NBA Power Rankings: Back in Black

The Top 10

1. Milwaukee Bucks (53-11)

2. LA Lakers (49-13)

3. Toronto Raptors (45-18)

4. LA Clippers (43-20)

5. Boston Celtics (42-21)

6. Denver Nuggets (42-21)

7. Utah Jazz (41-22)

8. Miami Heat-(41-23)

9. OKC Thunder (40-24)

10. Houston Rockets (39-24)

Conference Breakdown

Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks (53-11)

2. Toronto Raptors (45-18)

3. Boston Celtics (42-21)

4. Miami Heat-(41-23)

5. Indiana Pacers-(39-25)

6. Philly 76ers-(38-26)

7. Brooklyn Nets-(29-34)

8. Orlando Magic-(29-35)

In the Hunt

• Washington Wizards-(23-40)

• Charlotte Hornets-(22-40)

Western Conference

1. LA Lakers-(49-13)

2. LA Clippers-(43-20)

3. Denver Nuggets-(42-21)

4. Utah Jazz-(41-22)

5. OKC Thunder-(40-24)

6. Houston Rockets-(39-24)

7. Dallas Mavericks-(39-26)

8. Memphis Grizzlies-(32-32)

In the Hunt

• New Orleans Pelicans-(28-36)

• Sacramento Kings-(28-36)

Best Overall Home Record

1. Philly 76ers-28-2

2. Milwaukee Bucks-28-3

3. Miami Heat-27-4

4. Boston Celtics-23-5

5. LA Clippers-25-7

6. LA Lakers-23-7

7. Denver Nuggets-24-8

8. Toronto Raptors-23-9

9. Boston Celtics-23-9

10. Utah Jazz-21-9

Best Overall Road Record

1. LA Lakers-26-6

2. Milwaukee Bucks-25-8

3. Toronto Raptors-22-9

4. OKC Thunder-22-11

5. Dallas Mavs-21-11

6. Boston Celtics-19-12

7. Utah Jazz-20-13

8. Denver Nuggets-18-13

9. LA Clippers-18-13

10. Houston Rockets-18-14

Best Offenses

• Milwaukee Bucks

• Houston Rockets

• Dallas Mavericks

• New Orleans Pelicans

• LA Clippers

Best Defenses

• Boston Celtics

• Toronto Raptors

• LA Lakers

• Orlando Magic

• Milwaukee Bucks

The Low Down

Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks (53-11)-Burnt Teriyaki in Milwaukee. The Bucks struggled to win this week going just 2-5. The Greek Freak hasn’t had a good March. Antetokounmpo was held to a season-low in points (13) in a 105-89 South Beachdown against Miami then struggled mightily before getting injured (knee) in a 113-103 loss to Lebron James and Los Angeles. The road woes continued in a 140-131 loss to Phoenix when the Bucks surrendered 19 three’s and allowed six Sun players to hit double digits. Milwaukee will need their guards Eric Bledsoe (13 ppg), Wes Matthews (6ppg) and George Hill (8ppg) to step up while the Greek Freak recover against Denver, Boston and Golden State this week.

2. Toronto Raptors (45-18)-Chink in the armor. Yes, the Raptors are capable of losing. No, they don’t do it often. Toronto took four of five this week and packed an offensive punch averaging 120 points per contest. Swingman Norman Powell has been going OFF for “The Six,” averaging 30 a-game shooting 55% from the field pouring in a season-high 37 in a 118-113 victory over the Kings in Sacramento. Another key in the machine has been OG Anunoby. The third-year prospect has been averaging 17 per content and shooting 56% from beyond the arc. Both he and Mr. Powell will look to stay hot when they play the Jazz, Pistons and Warriors this week.

3. Boston Celtics (42-21)-Looking Green around the Gills? Since Kemba Walker’s return the Celtics have been reeling dropping three of their last four. The Thunder literally stole one from the Celtics Sunday as Dennis Schroider stripped Kemba Walker then hit the go-ahead layup to ensure a 105-104 OKC victory. Key starters Gordon Hayward (right knee) and Jaylen Brown (hamstring) have been in/out of the lineup since sustaining injuries causing Boston to struggle beyond the arc. Offensively, the Celtics are shooting an icy 32% from three and 42% from the field overall. Boston will look to nurse their players back to full strength against the Pacers, Bucks, Wizards and Bulls this week.

