As the Brooklyn NetsKeep fighting for playoff seeding Kyrie IrvingNow, you can play at home. Eric Adams, New York City Mayor lifted the mandateIrving will be able to play in home Barclays Center games on Thursday for performers and players who have not been vaccinated. With 16 points and 11 assists, he made his Barclays debut on Sunday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. Charlotte HornetsHowever, the Nets lost 119-110. The Nets are happy with this news but they still have seven games to climb the standings before the playoffs.
The East has the Boston CelticsThe top spot was claimed by the finalists in the late-season surge. Miami HeatContinuing to fall apart. The East’s best record is shared by the Celtics, Heat, and the Celtics. Milwaukee BucksAnd Philadelphia 76ersThey are only a half-game behind. As Joel EmbiidContinues his quest for MVP, and is the current Finals MVP Giannis AntetokounmpoHas the reigning champions on the right path.
The race for the East will be decided at the last moment Devin BookerThe Phoenix SunsThe Western Conference has swept away — now nine games ahead the No. 2 Memphis Grizzlies. Ja MorantThe Grizzlies are continuing to expand their lead over the Golden State WarriorsThe only person to have won one of the games since 1996 is? Stephen CurryHe was forced to withdraw from the game due to a foot injury. Draymond GreenTwo-month absence leaves him struggling to find his groove.
And LeBron JamesThe Los Angeles LakersNow follow the New Orleans PelicansBy a half-game in favor of home-court advantage in potential play-in matchesup, after blowing a 23 points lead against Pels on Sunday.
Our experts breakdown the playoff races in our final update for March.
Note:Our panel, which includes Tim Bontemps and Jamal Collier, Nick Friedell and Ohm Youngmisuk, ranks all 30 teams, ranking them from top to bottom. This allows us to see which teams are currently playing the best basketball and which are most likely to be title contenders.
1. Phoenix Suns
2021-22 record: 61-14
Previous ranking: 1
The Suns have the best record in NBA history with Thursday’s victory over the Nuggets. Four seasons ago, the Suns held the worst record in the league with a record of 21-61 in 2017-18. It’s the third fastest turnaround time for a team to go from the worst to the best record in NBA history, according to Elias Sports Bureau research. Only the Baltimore Bullets (worst team in 66-67, best in 68–69), and the Philadelphia Warriors (worst team in 52-53, best in 55-56) were faster. However, there were far fewer teams.— Lopez
2. Memphis Grizzlies
2021-22 record: 52-23
Previous ranking: 3
The Grizzlies anticipate Ja MorantDue to soreness in the right knee, he will miss at most two weeks and should be back before the playoffs. While the Grizzlies’ superstar is resting, Memphis continues its dominance of its competition. After Saturday’s victory over the Bucks the Grizzlies are now 17-2 and have outscored their competition by 18.5 per game this season. Morant is not playing. Desmond BaneThe development of’s offensive creator skills has been significant. During Memphis’ current four-game winning streak, he has averaged 24.3 and 5.5 points.— MacMahon
3. Boston Celtics
2021-22 record: 47-28
Previous ranking: 5
Boston continues its dominance over opposing teams. The Celtics have now won 24-4 in their last 28 games and outsource teams by approximately 16 points per match. The Celtics have moved up from 10th in the East two month ago to tie for the conference’s best record going into the final two weeks. However, Robert Williams’ knee injury Sunday is cause for concern.Bontemps
4. Philadelphia 76ers
2021-22 record: 46-28
Previous ranking: 6
Philadelphia suffered a three-game losing streak in Phoenix due to the league-leading Suns. But that’s not a shame. However, it does set up a huge game with Milwaukee on Tuesday back home in Philadelphia as the two teams continue their battle for the top of the East.Bontemps
5. Milwaukee Bucks
2021-22 record: 46-28
Previous ranking: 4
