SportsGrid’s NBA Power Rankings: Rise of East Contenders

1. Boston Celtics

Last Week: 1

Final Stretch of Games: @ MIL, vs. NYK, vs. CHA, vs. WAS

The 62-win Boston Celtics are a straight-up juggernaut, and they better not play down to their competition like they did last postseason. We’ll see how Boston’s run ultimately shakes out, but as we continue to say, it’s genuinely championship or bust right now for the Celts.

Finals Odds: +170

9. Philadelphia 76ers

Last Week: NR

Final Stretch of Games: vs. DET, vs. ORL, vs. BKN

I’m ready to assert that the Philadelphia 76ers are the second-most dangerous team behind the Boston Celtics in the East. Milwaukee is falling apart, Orlando might not be prepared for the big moment, and New York simply doesn’t have enough horses. This will be the first season in forever where Joel Embiid is relatively fresh, healthy, and playing at a high level come the postseason. Around him, Tyrese Maxey is playing dominant basketball, the depth is more robust than many people make it out to be, and Nick Nurse is a coach who knows how to win playoff games. 

Assuming they can avoid Boston in the first round, who is to say they won’t be able to take down the spiraling Bucks and the Magic or Knicks to reach Embiid’s first Eastern Conference Finals?

Finals Odds: +2500

8. New York Knicks

Last Week: 10 (+2)

Final Stretch of Games: @ CHI, @ BOS, vs. BKN, vs. CHI

By winning out and with some luck, the New York Knicks very well could wind up as the No. 2 seed by week’s end. However, without the return of Julius Randle, I question if this Knicks’ team has enough firepower behind Jalen Brunson to take down Boston or even Philadelphia. Still, it’s been the best year of Knicks’ basketball in forever, and now they’re set up well to add a superstar alongside Brunson to elevate themselves into actual contender status potentially as soon as this summer.

Finals Odds: +6000

7. Phoenix Suns

Last Week: 7

Final Stretch of Games: vs. LAC, @ LAC, @ SAC, @ MIN

The Phoenix Suns are in the driver’s seat for the coveted No. 6 seed in the West, but they have an absolute gauntlet of a final stretch. Back-to-back games against an improving Clippers team hurt, followed by a do-or-die game in Sacramento to avoid the Play-In Tournament, then closing out the season in Minnesota against a team who very well could need a win to secure the No. 1 seed. All in all, Phoenix has just wanted to get to the postseason healthy because they know that at their peak, they can compete with anyone.

Finals Odds: +2000

6. LA Clippers

Last Week: 9 (+3)

Final Stretch of Games: @ PHX, vs. PHX, vs. UTA, vs. HOU

After an ugly month and a half following the All-Star break, the LA Clippers are amidst their best stretch of games since they’ve won six of seven. However, it’s certainly not ideal for LA to be without Kawhi Leonard at this time of year. Given how their past postseason births have shaken out, especially considering their first-round matchup will be against the surging Dallas Mavericks in all likelihood.

Finals Odds: +850

5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Week: 2 (-3)

Final Stretch of Games: vs. SAC, vs. SAS, vs. MIL, vs. DAL

It may be a little cruel to drop the Oklahoma City Thunder down to the No. 5 spot, but they went 1-3 in arguably their most crucial stretch of the season, ultimately costing them a chance at the No. 1 seed in the West. Yes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined, but sometimes that’s how the cookie crumbles. Now, all the Thunder can hope is that either the Nuggets or Timberwolves lose a game they aren’t supposed to hopefully regain the No. 2 seed.

Finals Odds: +1400

4. Dallas Mavericks

Last Week: 5 (+1)

Final Stretch of Games: @ CHA, @ MIA, vs. DET, @ OKC

The Dallas Mavericks are playing the best basketball of the Luka Doncic era right now, and they are just as live as anyone who has come out of the Western Conference this postseason. They’ve gone 13-1 over their last 14 with Luka in the lineup, and Kyrie Irving has thrived in the number-two role of late. Plus, their deadline acquisitions are paying off incredibly well. The rest of the West better be on alert for how well this team is rolling right now.

Finals Odds: +2400

3. Denver Nuggets

Last Week: 3

Final Stretch of Games: @ UTA, vs. MIN, @ SAS, @ MEM

The Denver Nuggets appear to be coasting leading into the playoffs, but they better wake up for Wednesday night’s meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves. It looks like the No. 1 seed will be hanging in the balance. However, regardless of what seed the Nuggets may end up in, they are the favorite to come out of the West until proven otherwise.

Finals Odds: +360

2. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last Week: 4 (+2)

Final Stretch of Games: vs. WAS, @ DEN, vs. ATL, vs. PHX

The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently the No. 1 seed in the West, prompting us to give them the respect they deserve. Anthony Edwards has been doing everything this squad needs as its top option in recent weeks. Even with role players stepping up immensely, it may not be much longer until Karl Anthony-Towns returns for some relief. While Minnesota may not be the betting favorite to reach the NBA Finals, they certainly don’t believe that.

Finals Odds: +2200

1. Boston Celtics

Last Week: 1

Final Stretch of Games: @ MIL, vs. NYK, vs. CHA, vs. WAS

The 62-win Boston Celtics are a straight-up juggernaut, and they better not play down to their competition like they did last postseason. We’ll see how Boston’s run ultimately shakes out, but as we continue to say, it’s genuinely championship or bust right now for the Celts.

Finals Odds: +170