Key Stats
Record
34-26
Offensive Rating
116.7 (14th)
Defensive Rating
116.5 (20th tied)
Net Rating
0.2
Rank over time
Wins
at Wolves
124-120 OT
Losses
at Nuggets
117-92
Western
Tier 3 - Playoff Teams
Tier 4 - Play-In Tournament Teams Or Better
15
Los Angeles Lakers
18
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B | Ranked eighth
Second-quarter grade C | Ranked 20th
Third-quarter grade C+
We’re about to see if the Lakers can find that same magic we saw them grab in the last quarter of 2022-23. They’re pretty average with offense and defense. Nothing spectacular unless LeBron James decides to take over and the Lakers put some stops together at the same time. This team does not shoot a lot from deep – the lowest 3-point rate in the league – despite being in the upper half in accuracy. Without a leap in outside shooting, this roster is unlikely to cobble anything significant together.
Preseason prediction update: LeBron plays 70 games, his most as a Laker.
LeBron has already missed eight games, so he can only miss four more for this to become correct. But I feel pretty good about it.
Key Stats
Record
34-29
Offensive Rating
114.7 (17th)
Defensive Rating
115.2 (17th)
Net Rating
-0.5
Rank over time
Wins
at Clippers
116-112
Wizards
134-131 OT
Thunder
116-104
Losses
Nuggets
124-114
Western
Tier 4 - Play-In Tournament Teams Or Better
16
Philadelphia 76ers
17
Last Rank
First-quarter grade A- | Ranked sixth
Second-quarter grade A | Ranked fifth
Third-quarter grade B-
They’re still in survival mode, hoping Joel Embiid will be back and healthy enough in time for the postseason. Philadelphia is another team trying to avoid the Play-In Tournament with a late-season slide. Since Embiid went down with his injury, this is the second-worst defense in the league. They literally just have to hope their offense is hitting enough to get some wins because they can’t stop anybody without him.
Preseason prediction update: Harden is traded before 2024 hits.
This one definitely happened, but if you missed the Clippers entry, you’ll laugh at that prediction.
Key Stats
Record
35-25
Offensive Rating
117.8 (6th)
Defensive Rating
114.4 (14th)
Net Rating
3.4
Rank over time
Wins
Hornets
121-114
at Mavs
120-116
Losses
at Celtics
117-99
Eastern
Tier 4 - Play-In Tournament Teams Or Better
17
Golden State Warriors
16
Last Rank
First-quarter grade D+ | Ranked 20th
Second-quarter grade D | Ranked 22nd
Third-quarter grade C+
There are times in which the Warriors look acceptable and maybe even on the verge of thriving into a second-round threat. And then, there are times they get demolished in an embarrassing way and start talking like Uncle Rico in “Napoleon Dynamite.” Everything becomes glory days for them. They’ve found some stuff that works, but this defense is brutal. Even with Draymond Green, it doesn’t have the same punch it used to. I’m not sure the Warriors can find it by season’s end.
Preseason prediction update: Curry plays at least 70 games and knocks down 350 3-pointers.
He’s only missed three games so far, and he recently went on a 3-point tear. At the rate he’s going, he’ll make 348 3-pointers if he only plays 70 games. This feels like a lock.
Key Stats
Record
32-28
Offensive Rating
116.8 (13th)
Defensive Rating
115.7 (18th)
Net Rating
1.1
Rank over time
Wins
at Wizards
123-112
at Knicks
110-99
at Raptors
120-105
Losses
at Celtics
140-88
Western
Tier 4 - Play-In Tournament Teams Or Better
18
Indiana Pacers
15
Last Rank
First-quarter grade A- | Ranked 13th
Second-quarter grade B | Ranked 12th
Third-quarter grade B
The offense fell off enough to where this isn’t just a highlight factory anymore. Since the start of February, the Pacers are 10th in offensive rating, which means they’re no longer scoring at a historic rate. And their defense is so bad that we’re seeing this team look a lot more ordinary. We also haven’t seen the same Tyrese Haliburton during this time. Maybe he’s still working his way back from injury. The Pacers could still finish in the top six in the East, but we’re missing that special level of execution.
Preseason prediction update: Tyrese Haliburton averages at least 25 points and 10 assists per game.
Haliburton is not scoring nearly as much as he did at the beginning of the season, so he’s down to 20.8 points per game. He’s at 11.3 assists per game, which is easy enough. But the scoring average won’t happen.
