The NBA season is in full swing as Week 18 has passed, marking an exciting phase with over 30% of the regular season still to play. Unlike the NFL, where the season would be nearing closure, the NBA continues to thrill fans with its ongoing action. As teams return from the All-Star break, they are shifting priorities, either preparing for deep playoff runs, fighting for a playoff spot, or, unfortunately, rebuilding for the future. The latest updates reflect these dynamics.
In the last week: W at BRK, W vs. NY, W vs. MEM
Offensive rating: 122.0 (first)
Defensive rating: 111.2 (seventh)
Post All-Star break: The Cleveland Cavaliers have reclaimed the top spot in the Power Rankings, much to the chagrin of Boston enthusiasts. With a strong return from the break, they secured national TV victories against formidable opponents and now boast the best record in basketball. Healthy and in top form, the Cavs are setting their sights high for the playoffs.
In the last week: W at UTA, W at MIN, L vs. MIN
Offensive rating: 117.7 (fifth)
Defensive rating: 105.0 (first)
Post All-Star break: Despite a recent stumble, the Thunder remain a force, with key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge. The focus will be on shooting improvements from Luguentz Dort and others as playoffs approach.
In the last week: W at PHI, W vs. NY
Offensive rating: 119.0 (third)
Defensive rating: 109.6 (fifth)
Post All-Star break: The Celtics have been formidable, with a defense that ranks among the league's best. Their ability to rebound from losses with convincing wins makes them a formidable opponent.
In the last week: W vs. CHI, L at CLE, L at BOS
Offensive rating: 119.0 (fourth)
Defensive rating: 114.3 (20th)
Post All-Star break: The Knicks are solid but have struggled against the top teams. They are banking on upsets in the playoffs as they continue to build on a strong season.
In the last week: L at IND, W at ORL, L at CLE
Offensive rating: 117.5 (sixth)
Defensive rating: 111.3 (eighth)
Post All-Star break: The Grizzlies' defense has faltered recently, with consistent issues in fouls, turnovers, and rebounding. They need to tighten up as they aim for a solid playoff position.
In the last week: L vs. CHA, W at POR, W at DEN
Offensive rating: 114.3 (10th)
Defensive rating: 113.1 (13th)
Post All-Star break: The Lakers are drawing comparisons to last year's Mavericks, overcoming psychological and physical hurdles to secure wins and position themselves as a Western Conference threat.
In the last week: W vs. CHA, L vs. LAL, W at IND
Offensive rating: 119.4 (second)
Defensive rating: 113.9 (16th)
Post All-Star break: The Nuggets are likened to the Knicks, facing recent setbacks against top teams. A win against Indiana offers some solace as they aim for consistency.
In the last week: W vs. MIN, L at UTA
Offensive rating: 113.7 (13th)
Defensive rating: 109.5 (fourth)
Post All-Star break: The Rockets continue to face defensive challenges but show potential with the return of key players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet.
In the last week: W vs. MEM, W vs. LAC, L vs. DEN
Offensive rating: 114.7 (ninth)
Defensive rating: 114.3 (21st)
Post All-Star break: The Pacers' offensive prowess is evident, but defensive improvements are needed to support their fast-paced play style.
In the last week: W vs. LAC, W at WAS, W vs. MIA
Offensive rating: 113.7 (14th)
Defensive rating: 112.2 (11th)
Post All-Star break: Despite setbacks, the Bucks have bolstered their lineup with key trade acquisitions and are building momentum in the Eastern Conference.
In the last week: W at SA, W at ATL, W vs. LAC
Offensive rating: 113.5 (15th)
Defensive rating: 112.4 (12th)
Post All-Star break: The Pistons have exceeded expectations this season, showcasing a balanced roster and impressive performances from Cade Cunningham and others.
In the last week: L at HOU, L vs. OKC, W at OKC
Offensive rating: 113.7 (12th)
Defensive rating: 110.7 (sixth)
Post All-Star break: The Timberwolves have faced challenges in clutch-time situations but continue to develop young talent and demonstrate resilience.
In the last week: L at MIL, L at IND, L at DET
Offensive rating: 111.2 (21st)
Defensive rating: 108.8 (third)
Post All-Star break: The Clippers are struggling with consistency, highlighted by player availability and defensive vulnerabilities.
In the last week: W at SAC, W vs. DAL
Offensive rating: 112.7 (16th)
Defensive rating: 111.6 (ninth)
Post All-Star break: The Warriors are returning to form, with a focused defense and precision in ball movement, making them a potential threat to emerge from Play-In contention.