The defending champions are getting better. Milwaukee has won 10 of its 13 previous games as a veteran. Brook Lopez, Pat ConnaughtonAnd George HillThey have returned to the rotation after getting well. Milwaukee will be on a major road trip this week. They play the Nets and the 76ers before returning home to face a few Western Conference playoff teams. LA ClippersAnd Dallas Mavericks.Collier
6. Miami Heat
2021-22 record: 47-28
Previous ranking: 2
Miami lost four consecutive games, and the frustration spilled out in a very public dispute between Jimmy ButlerErik Spoelstra and Erik Spoelstra in Wednesday’s loss against a Warriors team without Stephen Curry (foot), Draymond Green(Relaxation) Klay Thompson(rest) for that night. This week, the Heat will be on a three-game road trip with stops in Boston and Chicago. They also have to stop in Toronto as they attempt to settle things for the postseason. — Friedell
7. Golden State Warriors
2021-22 record: 48-27
Previous ranking: 7
Golden State has lost five out of six games and hasn’t been able get back on track after Stephen Curry’s foot injury. Draymond Green isn’t playing well since returning from a disc injury. The Warriors’ defense, which was so strong during the first half of the season, has been shaky lately. In back-to-back losses against the Wizards and Hawks, they’ve surrendered 244 points. The problems are more than Curry getting back on the court. — Friedell
8. Dallas Mavericks
2021-22 record: 46-29
Previous ranking: 8
The Mavs goal for the remainder is to keep their home-court advantage during the first round playoffs. Dallas is now fourth in the West standings, breaking a tie with Utah on Sunday night. The Mavs have posted the league’s fourth best record (29-11) for 2022. After a slow start free-agency was added. Reggie BullockA major factor in the Mavs’ success has been their 3-and-D role play, with the Mavs posting the highest net rating (plus 8.0 points per 100 possessions), of any Dallas rotation players since Jan. 1.— MacMahon
9. Utah Jazz
2021-22 record: 45-30
Previous ranking: 9
The Jazz fell to fifth place in the West standings after a rough road trip that ended in Dallas. They lost their fourth consecutive game. All-Star center Rudy GobertHe was late to the game due to pain in his lower left leg. But he is optimistic that he will not miss another minute. All-Star guard Donovan MitchellAfter Dallas center had injured his right ankle, he was able to return to the game. Dwight Powell. Mitchell admitted that it was “sore” right now. “We’ll wait to see how it feels tomorrow, and then we’ll move on.”— MacMahon
10. Toronto Raptors
2021-22 record: 42-32
Previous ranking: 15
The Raptors remain in the top six East, despite Toronto’s continued problems with players moving in and out of the lineup due to injuries. However, they have managed to climb into the top six with wins in eight of the past 10 games. The week begins and ends with big games in Toronto as the streaking Celtics arrive Monday. Kyle LowryOn Sunday, he will make his return to Toronto.Bontemps
11. Denver Nuggets
2021-22 record: 44-31
Previous ranking: 10
Although the Nuggets were very good in their games in February and March, Michael Malone’s team is fighting Minnesota for sixth place and trying to avoid the play-in. After playing a few games, Nikola JokicAlthough they looked vulnerable on the boards, being held under double digit rebounds, the Nuggets star posted MVP numbers in wins against the Clippers (and Thunder) If they want to defeat the Wolves, they’ll need more MVP Jokic. — Youngmisuk
12. Minnesota Timberwolves
2021-22 record: 43-33
Previous ranking: 12
The Wolves dropped three of four games during a tough week against playoff contenders — Dallas, Phoenix and Boston — which will push Minnesota 1½ games back of the No. 6 seed in Western Conference. They will need to close the gap and avoid the play in tournament. However, they have the second best net rating in the league after the All-Star break.Collier
13. Chicago Bulls
2021-22 record: 43-31
Previous ranking: 11
Last weekend’s victory over the Cavs helped stabilize the Bulls’ slide in the standings. Chicago will start the week at No. The week will start at No. 5 in the East. This is two games behind the play-in tournament. The Bulls have had a difficult month defensively. They rank 24th in efficiency. Perhaps more surprising is their disappearing offense (27th). This was a team that was fifth in the NBA in March.Collier