Key Stats
Record
34-28
Offensive Rating
120.1 (2nd)
Defensive Rating
118.9 (26th)
Net Rating
1.2
Rank over time
Wins
Pelicans
123-114
Losses
at Pelicans
129-102
at Spurs
117-105
Eastern
Tier 4 - Play-In Tournament Teams Or Better
Tier 5 - Looking to make the Play-In
19
Chicago Bulls
19
Last Rank
First-quarter grade C- | Ranked 23rd
Second-quarter grade B- | Ranked 18th
Third-quarter grade C
The Bulls kind of just settled into, “It is what it is,” with this current roster makeup in the hopes that it will be enough to make it through the Play-In and get some playoff games under their belts. I’d like to see them blow it up and try to rebuild, but this isn’t exactly the draft to ruin it all over. Doing all of this with Zach LaVine out is admirable, and Coby White did emerge as a valuable piece this season. We’ll see how far their defense and two-big approach can carry them.
Preseason prediction update: DeMar DeRozan gets traded before the deadline.
That obviously did not happen because the Bulls will never break up this group.
Key Stats
Record
29-32
Offensive Rating
113.2 (22nd)
Defensive Rating
114.9 (16th)
Net Rating
-1.7
Rank over time
Wins
Cavs
132-123 2OT
at Kings
113-109
Losses
Pistons
105-95
Bucks
113-97
Eastern
Tier 5 - Looking to make the Play-In
20
Houston Rockets
20
Last Rank
First-quarter grade A- | Ranked 18th
Second-quarter grade B | Ranked 19th
Third-quarter grade C
It’s been getting worse with each quarter of the season, but that’s not such an unforgivable thing with this Rockets squad. We have to remember that, even though they brought in a good coach and some veterans to help them figure out how to win, it’s still a very young core. And despite OKC’s and Orlando’s performances this season, it’s still very hard to win with a lot of youth. Ime Udoka and the Rockets have laid a great foundation for the future, and Alperen Şengün is a star.
Preseason prediction update: Dillon Brooks reaches 20 technical fouls.
He’s second in the league with 14 right now, but I’m not sure he’s getting six more even with all that guaranteed money.
Key Stats
Record
26-34
Offensive Rating
112.1 (24th)
Defensive Rating
112.5 (7th)
Net Rating
-0.4
Rank over time
Wins
at Suns
118-109
Losses
at Thunder
112-95
at Suns
110-105
Western
Tier 5 - Looking to make the Play-In
21
Brooklyn Nets
24
Last Rank
First-quarter grade B+ | Ranked 19th
Second-quarter grade C+ | Ranked 23rd
Third-quarter grade D
I’m consistently surprised that this Nets team isn’t better defensively with their personnel, and you can’t just blame it on Ben Simmons’ unavailability. Maybe it was a coaching issue, even though that seemed to be players not liking their offensive schemes/hierarchy. But the Nets should be a little better than what we’ve seen, and they’ve been bad the last 30 games or so. This final stretch is all about seeing what they can do under Kevin Ollie and then move forward.
Preseason prediction update: Ben Simmons hits 10 3-pointers this season.
He hasn’t even attempted one, and I can’t blame it on the games missed.
Key Stats
Record
24-37
Offensive Rating
113.6 (20th)
Defensive Rating
115.8 (19th)
Net Rating
-2.2
Rank over time
Wins
Hawks
124-97
Hawks
114-102
Losses
at Magic
108-81
Grizzlies
106-102
Eastern
Tier 5 - Looking to make the Play-In
22
Atlanta Hawks
23
Last Rank
First-quarter grade C- | Ranked 21st
Second-quarter grade C | Ranked 21st
Third-quarter grade D+
Trae Young is out for weeks, and the Hawks are now looking very vulnerable when it comes to potentially missing the Play-In Tournament altogether. Dropping two games to Brooklyn has put their Play-In hopes in jeopardy. This Hawks team needs an overhaul. It’s been disappointing the entire time after that surprise conference finals appearance in 2021. The Hawks don’t need to move Young at all, but most of this roster should see massive changes. No more blaming the coaches.
Preseason prediction update: Trae Young becomes the fourth player to average 30 points and 10 assists per game.
Young is currently at 26.4 points and 10.8 assists per game, and he’s still out a few weeks with hand surgery. He’d have to be on an absolute scoring tear in the short amount of time he’s back, assuming he comes back this season.