In the last week: L vs. GS, W vs. CHA
Offensive rating: 115.5 (seventh)
Defensive rating: 114.2 (19th)
Post All-Star break: The Kings show flashes of dominance but remain inconsistent, a characteristic of a team on the Play-In bubble.
In the last week: W vs. NO, L at GS
Offensive rating: 115.0 (eighth)
Defensive rating: 113.4 (14th)
Post All-Star break: Kyrie Irving continues to impress, but the Mavericks face volatility as they navigate a star-dependent offensive strategy.
In the last week: W at ATL, L vs. MEM, W vs. WAS
Offensive rating: 107.4 (28th)
Defensive rating: 108.3 (second)
Post All-Star break: The Magic face an opportunity to improve their standing with a favorable schedule, despite challenges with player availability.
In the last week: L vs. ORL, L vs. DET, W vs. MIA
Offensive rating: 111.3 (20th)
Defensive rating: 113.4 (15th)
Post All-Star break: The Hawks show defensive inconsistency, with standout performances from Dyson Daniels highlighting their potential.
In the last week: W at TOR, L at MIL, L at ATL
Offensive rating: 111.0 (22nd)
Defensive rating: 112.1 (10th)
Post All-Star break: Miami struggles with consistency and has faced challenges in securing wins against teams with winning records.
In the last week: W vs. PHO, L vs. DET, L at NO
Offensive rating: 112.1 (17th)
Defensive rating: 114.1 (18th)
Post All-Star break: The Spurs face significant challenges with key players out, impacting their ability to build momentum.
In the last week: L at SA, W at CHI, L at TOR
Offensive rating: 113.7 (11th)
Defensive rating: 115.8 (26th)
Post All-Star break: Despite coaching changes, the Suns continue to struggle with a lack of defensive pressure, impacting their overall performance.
In the last week: L vs. CLE, W at PHI, L at WAS
Offensive rating: 108.4 (27th)
Defensive rating: 114.4 (22nd)
Post All-Star break: The Nets are undergoing a rebuild, with a focus on player development and hard play, despite being out of playoff contention.
In the last week: L vs. LAL, W vs. CHA, W at UTA
Offensive rating: 110.4 (24th)
Defensive rating: 114.7 (23rd)
Post All-Star break: The Trail Blazers are maintaining competitiveness in the face of adversity, with promising performances from emerging talent.
In the last week: L at NY, L vs. PHO, W at PHI
Offensive rating: 111.8 (18th)
Defensive rating: 115.8 (27th)
Post All-Star break: The Bulls face inconsistency but continue to push for a playoff spot with dynamic performances, even amidst roster challenges.
In the last week: L vs. MIA, W vs. PHO
Offensive rating: 110.2 (25th)
Defensive rating: 115.6 (25th)
Post All-Star break: The Raptors are on the edge of contention, with potential to act as a spoiler as they await the debut of key acquisitions.
In the last week: L vs. BOS, L vs. BRK, L vs. CHI
Offensive rating: 110.9 (23rd)
Defensive rating: 115.6 (24th)
Post All-Star break: The 76ers are in a challenging position, with injuries impacting key players and a string of losses contributing to their current standing.
In the last week: W at LAL, L at DEN, L at POR, L at SAC
Offensive rating: 107.0 (29th)
Defensive rating: 114.0 (17th)
Post All-Star break: The Hornets continue to struggle, showing brief moments of promise but ultimately facing a challenging season.
In the last week: L at DAL, W vs. SA
Offensive rating: 109.7 (26th)
Defensive rating: 118.0 (28th)
Post All-Star break: The Pelicans are dealing with roster changes and injuries, striving to keep games competitive despite their standing.
In the last week: L vs. OKC, W vs. HOU, L vs. POR
Offensive rating: 111.4 (19th)
Defensive rating: 118.3 (30th)
Post All-Star break: The Jazz are focused on development, with young talents showing promise in an otherwise challenging season.
In the last week: L vs. MIL, L at ORL, W vs. BRK
Offensive rating: 105.5 (30th)
Defensive rating: 118.1 (29th)
Post All-Star break: The Wizards are in a rebuilding phase, with new additions bringing some competitive spark as they aim to improve their standing.
Sign up for The Bounce, the essential NBA newsletter from Zach Harper and The Athletic staff, delivered free to your inbox.
