Just when it seemed as though the NBA power rankings could get a major shakeup, nothing changed. The San Antonio Spurs blew a 22-point lead at home in a loss to the Golden State Warriors. The Boston Celtics failed to capitalize on a chance to gain some ground on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Houston Rockets keep on winning but can’t move from the third spot in the Western Conference standings. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same in the association. Here is a look at the NBA top five power rankings for this week.
1. Golden State Warriors (61-14)
Last Week: 1
NBA Championship Odds: -110
In the marquee matchup of the season so far, the Warriors made an absolute statement with a 110-98 win over San Antonio. Golden State trailed by as many as 22 in the opening quarter. However, Stephen Curry went off for 29 points, Klay Thompson scored 23 and the Warriors rallied back for a big win on the road. Golden State extended its lead over the Spurs at the top of the NBA standings to 3.5 games. After taking down the Rockets the previous night, it’s clear the Warriors are still the cream of the crop in the association. Golden State also received news that Kevin Durant should be back before the end of the regular season. However, the Warriors rank first in the NBA in defensive efficiency since Durant went down so they have no reason to rush him back. If Golden State could maintain its defensive dominance and bring Durant back in to the lineup for the postseason, then the Warriors will be almost impossible to stop.
2. San Antonio Spurs (57-17)
Last Week: 2
NBA Championship Odds: +600
The Spurs rank second in the NBA in defensive efficiency since March 1st. However, that didn’t help them slow down Golden State’s comeback in front of their own fans on Wednesday night. Kawhi Leonard was held to 7-of-20 from the field, including 0-for-5 from beyond the arc with five turnovers. The fact that San Antonio couldn’t keep its momentum going following the fast start is troubling, especially since the Warriors didn’t have Durant. The Spurs might still be the second-best team in the NBA, but it’s clear they aren’t on Golden State’s level right now.
3. Houston Rockets (51-24)
Last Week: 3
NBA Championship Odds: +1800
The Rockets didn’t have the answers for solving Golden State’s defense in their 113-106 loss on Tuesday night. James Harden was held to 24 points on just 5-of-20 shooting, including 1-for-9 from beyond the arc. Houston as a team converted just 5-of-31 three-point attempts, which translates to a 16.1% mark. The Rockets still own the second-best offensive numbers in the NBA but they are going to have to find ways to execute when matched up against Golden State and San Antonio. Houston remains on track for a second round matchup against the Spurs. The Rockets own the third-best record in the Western Conference, but they are a combined 2-5 against the Warriors and Spurs this season with another showdown at Golden State set for Friday night.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (47-27)
Last Week: 4
NBA Championship Odds: +250
Cleveland has dropped four of its last six. While they still own the most talented roster in the NBA there are clearly reasons for concerns. LeBron James recently called out his club’s lack of confidence and mental toughness. Meanwhile, they rank dead last in the NBA in defensive efficiency in the month of March. The fact that the Cavaliers own a 6-9 record in the month shouldn’t be a surprise based on how they have performed. Part of the problem might have to do with simply running out of gas. LeBron and company will benefit from locking down the top seed in the Eastern Conference and home court advantage if they can pull it out. Cleveland plays three of its next four at home including three games against non-playoff teams so they should be able turn things around.
5. Boston Celtics (48-27)
Last Week: 5
NBA Championship Odds: +1700
While the Celtics deserve credit for catching the Cavaliers, the fact that they couldn’t move ahead of them is somewhat troubling. Boston dropped a very winnable game at home to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Combine that with a 105-99 loss at Philadelphia a couple of weeks ago and it’s clear the Celtics haven’t taken full advantage of their potential. Boston has the third-easiest schedule the rest of the way according to ESPN’s BPI so they are still in the mix for top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics would really benefit from clinching the top seed and earning home advantage against Cleveland. They have come a long way to put themselves in position to challenge the Cavaliers. Now it’s about finishing the job.
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