SportsGrid’s NBA Power Rankings: Shake-Up Atop the Board

1. Boston Celtics

Last Week: 1 (+1)

Next Three Games: vs. OKC, vs. SAC, vs. POR

The Boston Celtics are a win away from being the first team this season to reach the 60-win threshold, as they already have the No. 1 seed in the East comfortably locked up. As we’ve said for weeks, if the Celtics don’t win it all, their season is nothing short of a failure. It’s do-or-die time in Boston.

Finals Odds: +170

9. LA Clippers

Last Week: NR

Next Three Games: @ SAC, vs. DEN, vs. UTA

The LA Clippers have won three straight games on the road, but to be honest, I’m still not buying into them until I see more. They beat a short-handed Philadelphia 76ers squad that required help from the referees, scored 15 points against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter to narrowly pull out a win, and defeated a bad Charlotte Hornets squad. A tough week awaits as they face the desperate Sacramento Kings and the dominant Denver Nuggets.

Finals Odds: +750

8. New Orleans Pelicans

Last Week: 6 (-2)

Next Three Games: vs. ORL, vs. SAS, @ PHX

The New Orleans Pelicans have lost three of their last four games as they had a gauntlet of a schedule. They pulled out a nice win over the Milwaukee Bucks, but by losing to the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder, we learned that the hype behind the Pelicans will likely be shortlived come the postseason. Still, there is plenty for the Pelicans to build on from this season.

Finals Odds: +6500

7. Phoenix Suns

Last Week: 10 (+3)

Next Three Games: vs. CLE, vs. MIN, vs. NOP

The highlight of the Phoenix Suns season had to be their dominating win this week against the Denver Nuggets, but like most of their momentum, that was short-lived as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Suns by 25 the following game. We know what the Suns can do, but they have shown an inability to sustain success.

Finals Odds: +2300

6. Milwaukee Bucks

Last Week: 3 (-3)

Next Three Games: @ WAS, vs. MEM, vs. TOR

The Milwaukee Bucks have pulled out some nice wins for Doc Rivers, but I can’t help but feel that this team is in deep trouble come the postseason. Imagine a first-round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers with Joel Embiid back. Would anyone be shocked at all if the 76ers dominated the Bucks? After losses to the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers, it feels like the Bucks know they aren’t going anywhere this season. Maybe their upcoming easy schedule can re-ignite a spark in this team.

Finals Odds: +750

5. Dallas Mavericks

Last Week: 7 (+2)

Next Three Games: @ GSW, vs. ATL, vs. GSW

How about the Dallas Mavericks? What a run they’re on, and at the best time possible. They’ve won seven consecutive games and 11 straight when Luka Doncic plays. He has become the most underappreciated star in the league right now. What he is doing right is flat-out spectacular. For years, the conversation has been that Luka needs to win to earn an MVP, and now that he is, he isn’t getting any legitimate buzz. Make it make sense! These Mavs are dangerous, and basketball fans should be excited to see how they look in the postseason.

Finals Odds: +3200

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last Week: 5 (+1)

Next Three Games: vs. HOU, vs. TOR, @ PHX

After winning four straight games, including a victory over the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a brutal loss against the Chicago Bulls, crushing their chances of taking the No. 1 seed in the West. Now sitting a game back of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Wolves essentially need to run the table the rest of the way to secure even the two-seed. Still, you won’t find me betting against Anthony Edwards.

Finals Odds: +2300

3. Denver Nuggets

Last Week: 1 (-2)

Next Three Games: vs. SAS, @ LAC, vs. ATL

It wasn’t a great week for the Denver Nuggets as they dropped two home games to the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves, temporarily taking them out of the West’s No. 1 seed. Luckily, the Nuggets have the second-easiest remaining schedule in the East compared to the Thunder’s tenth-hardest, so maybe the Nuggets will find some luck to reclaim the top spot.

Finals Odds: +350

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Week: 4 (+2)

Next Three Games: @ PHI, @ BOS, @ IND

The Oklahoma City Thunder are back in the No. 1 seed in the West as they continue with their Eastern Conference road trip this week. They have to fend off the Philadelphia 76ers tonight before a primetime stop in Boston. Still, every win will be a must-win for the Thunder, as the Nuggets have the second-easiest schedule remaining in the league.

Finals Odds: +1400

1. Boston Celtics

Last Week: 1 (+1)

Next Three Games: vs. OKC, vs. SAC, vs. POR

The Boston Celtics are a win away from being the first team this season to reach the 60-win threshold, as they already have the No. 1 seed in the East comfortably locked up. As we’ve said for weeks, if the Celtics don’t win it all, their season is nothing short of a failure. It’s do-or-die time in Boston.

Finals Odds: +170