In the latest edition of the FOX Sports NBA power rankings, the landscape of the league has taken a pronounced turn toward the Western Conference. As teams resume play after the All-Star break, a clear tilt in favor of Western teams is evident, with several squads making significant strides in the rankings.
Celtics Hold Firm at the Top
The Boston Celtics continue to assert their dominance, maintaining their position at the number one spot. With an eight-game winning streak under their belt, including impressive road victories over the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks, the Celtics show no signs of slowing down.
Thunder Soar to Number Two
The Oklahoma City Thunder have surged to the second spot in the rankings, bolstered by three wins in four days. Their strong performance has solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
Nuggets Climb into Top Five
The Denver Nuggets have made a significant jump into the top five, showcasing their prowess with three consecutive wins, each by a margin of 15 points or more. Their commanding victories highlight their strength and depth as a contender in the West.
Mixed Fortunes for Other Contenders
While some teams enjoyed success last week, others struggled to maintain their momentum. The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their descent, losing two out of three games and widening the gap between themselves and the Celtics. Both Los Angeles teams, the Lakers and Clippers, faced setbacks with a 1-2 record for the week.
Surprising Rises and Falls
The New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks experienced a notable rise in the rankings, offsetting losses with decisive wins. Conversely, the New Orleans Pelicans’ upward trajectory stalled with unexpected home losses, while the Philadelphia 76ers also faced a downturn in their fortunes.
Emerging Contenders in the Teens
The Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings have emerged as teams to watch in the rankings. The Bucks delivered impressive road victories against formidable opponents, while the Kings showcased their potential with a string of strong performances. Both teams will be closely monitored in the coming weeks to see if they can maintain their momentum and solidify their positions in the top ten.
As the season progresses, the NBA power rankings continue to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the league. With pivotal matchups on the horizon, teams will have ample opportunities to make their mark and stake their claim as contenders in the race for postseason success.
An 8-game winning streak has the Celtics at the top while the Nuggets and Thunder climb the ladder 👀
Check out @johnschuhmann‘s latest Power Rankings in the NBA App!
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— NBA (@NBA) February 26, 2024
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