We’re about a month away from the 2024 NBA trade deadline
We’re about a month away from the 2024 NBA trade deadline (Feb. 8, 3 p.m. ET), and things are starting to heat up around the league. The Minnesota Timberwolves remain at the top of a competitive Western Conference, but the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are hot on their tails. The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a tumble in our rankings after an in-season tournament spree, and the Golden State Warriors will look to find their rhythm with the anticipated return of Draymond Green. As trade deadline rumblings start to get louder throughout the month, we’ll keep you up to date with what’s happening around the league. Can the Boston Celtics be dethroned? Will the Milwaukee Bucks fix their issues? And which teams will fulfill their New Year’s resolutions? Let’s take a look at this week’s Power Rankings.
Boston Celtics
2023-24 record: 28-8 Previous ranking: 1 Next games: vs. MIN (Jan. 10), @ MIL (Jan. 11), vs. HOU (Jan. 13), @ TOR (Jan. 15) Even after a couple of close losses to the Thunder and Pacers in the past two weeks, Boston still ranks second in the league in offense and defense and has a healthy lead in net rating at plus-10.4 points per 100 possessions. All the while, the Celtics have had a rotating cast of characters in and out of the lineup because of injuries. The next week sees Boston host its counterparts atop the West in the Timberwolves, as well as the return of former coach Ime Udoka with the Rockets on Saturday. — Bontemps
Denver Nuggets
2023-24 record: 26-12 Previous ranking: 5 Next games: @ UTAH (Jan. 10), vs. NO (Jan. 12), vs. IND (Jan. 14), @ PHI (Jan. 16) When Nikola Jokic does something eye-popping, it’s typically some statistical feat that hasn’t been done since Wilt Chamberlain’s playing days. On Sunday, Jokic took just three shots and scored only four points but had 16 assists and five blocks, becoming just the third player with at least 15 assists and five blocks in a game since blocks became an official stat in 1973-74, joining Jamaal Tinsley and Jalen Rose. Denver has won 12 of its past 15 games but will play on the road in six of its next eight, including a five-game East Coast swing. The Nuggets’ record is just 11-8 away from Denver. — Youngmisuk
Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 record: 26-10 Previous ranking: 3 Next games: @ BOS (Jan. 10), vs. POR (Jan. 12), vs. LAC (Jan. 14) The Timberwolves remain atop the West with the second-best record in the NBA, but their lead over the Thunder and Nuggets has dwindled to one game. The Wolves dropped three of their past five games heading into a back-to-back against a pair of Eastern Conference contenders. After defeating the Magic on Tuesday night, they’ll have a showdown with the Celtics on Wednesday — a matchup between two teams with the best records in each conference. — Collier
Oklahoma City Thunder
2023-24 record: 24-11 Previous ranking: 4 Next games: @ MIA (Jan. 10), vs. POR (Jan. 11), vs. ORL (Jan. 13), @ LAL (Jan. 15) Chet Holmgren had his third 30-point performance of the season in Monday’s win over the Wizards, and he has shot better than 60% from the floor in all of them. Holmgren has surprised many scouts and coaches around the league by instantly establishing himself as an efficient and effective scoring complement to MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Holmgren is averaging 17.8 points while shooting 55.1% from the floor and 40.9% from 3-point range. No rookie has ever averaged that many points with an effective field goal percentage as high as Holmgren’s (62.4). — MacMahon
Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 record: 25-12 Previous ranking: 2
Next games: vs. BOS (Jan. 11), vs. GS (Jan. 13), vs. SAC (Jan. 14)
27-Point Loss to Clippers Raises Concerns for Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns suffered a disappointing 27-point loss to the Clippers on Monday, raising questions about the team’s championship aspirations. The game took place on the second night of a back-to-back for the Suns, while the Clippers were looking to bounce back from a loss to the Lakers. Suns coach Frank Vogel acknowledged that the Clippers are a “complete team.” However, with a current record of 19-18 and sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference, it is clear that the Suns have not lived up to expectations.
Opportunity for Rookie Cam Whitmore as Houston Rockets Improve
The Houston Rockets have seen improvement in recent games, thanks in part to rookie forward Cam Whitmore. Injuries to Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason have opened up an opportunity for Whitmore to showcase his skills. In the past five games, Whitmore has scored 54 points with an impressive shooting percentage of 58.3% from the floor and 53.8% from beyond the arc. This stretch has coincided with a 3-2 record for the Rockets. Whitmore, who was the 20th overall pick, has also displayed his scoring ability in the G League, averaging 27.0 points with a 62.4 true shooting percentage in 13 games.
Los Angeles Lakers Face Challenges Despite Recent Wins
The Los Angeles Lakers have faced challenges in their recent games, despite securing wins against the Clippers and Raptors. The team had hoped to turn things around with a home-heavy schedule in January, but they suffered alarming losses to the Heat and Grizzlies. These losses highlighted issues with shooting and turnovers. As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers will need to carefully assess their performance and determine what moves are necessary to improve their chances of success.