Key Stats
Record
26-34
Offensive Rating
117.2 (10th)
Defensive Rating
119.4 (29th)
Net Rating
-2.2
Rank over time
Wins
Jazz
124-97
Losses
at Nets
124-97
at Nets
114-102
Eastern
Tier 5 - Looking to make the Play-In
23
Utah Jazz
21
Last Rank
First-quarter grade D- | Ranked 27th
Second-quarter grade B- | Ranked 16th
Third-quarter grade C-
The Jazz have settled in on figuring out if a younger rotation can handle the rigors of competing for the last Play-In Tournament spot down the final stretch. The answer is, “No, they can’t.” They’ve fallen to 5 1/2 games behind the 10th spot in the West, but that’s actually fine. I don’t mind the approach of turning this final quarter of the season into a playoff-push scenario for the younger guys. It's a good experience for them, and the key will be seeing if their defense can even be decent.
Preseason prediction update: Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson and John Collins all combined to score at least 70 points per game.
This one isn’t even close to happening. The trio of Markkanen (23.1), Clarkson (16.8) and Collins (14.3) only adds up to 54.2 points per game currently.
Key Stats
Record
28-34
Offensive Rating
115.5 (16th)
Defensive Rating
118.4 (25th)
Net Rating
-2.9
Rank over time
Wins
Wizards
127-115
Losses
at Hawks
124-97
at Magic
115-107
at Heat
126-120
Western
Tier 5 - Looking to make the Play-In
Tier 6 - Not tanking yet but maybe someday
24
Toronto Raptors
22
Last Rank
First-quarter grade C- | Ranked 22nd
Second-quarter grade C- | Ranked 25th
Third-quarter grade D+
Really disappointed in how this season has played out for the Raptors because I do like so many components on this roster. I also really like the move they made in acquiring RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. It’ll be interesting to see how Masai Ujiri handles the offseason. This team should be more successful than it has been, although that might just be growing pains with building around a young star in Scottie Barnes kind of on the fly. I have high hopes for the future, though.
Preseason prediction update: Pascal Siakam is traded before the deadline.
This one ended up being correct! And it happened well before the deadline too.
Key Stats
Record
23-38
Offensive Rating
114.0 (19th)
Defensive Rating
117.1 (23rd)
Net Rating
-3.1
Rank over time
Wins
Hornets
111-106
Losses
Mavs
136-125
Warriors
120-105
Eastern
Tier 6 - Not tanking yet but maybe someday
Tier 7 - Incomprehensibly bad
25
San Antonio Spurs
27
Last Rank
First-quarter grade F-- | Ranked 29th
Second-quarter grade F- | Ranked 28th
Third-quarter grade F+
This season has been all about seeing what Victor Wembanyama can do and everything in that respect is a massive success. He’s one of the best rookies we’ve ever seen. His team is tremendous defensively when he’s on the floor and a complete disaster without him. And we’ve seen him grow so much with his game in a short amount of time. But the majority of the rest of this team has been atrocious. Individual performances have been solid, but the Spurs won’t know what they’re doing as a team. Will the front office do what Houston did last summer and go get veterans to help now?
Preseason prediction update: Wembanyama finishes top three in DPOY voting.
A couple months into it, I thought this had no chance. Now, Rudy Gobert is running away with DPOY betting odds, and BetMGM has Wemby second. He’s been unreal defensively. Maybe he does end up in the top three?
Key Stats
Record
13-48
Offensive Rating
109.5 (27th)
Defensive Rating
117.3 (24th)
Net Rating
-7.8
Rank over time
Wins
Thunder
132-118
Pacers
117-105
Losses
at Wolves
114-105
Western
Tier 7 - Incomprehensibly bad
26
Portland Trail Blazers
29
Last Rank
First-quarter grade C- | Ranked 26th
Second-quarter grade D+ | Ranked 26th
Third-quarter grade D-
To be fair to the Blazers, they’ve had a lot of injuries and guys in and out of the lineup for a squad that wasn’t going to be all that good when healthy. But they probably put up a better fight than we’ve seen most nights if healthy. Scoot Henderson hasn’t lived up to the billing yet, but I still hold out hope. Injuries have kept Shaedon Sharpe from being on the court consistently, but I liked what we saw early on. The good news is Anfernee Simons continues to look like the real deal.
Preseason prediction update: Scoot Henderson leads all rookies in scoring.
This doesn’t seem very possible, does it? He’s fourth in scoring average at 12.9 per game with Wemby leading at 20.9 per game. If we want to get cute and go off total points, he’s down to sixth.