4. Miami Heat-(41-23)-If you can’t stand the heat, then exit the kitchen. Miami players can relate to this quote on a personal level winning three of four this week. The Heat’s biggest dub was a 105-89 drubbing of the Bucks in South Beach. Miami played superb holding the Greek Freak to just 13 points and the Bucks a mere 20% from three. On the other end, Duncan Robinson has been a snipper beyond the arc shooting (white-hot) 61% from three while averaging 21 per contest. As long as Jimmy Butler’s left toe injury isn’t too serious expect Miami to continue its winning ways against the Hornets, Knicks, Bulls and Bucks.

5. Indiana Pacers-(39-25)-Where there is health, there is wealth. At this point all the Pacers can do is pray one of their starting guards can play each night; when they do Indianna is highly successful. For example, this week they won three of four contests. Following a set-back knee injury (in his achilles recovery) Victor Oladipo may finally be getting back healthy as he has averaged 16 points-per-game in two games, their latest a 112-109 over the Mavericks in Dallas. His continued health would be huge as now Malcolm Brogdon has a torn left quadriceps that will keep him out awhile. This injury will put more on the shoulders of All-Star Domantas Sabonis. The always-steady starter has averaged a double-double this week (18ppg, 12 boards) and will look to keep dominating as his Pacers face the Celtics, 76ers, Warriors, Heat and Cavs this week.

Western Conference

1. LA Lakers-(49-13)-Playoff Lebron is HERE. During the Lakers toughest regular season stretch, King James has shown he’s still the best in the biz. Mr. James has averaged 30-points-per-game, 8 boards and 11 assists with season-altering victories over The Greek Freak and the Bucks (113-103) and Kawhi/PG and the Clippers (112-103). Lebron’s incredible performances has vaulted him in a head-to-head clash with the Greek Freak for the MVP race. Third-year swingman, Kyle Kuzma has been a key x-factor during LA’s toughest stretch. While Kuzma’s offense (11ppg) won’t blow anyone away, his defense (taking charges, steals, blocks) and rebounding 7 per game have been key factors for the Lakers winning their four games this week. Both he and James will look to stay hot against the Nets, Rockets, Nuggets and Jazz twice this week.

2. LA Clippers-(43-20)-The Ship took a Clip (dip) in rough waters losing to the cross-town rival, Lakers Sunday afternoon, 112-103. Despite the loss, LA 2.0 had a solid week winning three of four and Mr. George led the way. Finally healthy, Paul George dominated averaging 21 per-game and going 50 (from the field)-40 (from three)-80 (free throw %) in that span. Kawhi Leonard and Montrezl Harrell have continued their prolific ways averaging 27 and 20-per game respectively. Doc and the crew will look to keep on bringing iit versus the Warriors, Nets, Pelicans and Mavs this week.

3. Denver Nuggets-(42-21)-No defense Denver. The Nuggets went .500 this week largely because they forgot to play defense (particularly late) allowing 112 per contest. Jamal Murray is struggling this month (after taking a step-forward last month) shooting just 42% from the floor despite averaging 18. One player who stepped forward in his absence is Gary Harris. Harris has averaged 14ppg, shooting 70% from beyond the arc and 68% from the field despite the down season. If Harris and savvy veteran Paul Millsap (12ppg, 50% from three) can continue to contribute, the Nuggets can start stringing wins together against the Bucks, Mavericks, Spurs and Lakers this week.

4. Utah Jazz-(41-22)-Mountain Mike, take a hike! Mr. Conley has arrived and in style too. The Veteran is finally showing out (just as the Jazz envisioned him too) averaging 17-points-per-game, shooting 50% from the field and 46% beyond the arc. Conley’s progression paired with Bojan Bogdanovic’s reemergence (after a spotty February) (averaging 23 and shooting 40% beyond the arc) allowed Utah to go undefeated (4-0) this week with a huge road win over the Celtics in Boston (99-94). Conley and Bojan must continue scoring when the Jazz play the surging Raptors, Thunder, Pelicans and Grizz this week.

5. OKC Thunder-(40-24)-First the lightning then the Thunder. Billy Donovan’s crew has had an exceptional season post-Westbrook and Paul George. A big reason for this is their phenomenal guard play. Unheralded sixth-man Dennis Schroder literally won a game! The man ambushed Kemba Walker, ripped the ball away from him and then converted the go-ahead layup for a 105-104 Thunder dub in Beantown. He (22ppg) along with the ageless Chris Paul (20ppg, 8 assists) and sharpshooting (40% from three) Danilo Gallinari (18-per-contest) have propelled OKC to take three of four this week. Donovan’s crew will try to keep winning and look to nurse Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (hip) back to health versus the Jazz, T-Wolves and Wizards this week.

