With just about 20 games to go for most teams, the NBA season is coming down to the wire. How are teams fairing as they jockey for position heading into next month’s playoffs?
NBA Power Rankings: The Playoff Push Intensifies
With the NBA All-Star break firmly in the rearview mirror, teams are gearing up for the final quarter of the season, where the real contenders start to separate themselves from the pretenders. Some teams have taken off like a SpaceX rocket (looking at you, Cleveland), while others (hello, Memphis) are stumbling toward the finish line like they just ran a marathon in flip-flops.
And then there’s the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are currently in the middle of one of the more frustrating stretches of the season. They battled through a brutal four-game stretch against the Western Conference’s elite, somehow stealing an unbelievable 25-point comeback win against OKC but still dropping three of those four games. Then, just when it seemed like they’d have a chance to right the ship, they fell to the Utah Jazz because Anthony Edwards was suspended due to the NBA’s war on fun.
So, where does that leave the Wolves in this week’s NBA Power Rankings? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (50-10, Last Week: 1)
The Cavs are on an absolute tear, riding a 10-game winning streak and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Their latest casualties? The Knicks, Grizzlies, and Celtics. They’re winning in every possible way—grinding out defensive battles, winning track meets, and making sure everyone knows that Donovan Mitchell is that guy. At this point, they’re the clear favorites to come out of the East.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (49-11, Last Week: 2)
The Thunder have won 12 of their last 14, and both of those losses came against the Wolves. Still, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to play at an MVP level, and the Thunder are practically a lock for the No. 1 seed in the West.
3. Boston Celtics (43-18, Last Week: 3)
The Celtics have cooled off a bit after their six-game win streak was snapped by the suddenly surging Detroit Pistons. Then, they lost to the Cavs in a game that felt like a playoff preview. They bounced back with a solid win over Denver, but the question remains—are they good enough to survive a war with Cleveland in the playoffs?
4. Los Angeles Lakers (38-21, Last Week: 5)
Look, when you’re getting more help from the officials than a student in an open-book exam, it’s not that hard to go on a six-game win streak. But credit where credit is due—the Lakers have taken down some real competition during this stretch, including the Nuggets, Mavericks, Wolves, and Clippers (twice). Luca Doncic’s addition has clearly rejuvenated LeBron, and now the Lakers look dangerous (and, let’s be honest, borderline unwatchable if you’re not a fan).
5. New York Knicks (40-20, Last Week: 7)
The Knicks had a rough stretch getting stomped by Cleveland and Boston, but they’ve responded by winning three straight. The problem is, they still don’t seem like true title contenders—more like the really solid team that makes it to the second round and then politely exits. Still, Jalen Brunson and KAT have been a great one-two punch, and this team is built for a deep playoff run if the matchups break right.
6. Denver Nuggets (39-22, Last Week: 4)
Denver has lost three of five, which isn’t exactly a disaster, but it’s concerning when you consider who they lost to. The Lakers torched them. The Celtics ran them off the court. The Nuggets are still defending champs and have Jokic, but they feel a half-step below the top teams right now.
7. Houston Rockets (37-23, Last Week: 8)
Houston snapped out of its six-game losing streak, but they’ve clearly fallen back to Earth after hanging around the No. 2 seed for most of the season. Still, five wins in their last eight show that they’re figuring things out. Nobody is going to want to see this team in a playoff series.
8. Milwaukee Bucks (34-25, Last Week: 10)
A six-game win streak and quality wins over Minnesota, the Clippers, Nuggets, and Mavericks? That’s the Bucks we expected. Giannis might not be in the MVP conversation anymore, but don’t let that fool you—he’s still a nightmare matchup, and this team is getting hot at the right time.
9. Indiana Pacers (34-25, Last Week: 9)
The Pacers are just doing their thing—grinding out wins, playing fast, and watching Tyrese Haliburton do his best “Mini Steve Nash” impression. They’ve won five of their last seven, and while they won’t be making the Finals, they could make things very interesting in the first round.
10. Detroit Pistons (34-27, Last Week: 11)
Are the Pistons…good? After winning nine of their last 10, including a statement win over the Celtics, it’s looking like Detroit might be turning the corner. They still have a lot of work to do, but Cade Cunningham and his young teammates are making real strides.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (38-22, Last Week: 6)
Memphis is in a full-on tailspin, losing five of their last seven and tumbling down the West standings. They’re still in solid position for the playoffs, but at this rate, they’re closer to being in the play-in than being a Finals contender.
12. Golden State Warriors (32-28, Last Week: 12)
Since acquiring Jimmy Butler, Golden State is surging and has won seven of their last nine. The Warriors aren’t “back” back, but they’re playing better, and if they get hot at the right time, they could be a nightmare in the playoffs.
Falling Off the Rankings: None
If we had a 13th spot, it would be the Wolves, but unfortunately for them, this is a 12-team club. It’s was a brutal stretch for Minnesota coming out of All-Star Weekend—four losses in five games, including one against Utah (without Edwards!). They knew the schedule was going to be tough, and it’s lived up to the billing.
The silver lining? The schedule now becomes much easier. If they can take care of business, they can climb back up the standings and avoid the play-in. The talent is there—but they need to actually win winnable games (looking at you, Utah loss).
Final Thoughts: Time to Make a Run
The Wolves have 20 games left to claw their way back up the standings and avoid the play-in. Their schedule is about to lighten up, but they need to start stacking wins ASAP.
The good news? They control their own destiny. The bad news? They haven’t exactly inspired confidence over the past two weeks.
Let’s see if they can turn it around.