Key Stats
Record
17-43
Offensive Rating
108.5 (29th)
Defensive Rating
116.5 (20th tied)
Net Rating
-8.0
Rank over time
Wins
at Grizzlies
122-92
at Grizzlies
107-100
Losses
Heat
106-96
at Wolves
119-114
Western
Tier 7 - Incomprehensibly bad
27
Memphis Grizzlies
25
Last Rank
First-quarter grade D | Ranked 24th
Second-quarter grade D+ | Ranked 24th
Third-quarter grade D
The Grizzlies should be better than what we’ve seen, even with the injuries. They put up a fight for a while, but losing twice to Portland at home this past week, with one of them being a 30-point defeat, is a reminder of where this team is. This is obviously a much different season with Ja Morant healthy and not suspended for the first 25 games. Even though it’s not a great star draft (in theory), Memphis getting a high pick to erase the bad taste of this season will help a little.
Preseason prediction update: Ja Morant shoots league average or better from 3-point range upon returning.
In the nine games he played, he only shot 27.5 percent from deep. The league average is currently 36.7 percent.
Key Stats
Record
21-41
Offensive Rating
106.9 (30th)
Defensive Rating
113.4 (11th)
Net Rating
-6.5
Rank over time
Wins
at Nets
106-102
Losses
at Wolves
110-101
Blazers
122-92
Blazers
107-100
Western
Tier 7 - Incomprehensibly bad
28
Detroit Pistons
28
Last Rank
First-quarter grade F-- | Ranked 30th
Second-quarter grade F- | Ranked 30th
Third-quarter grade F
The Pistons went into the season hoping they could be in the mix in the Play-In race if everything broke right for them. They’re 42 games under .500 and ended up with the longest in-season losing streak ever. Surprisingly, you can still take some positives with Cade Cunningham at times, Jalen Duren’s presence, and I think Ausar Thompson has a bright future. Jaden Ivey has given them some flashes too. But Monty Williams has to do a better job with lineups and the rotation moving forward.
Preseason prediction update: Cunningham averages 20-7-7 on the season.
He’s at 22.2-7.4-4.1 on the season. The rebounds won’t come close unless he decides to watch a lot of Dennis Rodman tape.
Key Stats
Record
9-51
Offensive Rating
110.6 (25th)
Defensive Rating
119.3 (27th tied)
Net Rating
-8.7
Rank over time
Wins
at Bulls
105-95
Losses
Cavs
110-100
at Magic
113-91
Eastern
Tier 7 - Incomprehensibly bad
29
Charlotte Hornets
26
Last Rank
First-quarter grade D+ | Ranked 25th
Second-quarter grade D- | Ranked 27th
Third-quarter grade D-
I didn’t have high expectations going into this season for the Hornets, considering I had them ranked 30th to start the season. But even then, I was hoping it wouldn’t be this bad. The Hornets haven’t been very competitive, even though we saw a brief bump post-trade deadline. Brandon Miller has been excellent in his rookie campaign, but not having LaMelo Ball for so much of the season just leaves them far behind the development curve as a team.
Preseason prediction update: LaMelo Ball will knock down 250 3-pointers.
He hit 70 in 22 games. He’s a high-volume shooter, but 180 makes if he comes back from the ankle injury this season feels optimistic.
Key Stats
Record
15-46
Offensive Rating
108.7 (28th)
Defensive Rating
119.3 (27th tied)
Net Rating
-10.6
Rank over time
Losses
at Bucks
123-85
Bucks
111-99
at Sixers
121-114
at Raptors
111-106
Eastern
Tier 7 - Incomprehensibly bad
30
Washington Wizards
30
Last Rank
First-quarter grade F- | Ranked 28th
Second-quarter grade F | Ranked 29th
Third-quarter grade F--
You know how bad a team has to be for them to be the most embarrassing team in a season in which a different squad set the record for most consecutive losses in one season? That’s the Wizards. Tyus Jones and Kyle Kuzma have been good. Deni Avdija has been really strong. Bilal Coulibaly looks like the right pick and project for the franchise to develop. And everything else has been an outright disaster.
Preseason prediction update: Jordan Poole leads the league in scoring.
He was recently moved to the bench because the malaise was so thick. This was an all-time bad bold prediction.
Key Stats
Record
9-52
Offensive Rating
110.5 (26th)
Defensive Rating
119.9 (30th)
Net Rating
-9.4
Rank over time
Losses
Warriors
123-112
at Lakers
134-131 OT
at Clippers
140-115
at Jazz
127-115
Eastern
Tier 7 - Incomprehensibly bad
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(Top photo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
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Zach Harper is a staff writer for The Athletic, covering the NBA. Zach joined The Athletic after covering the NBA for ESPN.com, CBS Sports and FRS Sports since 2009. He also hosts radio for SiriusXM NBA and SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio. Follow Zach on Twitter @talkhoops