The following are some of the highlights. Los Angeles LakersAre in the middle a disappointing NBA Season LeBron JamesContinues to be the only shining light. James passed Karl MaloneSaturday night moving into the No. 2 spotat the top of the all-time scoring lists. James achieved another milestone but his team was unable to reach the Eastern Conference’s 11th rank. Washington Wizards. The Lakers don’t have enough time to climb the Western Conference standings. They are currently at No. They are five games behind the No. 8 LA ClippersThese players seem destined to play in the tournament.
And elsewhere in the West, there are the Golden State Warriorswere supposed be complete with Draymond GreenAfter a two month absence,’s return was successful but they lost Stephen CurryFor at least two weeksHe broke a ligament in his foot Wednesday, resulting in him being unable to walk on Wednesday. Boston Celtics. The Phoenix SunsThere are nine more games than the No. 2 Memphis GrizzliesHowever, the Warriors are still trying to keep their No. 3 – Just two games ahead Utah JazzSurging and an increasing Donovan Mitchell.
The Minnesota TimberwolvesIn the meantime, they are making a late season push for the play in tournament, which is led by Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns dropped 60 pointsLast week against the San Antonio SpursThe third quarter saw 32 of the NBA’s most impressive players — the NBA’s highest total this season.
And Kyrie IrvingOn Tuesday, Towns was followed closely by 60 points of his ownThis is a career record and a franchise record. Brooklyn Nets. But, the Nets find themselves heading to the play-in tourney at No. 8 in the East, one game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets.
Our experts provide an overview of where each team stands as the playoffs draw near.
Note:Our panel (Tim Bontemps Jamal Collier Nick Friedell, Tim MacMahon Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk and Tim MacMahon) ranks all 30 teams top-to-bottom throughout the regular season. They take stock of which teams have the best basketball right now and which look most like title contenders.
1. Phoenix Suns
2021-22 record: 58-14
Previous ranking: 1
Monty Williams, Suns coach was highly praised Mikal BridgesOn Sunday night, he was compared to Ron Artest and Michael Cooper for his ability to defend top players down low and on the perimeter.
“He should be the Defensive Player No. 1!” Williams said. Williams stated. “He doesn’t duck a matchup. He plays every night. He guards everyone. He plays 50 minutes. He still plays offense. He’s not an iron man, but he loves playing, he loves work, and he’s a winner.— Lopez
2. Miami Heat
2021-22 record: 47-24
Previous ranking: 2
Miami has won 3 of its 4 previous games, and is set to face the Sixers on Monday night. Tyler HerroIn Saturday’s win, he scored 26 points in 28 minutes. He continues to be a relentless pacesetter. After shooting 52.8% in February, he is now averaging 25.9 point per game in March. — Friedell
3. Memphis Grizzlies
2021-22 record: 49-23
Previous ranking: 3
Desmond BaneHe has recovered from his slump in February. He now averages 20.4 points, with a 62.5 true scoring percentage in March. This is in contrast to his February score of 14.7 points and a 48.9 True shooting percentage. Bane is the Grizzlies’ number 2. Behind All-Star point guard, Bane is the Grizzlies’ No. 2 scoring threat Ja MorantThis week, he missed two games due to knee and back pain.— MacMahon
4. Milwaukee Bucks
2021-22 record: 44-27
Previous ranking: 5
This is the case Giannis AntetokounmpoHis chances of winning his third Most Valuable Player Award are increasing. Milwaukee is tied for second place in the conference. Antetokounmpo, a contender for Defensive Players of the Year, is competing for the scoring title (29.8 per game). Joel Embiid(30.0 PG) and LeBron J (30.0 PG).Collier
5. Boston Celtics
2021-22 record: 44-28
Previous ranking: 7
Boston continues to be a formidable force after beating Denver on Sunday night. The Celtics, now 21-4, have outscored teams by 16 per cent over the last 100 possessions.Bontemps
6. Philadelphia 76ers
2021-22 record: 43-27
Previous ranking: 6
Philly’s week was mixed with wins in Dallas and Cleveland, as well as losses to Denver (and Toronto) Although it can be a difficult league, Philly looks like a world-beater when they are making 3s. They don’t when they do. Their offense comes to a halt.Bontemps
7. Golden State Warriors
2021-22 record: 47-24
Previous ranking: 4
Stephen Curry is expected to be out of action for at least two more weeks because of a foot injury. DraymondGreen is currently recovering from a disk issue. Klay Thompson is still trying to find his rhythm after being out 2½ years. James WisemanHe is still recovering from knee swelling, which he suffered in another setback in his rehab. His return to action for this season is uncertain. The Warriors have good news: Jordan PooleThis is one of his best games of the season. Sunday’s contest was the ninth time in as few games that he has scored at minimum 20 points. — Friedell
8. Dallas Mavericks
2021-22 record: 43-28
Previous ranking: 8