14. Brooklyn Nets
2021-22 record: 39-36
Previous ranking: 13
Brooklyn finally has Kyrie IrvingBack in NYC to play, the team has lost two of three games after a disappointing result against the Hornets on Sunday night. Irving and his team were not able to overcome that performance. Kevin DurantThey combined to finish 15-of-166 from the field. The good news is that the Nets have a relatively easy schedule. They are confident that they will be able get everything in order before the play-in tournament which begins April 12. — Friedell
15. Charlotte Hornets
2021-22 record: 39-36
Previous ranking: 16
Charlotte has moved up to eighth in the East after a big win against the Nets on Sunday night with Kyrie Irving playing on the Brooklyn floor. Charlotte holds the tiebreaker over Nets. There is a big difference between being in eighth place, which gives you two chances to win and reach the playoffs, or ninth, which requires you to win two games. With seven games remaining, Charlotte is on the verge of claiming the eighth spot.Bontemps
16. Cleveland Cavaliers
2021-22 record: 41-33
Previous ranking: 14
Last week, the Cavs were 0-3, with losses to Toronto (and Chicago) respectively. Current No. The Cavs currently sit at No. 7 and are a game behind Raptors. However, they still have eight games to play to avoid the tournament. Only three of those games are against teams that have a better record than Cleveland.McMenamin
17. Atlanta Hawks
2021-22 record: 37-37
Previous ranking: 18
Trae YoungMadison Square Garden is a favorite place to play. Broadway playoff bows aside. Young scored at least 30 in four consecutive Garden games since last year’s playoff series. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, that’s tied for the second-longest streak by a visitor at MSG since it opened in 1968 (including playoffs). Young is tied with Michael Jordan, who did this twice — Kobe Bryant. James Harden, Anthony Davis, Dominique WilkinsBob McAdoo. Only Kareem Abdul-JabbarAt five times, he did it more.— Lopez
18. LA Clippers
2021-22 record: 36-39
Previous ranking: 17
Doc Rivers was back in the Clippers’ fifth consecutive loss, which resulted in their fifth loss. The Clippers remain eighth in the seedings and are currently playing their worst basketball of this season. Paul GeorgeHe is making progress towards a recovery from a torn UCL in his right elbow. And Norman Powell(fractured bone in his heel) also took a shot on the court with the team. The Clippers now need to rest and get ready for the play-in tournament. — Youngmisuk
19. New Orleans Pelicans
2021-22 record: 32-43
Previous ranking: 19
New Orleans was dealt a difficult start by the Pelicans during a huge weekend in Western Conference play-in. They lost to New Orleans San Antonio Spurs. They looked worse on Sunday as they trailed the Lakers by 23 points. The Pelicans fought back to win 116-108, which was their largest comeback and tied the second-largest franchise comeback. Ingram, who had been out of action for 10 games, returned to score 26 points and take half a point off the Lakers for the No. 9 seed and moving 1½ games up on the Spurs.— Lopez
20. New York Knicks
2021-22 record: 33-42
Previous ranking: 22
New York quietly won six of its 10 previous games, including three consecutively, to gain some momentum. Even though it doesn’t really mean anything as New York is only five games away of the play in tournament and there are seven more games, it will provide some hope for Knicks fans, particularly with the presence of young talent on this stretch.Bontemps
21. Los Angeles Lakers
2021-22 record: 31-43
Previous ranking: 20
Frank Vogel, Lakers coach, said Sunday that “Time is running out on us” after his team lost 23 points in the first half and fell to No. 10th in the Western Conference Standings. The No. 1 Lakers is now only one game ahead. 11 Spurs — San Antonio holds the tiebreaker — so L.A. must maintain its one-game advantage over the remaining eight games or lose the playoff picture.McMenamin
22. Washington Wizards
2021-22 record: 32-42
Previous ranking: 21