Hardware Season

Coach of the Year

• Mike Budenholzer-Following a tremendous 60-22 record last season, Bud’s encore is a 53-12 record thus far with some familiar faces (Greek Freak, Middleton and Bledsoe) paired with some new ones (Robin Lopez, Marvin Williams and Donte Divincenzo) that make the Bucks once again a legit title contender once more.

• Bill Donovan (No Russell Westbrook, No Paul George, No James Harden) and this week have a better record than the team that has Westbrook and Harden (Houston Rockets).

• Nick Nurse-(Lose your best player, the finals MVP-Kawhi Leonard), the often-injured Raptors are still the cream of the crop thanks to Spicy P, a rejuvenated Kyle Lowry and the development of “the other guys,” Norman Powell, OG Anunoby, Terrance Davis and Fred VanVleet.

• Erik Spoelstra-(Has anyone actually heard of Kenrick Nunn, how about Duncan Robinson, how about Tyler Herro?) Jimmy Butler paired with Bam Adebayo have brought the fire (resilience, grit, toughness and athleticism) back to South Beach. Think the Coach has something to do with their development and making American Airlines one of the toughest places to win (again).

• Rick Carlisle-(European flavor, the skilled Luka Doncic and the talented Kristaps Porzingis have brought the lightning and Thunder in Big D and created a solid foundation for what looks like a promising future in Cuban/Jones County).

• Taylor Jenkins-(Who would’ve thought Memphis would be .500 and a legit playoff contender? Ja Morant certainly did. He along with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks and a savvy young-and-coming coach has Memphis playing their own tune into playoff city.

Chris’s Pick: Nick Nurse

MVP

• Lebron James-Leading the NBA in assists, best team in the West and playing better than guys like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson at age 35 the King may be back to take his throne. Averaging 25, 8 and 10.8, Lebron has the Lakers thinking NBA Title or bust.

• The Greek Freak-Simply put the most dominant force in the Eastern Conference. Since entering the league (similar to Lebron), Giannis Antetokounmpo has improved every part of his game and brought a small-market Milwaukee team to the forefront of NBA fans worldwide. Averaging a blistering 29 points-per-game, 14 boards, 6 assists and an NBA-historical best 31 PER. (Player efficiency rating) has the Bucks thinking 1971 (where they won their last NBA World Championship) with the Freak and Co. this season.

• Chris’s Pick: The Greek Freak

Defensive Player of the Year

Before I get into this, I’m off the belief the best defenders in the league are guys like Pat Beverley, Marcus Smart, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Paul George gets an honorable mention because he’s always injured. That being said here are the ACTUAL contenders:

• Anthony Davis-Whether it be his length or whether it be his athleticism, the “D,” in AD stands for defense and he brings it every night. Second the league in blocks (2.46) and averaging a steal and nine boards, the Brow has been the defensive anchor for the best in the West Lakers. Could hardware be in his future this season? We will see.

• The Greek Freak-Averaging 14 boards, a block and a steal the Greek Freak has been a major anchor on both ends leading the Eastern-best Bucks to Title contention once more. His energy (very few) can match, his competitive fire can be compared to that of Lebron’s or even the late-great Kobe Bryant and with that kind of every-night intensity the Greek Freak could bring home lots of hardware (MVP, D-Player of the Year and maybe a Title).

• Bam Adebayo-The former Kentucky Wildcat has brought the sizzle to South Beach with rim-smashing dunks, high-flying rebounds and lots and lots of defense. Anchoring the tenacious, rejuvenated and rough-riding Miami defense, Bam has nabbed 10 boards to pair with a steal and a block per game. The third-year pro has become one of the best overall big men in the league and can top off a great season with some hardware to match.

• Rudy Gobert-The defensive anchorman for the Jazz, the silky smooth Frenchman continues to exemplify what the Jazz are all about, tough, athletic and intelligent is the name of Gobert’s game averaging 14 boards, 2 blocks and a steal this season. The 7-footer will try to be the first player since Dwight Howard (during the 2009-11) to take home the hardware three consecutive years.

Chris’s Pick: Anthony Davis.