After winning three of their first three games, the Mavericks ran out gas and suffered double-digit losses against Philadelphia (and Charlotte) in the fifth game of their five-game road trip. Spencer DinwiddieIn Boston and Brooklyn, he hit game-winning threes. He joined Chicago’s DeMar DeRozanAs the only players to win consecutive last-minute games this season.— MacMahon
9. Utah Jazz
2021-22 record: 45-26
Previous ranking: 9
Due to a calf contusion Donovan Mitchell had to miss Friday’s Clippers win, but he was able to keep his cool. Mitchell scored 37 points in Wednesday’s victory over Bulls and 36 on Sunday against the Knicks. He was greeted enthusiastically by the Madison Square Garden crowd. Mitchell hit 16 3s during the two victories, making him the Jazz’s most successful player in just two games.— MacMahon
10. Denver Nuggets
2021-22 record: 42-30
Previous ranking: 11
Despite the Nuggets’ excellent performances in March and February, they are now tied with Minnesota for No. 7 in the West, with 10 remaining games, they will play the Clippers in a play-in. After Sunday’s 20 point loss to Boston Bones HylandReporters were informed that DeMarcus CousinsWe spoke to the team in order to let them know that their play is unacceptable. You can expect the Nuggets to respond, knowing how they have performed under Michael Malone in the past. — Youngmisuk
11. Chicago Bulls
2021-22 record: 41-29
Previous ranking: 10
Good news for the backsliding Bulls, who went 0-3 on a road trip and lost eight of their past ten games, is that there is more help. Forward Patrick WilliamsWill return MondayHe tore ligaments in his wrist during the fifth game. Williams will be on the bench. The Bulls are likely not to rush their second-year forward, but Williams’ presence may help Chicago’s defense. Chicago’s defensive rating has dropped to 20th in NBA.Collier
12. Minnesota Timberwolves
2021-22 record: 42-30
Previous ranking: 15
Minnesota is on a roll, having won four straight and 10 of the last eleven games. They could grab one of six Western Conference top seeds and skip the play-in tournament. Half a game back are the Nuggets for No.6 seed, and 1.5 games behind are the Mavericks. They will be playing at home and in Dallas against the Mavs on Monday.Collier
13. Brooklyn Nets
2021-22 record: 37-34
Previous ranking: 12
Brooklyn doesn’t know when or if Brooklyn will be there. Ben SimmonsHe will continue his rehabilitation for his back injury. The Nets don’t know when New York City’s vaccination mandate will be rescinded, which would allow Kyrie to play in home games. The only thing they know is that they have Kevin DurantThey’ll always have a chance with Durant on the court. Durant has averaged 30 points per game since March 3, when he returned from an MCL strain. — Friedell
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
2021-22 record: 41-30
Previous ranking: 13
The Cavs are on a roll, having won three of their last four. This is just in time to welcome LeBron James and his Lakers team to town on Monday. James’s career average of 29.1 against his former franchise is his best record against any other team in the league.McMenamin
15. Toronto Raptors
2021-22 record: 40-31
Previous ranking: 14
Despite Friday’s loss to the Lakers in the final seconds, Toronto is flying again. Toronto has won six of seven. Fred VanVleetYou can change the order of the line-up. OG AnunobyNot playing. The Raptors are a team of long-rangy, experienced players that is led by rookies Scottie BarnesThey are looking tough in the East and look good for the first round.Bontemps
16. Charlotte Hornets
2021-22 record: 36-35
Previous ranking: 18
Charlotte’s season could be ending at Gordon HaywardThe forward will be available down the stretch. Last week, the forward stated that he would be taking contact with his teammates this week and that his status would be determined after that. Charlotte is 26-22 when Hayward plays. She’s 10-13 when Hayward doesn’t.Bontemps
17. LA Clippers
2021-22 record: 36-37
Previous ranking: 16
The Clippers have secured the eighth spot, with the Timberwolves vying for Denver’s sixth spot, and the Clippers continuing to struggle under the Clippers. Ty Lue’s team hasn’t been at its best. It’s far from their best. The Clippers lost six of eight games in Utah, with their only wins coming against the Wizards and Pistons. The good news for the Clippers is that they have had the most practice this season. Lue will attempt to get them to play scrappy ball going into the play-in. — Youngmisuk
18. Atlanta Hawks
2021-22 record: 35-36
Previous ranking: 17
The Hawks comfortably hold the No. The Hawks are comfortably in the No. 10 Eastern Conference play-in spot, but continue to jockey with Brooklyn (two games ahead of them at No. 8) and Charlotte (one-game ahead at No. 9). Last week, the Hawks lost to the Hornets to tie the series. Atlanta will continue to climb. Trae YoungSunday night was his 27th 20-point and 10-assist game. He broke the previous record of 2019-20 by setting a new team record for most games in a single season.— Lopez
19. New Orleans Pelicans
2021-22 record: 30-41
Previous ranking: 20
The Pelicans slipped to No. The Pelicans, who slipped into the No. 9 spot in Western Conference standings Sunday night, are now 7-6 since inserting Jaxson HayesIn the starting lineup at power forward. The Pelicans have a +0.2 net rating since February 17, Jonas ValanciunasHayes was on the floor for more than 216 minutes. Hayes’s five most recent games have seen him average 15.6 points and 7 rebounds per game, while shooting 7-of-12 deep.— Lopez