With Kyle KuzmaDue to a knee injury, the Wizards will be out for the remainder of the season. Kristaps Porzingis. They will not catch Atlanta for 10th and the play in, but they have won two straight with Porzingis scoring 30 points a 10 rebounds in a victory over Detroit. Porzingis still has eight games to go in the season. He can finish strong and bring some momentum into the offseason for his new team. — Youngmisuk
23. San Antonio Spurs
2021-22 record: 30-44
Previous ranking: 23
Dejounte MurrayIn a crucial win over the Pelicans, Murray recorded his 13th triple-double of the season to keep San Antonio at the forefront of the Western Conference play in race. Murray was 15-point, 13 assists, and three steals during the 107–103 victory over Pelicans. This was Murray’s eighth consecutive triple-double with at least three steals. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, only Nikola Jokic has done that more than once this season.— Lopez
24. Sacramento Kings
2021-22 record: 27-48
Previous ranking: 26
Davion MitchellHe continued to be offensive in De’Aaron Fox‘s absence. The No. The No. 9 overall pick has scored 20+ points in three consecutive games and it’s paying off. Sacramento won its two previous games in Indiana and Orlando. Mitchell scored 23.5 points per game on 52.6% shooting with eight assists.McMenamin
25. Portland Trail Blazers
2021-22 record: 27-47
Previous ranking: 24
Portland won against Detroit in a dramatic stop to its tanking. It was only the Blazers’ second win since the All Star break. However, the Blazers were back in trouble as they lost consecutive games against Houston. Damian LillardThe season was canceled last week. Anfernee Simons, Jusuf NurkicAnd Josh HartThese games have been canceled. Portland has eight games remaining before Portland can say goodbye to this season. — Youngmisuk
26. Indiana Pacers
2021-22 record: 25-50
Previous ranking: 25
Saturday’s injury-depleted Pacers team had just nine players — not including Malcolm BrogdonIndiana appears to be over this season. It is listed as out of rest Monday for the fifth consecutive game. In Toronto, the game was interrupted by a fire in the stands for 70 minutes during the second quarter. Indiana is on its way to the finish, having lost three of seven games.Collier
27. Detroit Pistons
2021-22 record: 20-55
Previous ranking: 27
Marvin Bagley IIIHe has shown exceptional performance when asked to assist the injured. Jerami Grant. Bagley had a record season high 27 points and seven rebounds against the Knicks in Sunday’s defeat. It was only one game after Grant scored 25 points on Friday due to an injury. Former No. The former No.Collier
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
2021-22 record: 21-53
Previous ranking: 28
Josh GiddeyThe No.6 pick in the draft last year, has been ruled out of the remainder of the season. The No. 6 draft pick last year has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hip injury. He has been sidelined since February. He was the Western Conference Rookie-of-the-Month four times in one of the most remarkable seasons of a teenage NBA player. Giddey, who was just 19 years old, became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. Luka DoncicHe is the teen who has four triple-doubles and has the highest average of six rebounds and six assists per season.— MacMahon
29. Orlando Magic
2021-22 record: 20-55
Previous ranking: 29
On Tuesday night, Orlando beat the Warriors with Wendell Carter Jr. scoring 19 points and eight rebounds. The Magic are blessed with some young, talented players who have grown throughout the season. Rookie Franz WagnerHe is one of the bright spots with an average 17.8 point, 4.8 rebound and 3 assists per contest over his five previous games. — Friedell
30. Houston Rockets
2021-22 record: 20-55
Previous ranking: 30
Saturday’s victory over the Trail Blazers was a great success. Jalen GreenAnd Alperen SengunThey became the fourth and fifth Rockets rookie teammates to score at least 25 points each in a game. Cuttino MobleyAnd Michael Dickerson in 1999, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. The rebuilding Rockets have had them as bright spots since the All Star break. Green has averaged 19.1 and a 57.7 true percentage shooting, while Sengun has averaged 11.1 and 6.6 rebound off the bench.— MacMahon