Golden State Warriors Struggle to Find Rhythm
The Golden State Warriors have struggled to find a rhythm this season, particularly on the defensive end. The return of Draymond Green, who has been out with an injury, is hoped to make a positive impact on the team’s defense. However, with no lineup combinations working effectively, it remains unclear what changes need to be made for the Warriors to find consistency. The team will need to address these issues in order to improve their record and make a push for the playoffs.
Utah Jazz on a Hot Streak
The Utah Jazz have been one of the hottest teams in the league, winning 11 out of their last 15 games. With the return of Jordan Clarkson from injury, the Jazz have found success with their lineup combinations. Clarkson, along with center Walker Kessler, has been particularly effective, outscoring opponents by 79 points in their 155 minutes on the court together. The Jazz will look to continue their winning streak as they face upcoming matchups against the Nuggets, Raptors, Lakers, and Pacers.
Zach LaVine Provides Momentum for Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine has returned to the lineup for the Chicago Bulls after missing 17 games due to a foot injury. In his first two games back, LaVine has come off the bench and provided valuable contributions in points, assists, and rebounds. The Bulls have won two consecutive games, moving up to ninth place in the Eastern Conference. LaVine’s return has provided much-needed momentum for the team as they prepare to face the Rockets, Warriors, Spurs, and Cavaliers.
Toronto Raptors Benefit from New Additions
The Toronto Raptors have seen positive contributions from new additions Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. Quickley and Barrett have seamlessly fit into the Raptors’ backcourt alongside rising star forward Scottie Barnes. Barrett’s standout performance of 36 points in a blowout win against the Warriors highlights the impact these players have had on the team. The Raptors will look to build on this success as they face upcoming matchups against the Clippers, Jazz, and Celtics.
Brooklyn Nets Struggle Amidst Injuries
The Brooklyn Nets have faced a challenging stretch of games, losing six out of their last seven matchups. The team has been plagued by injuries, with several key players sitting out. This has resulted in a decline in their net rating. The Nets will need to regroup and find a way to overcome these obstacles as they prepare to face the Cavaliers and Heat.
Atlanta Hawks Look to Avoid Defensive Struggles
The Atlanta Hawks have struggled defensively in their matchups against the Indiana Pacers this season. Allowing 157 and 150 points in two games against the Pacers, the Hawks aim to avoid a third high-scoring game. The team will need to focus on improving their defensive performance as they face upcoming games against the 76ers, Pacers, Wizards, and Spurs.
Memphis Grizzlies Face Challenges Without Ja Morant
The Memphis Grizzlies have faced challenges without their star player Ja Morant, who is out for the season due to a labral tear in his right shoulder. The team has struggled offensively, ranking last in the league in scoring. In the games Morant has missed, the Grizzlies have averaged just 106.2 points, winning only seven out of those 27 games. The team will need to find a way to compensate for Morant’s absence in order to improve their record.
Portland Trail Blazers Adjust Lineup with Return of Shaedon Sharpe
The Portland Trail Blazers have made adjustments to their lineup with the return of Shaedon Sharpe from injury. Sharpe has been coming off the bench, while Scoot Henderson has remained in the starting lineup. The Blazers will need to determine whether this change is temporary or permanent. Regardless, having Sharpe back on the court is a positive development for the team.
LaMelo Ball’s Return Provides Hope for Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets could receive a much-needed boost with the potential return of LaMelo Ball from an ankle injury. Ball has been participating in practice and scrimmaging, indicating progress in his recovery. The Hornets have struggled without Ball, winning only three out of 19 games in his absence. His return will be crucial for the team’s success moving forward.
San Antonio Spurs Thrive Despite Rookie’s Limited Minutes
The San Antonio Spurs have seen impressive performances from rookie Victor Wembanyama, despite his limited playing time due to an ankle sprain. Wembanyama has averaged 0.98 points per minute in his past five games, showcasing his potential as a special player. Despite a losing season, Wembanyama’s contributions provide optimism for the Spurs.
Washington Wizards Struggle with Recent Losses
The Washington Wizards have faced a difficult stretch of games, losing five out of their last six matchups. The team will face challenging road games against the Pacers, Hawks, and Knicks in the coming weeks. However, forward Deni Avdija has shown improvement, scoring in double figures in six out of his last seven games. Avdija’s performance provides a glimmer of hope for the struggling team.
Detroit Pistons Continue to Face Challenges
The Detroit Pistons have faced ongoing challenges, losing five consecutive games since ending their historic 28-game losing streak. The team will face the Spurs and Wizards in their upcoming games, but they will be without 2021 No. 1 overall pick C