20. Los Angeles Lakers
2021-22 record: 30-41
Previous ranking: 19
The Lakers celebrated their Toronto win, perhaps their most inspiring on Friday. Russell WestbrookTheir miracle steal and game-tying 3-sequence forcing overtime forced them to win — with the most impressive individual achievement by any player on their roster on Saturday, when LeBron James passed Karl Malone as No. 2 on Washington’s all time scoring list. The Wizards won and L.A. currently occupies the last play-in slot at No. With 11 games remaining, there are 10 West teams.McMenamin
21. Washington Wizards
2021-22 record: 30-40
Previous ranking: 21
The Wizards’ hopes of playing in the playoffs were crushed when they lost six consecutive games, four of which came on a West Coast swing. The Wizards were able to ruin LeBron James’ historic night by passing Karl Malone on his all-time scoring list. This erased a 16 point deficit and allowed them to defeat the Lakers. The win may not have been significant but the Wizards did get a glimpse of what it was like to be there. Kristaps PorzingisHe fulfilled his potential by scoring 16 of his 27 points during the fourth quarter. He reminded us of The Unicorn we acquired at the trade deadline. — Youngmisuk
22. New York Knicks
2021-22 record: 30-41
Previous ranking: 22
New York’s season is a mess, but at least it has been a play of RJ BarrettThis is something that we can take into the offseason. Barrett is scoring nearly 24 points per contest since January 1st and shooting 37.8% at 3-point range. The Knicks will be very happy if he can maintain that pace over the course of a full season next summer.Bontemps
23. San Antonio Spurs
2021-22 record: 28-44
Previous ranking: 23
Spurs forward Keldon JohnsonSince the All-Star break, he has been playing some of the best basketball he’s ever seen. Since the Spurs returned to play, he has enjoyed his first three 30-point games — 32 points against Wizards on February 25, 33 against the Hornets March 5, and 34 against the Timberwolves last Monday. He didn’t reach the 30-point plateau on Sunday, but he did win the game-winning putback against the Warriors.— Lopez
24. Portland Trail Blazers
2021-22 record: 26-44
Previous ranking: 24
The Blazers slide continues as they lose for the 10th consecutive time in 11 games to Indiana. Portland has not won since the All-Star break, but the Blazers have a better look at what’s happening. Josh Hart can do. Hart averaged 28.6 in his five previous games. — Youngmisuk
25. Indiana Pacers
2021-22 record: 25-47
Previous ranking: 26
This is the news T.J. WarrenOfficially, Warren will not be able to play in the remaining 2021-22 seasons. It was disappointing ending to another season plagued by injuries. After a strong performance in 2020’s bubble, Warren was forced to miss four games of the 2020-21 season due to stress fractures in his left foot. Since Dec. 29, 2020, he has not played. He will be unrestricted and free this summer.Collier
26. Sacramento Kings
2021-22 record: 25-48
Previous ranking: 25
Kings rookie Davion MitchellHe had a game in the 127-124 overtime loss at Phoenix. With De’Aaron FoxMitchell was injured in his hand and was unable to play. However, he went offensively and scored career highs in assists (nine) as well as points (28) and points (28) making him a star defenseman.McMenamin
27. Detroit Pistons
2021-22 record: 19-52
Previous ranking: 27
In 12 games, since joining the Pistons in 2004, Marvin Bagley IIIHe averages 13.6 points per game and 6.9 rebounds, on 53% shooting. He is playing more around the rim and was able to make a few spot starts last week for Detroit. Jerami GrantOut of the lineupCollier
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
2021-22 record: 20-51
Previous ranking: 28
Power forward Darius BazleyRecent signs of improvement in his scoring skills have been striking. Bazley’s average scoring percentage has been 21.0 on 53.5% shooting in six games. He also had a career high 29-point night, and a pair 25-point performances. Bazley, 21 years old, is eligible to extend his rookie contract. He is a versatile, long-armed player with explosive defensive potential.— MacMahon
29. Orlando Magic
2021-22 record: 19-53
Previous ranking: 29
Wendell Carter Jr.He had another huge game in Sunday’s win against the Thunder, scoring 30 points as well as 16 rebounds. In the last two months, he has been averaging more than 18 points and 11 boards per game. Jonathan IsaacIn the meantime, he is still undergoing treatment for a knee injury and has been ruled out of the season. Since August 2020, he hasn’t played. — Friedell
30. Houston Rockets
2021-22 record: 17-54
Previous ranking: 30
Houston has only won two of its 20 previous games. This gives the Rockets the worst record in the league, which would guarantee them a top-five selection. The growth of Jalen GreenThe No. The No. 2 draft pick last summer has been a blessing in disguise. He has averaged 18.2 points while shooting.472/.375/.732 over that time span. The Rockets defense, which allowed 116.5 points per 100 possessions (the worst in the NBA) is terrible even by tanking standards.— MacMahon