Most Improved Player

• Brandon Ingram-A change of scenery is all he needed? In his first year in The Big Easy, Ingram is averaging a career-high in points, rebounds, assists, blocks in free throw percentage. BI was selected to his first All-Star game and is averaging 24 points-per-game for the surging Pelicans.

• Bam Adebayo-Bam Force Trauma. A double-double machine averaging 16 points and 10 boards along with a career-high in assists, blocks and steals, Bam Adebayo has been a beast in the East this season. The former Kentucky Wildcat has been a big reason for the Heat’s resurgence and brought the sizzle back in South Beach.

• Devonte Graham-One of the biggest shockers in the league, the former Kansas Jayhawk has erupted this season averaging 18-points-per-game while dishing out 7 assists (good for 8th in the league) and shooting a blistering 37% beyond the arc. A thirteen-point improvement for a former D-league player is just unheard of. Graham was invited to NBA All-Star weekend to participate in the three-point content and USA versus World game and now he’s trying to cap-off his breakout season with hardware to match.

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-Nearly doubling his offensive output (10 points to now 19 per contest), SGA has been a huge reason why the Thunder are playoff pushers post Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Gilgeous-Alexander has benefited greatly from the guidance of veteran H-O-F guard, Chris Paul, the only 21-year-old has hit double-digits in every.single.game but one. That’s nuts and winning Most Improved Player would fit the bill.

• Luka Doncic-I know about to speak blasphemy but Luka may be the next Lebron. The skill, the power, the finesse Luka has all of it and more averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage and free throw percentage. Averaging 28 points, 9 boards, 8 assists and the fourth best Player Efficiency Rating in the league at 27 PER. Coming off the Rookie-of-the-Year award, the perfect encore for Luka would be taking home the Most-Improved-Player hardware.

• Fred VanVleet-Toronto deserves a lot of credit for player improvement and VanVleet is just that dude. Hitting career-highs in points (17), three point percentage (39%), rebounds (4), assists (6) and steals (2), Fredericoooo, is having a career year and it’s just what the doctor ordered for The Six to be right back in NBA final contenders, post Kawhi Leonard.

• Honorable Mentions: Spencer Dinwiddie (Brooklyn Nets), Collin Sexton (Cleveland Cavs), Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Kelly Oubre Jr. (Phoenix Suns) and Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks).

Chris’s Pick: Bam Adebayo

Sixth Man of the Year

• Dennis Schroder-Having a career-year, Schroder has been a sixth-man superstar for the Thunder and a huge reason Oklahoma City is a playoff contender. Shooting a career-best 47% from the field, 38% beyond the arc, averaging 19-4-4 per game, Schroder has proven to be a worthy six-man of the year this season.

• Montrezl Harrell-Energy, energy and more energy. Trezz is an absolute beast! Whether it’s offensive rebounding or his smooth array of skills around the basket, Mr. Harrell averaging a career-best 19-per-game with 7 boards shooting 58% has the Clippers title contenders once more and a sixth-man award may be coming to a theatre near you this season.

• Lou Williams-Ever-steady, ever-consistent, every-single-day. That’s Lou, as his teammates would surely tell you. Averaging 18 per contest and dishing out six assists, Williams will look for a triple crown on this hardware and solidify being one of the best sixth-men to ever play.

Chris’s Pick: Dennis Schroder

Rookie of The Year

• Zion Williamson-He might be the 8th Wonder of the World. The case for mighty Zion is he is averaging a blistering 24-point, 7 boards, 2 assists and a steal per contest. The case against him is he’s only played 19 games which hearkens me back to the debate between then rookie-Donovan Mitchell and second-year player Ben Simmons who’s rookie was sidelined from an injury. Williamsons’ girth, freakish athleticism and Shaq-like power is a mesmerizing marvel to see but will his short stay be enough to bring home a season-long award? We will see.

• Ja Morant-Ja is the truth. When he’s not trying to end NBA players careers’ via NBA dunk poster (insert, Kevin Love, Anthony Davis, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot), he’s simply balling out. The 20-year-old has been sensational averaging 17ppg and 7 assists in Memphis’ much-improved surprising season. Morant has reached double-digit points in all but five games this season and has shown flashes of a seasoned point in a league full of incredible ones. Will his season end with a playoff berth? Will it end with Rookie of the Year? Or even better will it end up with both.

Chris’s pick: Ja Morant.