NBA POWER RANKINGS 2020
1. Los Angeles Clippers: With Patrick Beverley (calf) out and Paul George struggling, the Clippers have looked quite beatable in the first round. It certainly helps that Dallas has a transcendent superstar in Luka Doncic, who has willed his team to a pair of wins. The Clips are still the deepest and most talented team in the league on paper, they just need Beverley to get healthy and PG to find his rhythm in the playoffs.
2. Milwaukee Bucks: Dropping Game 1 of their first round series against the Magic seemed to provide the spark the Bucks needed. After going 3-5 during the seeding games, Milwaukee is back to playing dominant basketball with Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating the paint on both ends.
3. Toronto Raptors: The Raptors have looked like the best team in the Bubble and have the best net rating (20.2) in the playoffs after sweeping the Nets in the first round. Nick Nurse was deservedly anointed as the 2019-2020 NBA Coach of the Year and he could lead this team on another deep run despite losing Kawhi Leonard during the offseason. Kyle Lowry suffered an ankle injury in their series finale, but will have several days to rest before Game 1 of their ECF semifinal against Boston.
4. Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James and Anthony Davis are playing like superstars once again and the Lakers have taken control of their first round series by dominating defensively. If they dispatch the Blazers, they could face a similar – but more formidable – challenge in the form of the small ball Rockets.
5. Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic has taken the league by storm this year and has taken his team to a new level with his leadership in the Bubble. The Mavs are giving the Clippers a legitimate scare and Doncic is asserting himself as a top five player.
6. Houston Rockets: The Rockets have impressed early in the playoffs despite the absence of Russell Westbrook (quad). Jeff Green has become a vital part of their small-ball style by giving them enough size and rebounding to defend and enough outside shooting to exploit opposing big men.
7. Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum continues to dominate at both ends and Kemba Walker (knee) looks healthier than he has since the calendar turned to 2020. Jaylen Brown has also taken a huge leap forward as a two-way star. Marcus Smart can fill the void created by Gordon Hayward’s multi-week ankle injury, but that gives Brad Stevens far fewer options off the bench.
8. Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo continues to redefine the center position in today’s NBA and Jimmy Butler has been clutch in the playoffs per usual. But the biggest factor in Miami’s rapid improvement is the play of young guards Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, as well as steady point guard play from Goran Dragic.
9. Utah Jazz: It’s difficult to tell if the Jazz have suddenly become contenders, or are simply exploiting Denver’s horrendous defense. The Nuggets, who posted the worst defensive rating during the seeding games, have made Donovan Mitchell look like an MVP candidate and allowed Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley to gain ample confidence as well.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder: Oklahoma City’s offense has sputtered throughout the restart and is now officially struggling with Chris Paul getting little help from his young running mates in the backcourt. Steven Adams (knee) is banged up and is an awkward fit in a series against the small-ball Rockets.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers stole Game 1 from the Lakers, but have been bullied in the succeeding matchups. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are eating in this cake matchup, yet the Blazers have even less depth than the Lakers and may not have the physicality necessary to stop LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
12. Indiana Pacers: Victor Oladipo (quad) was finally rounding back into form for Indy, but it was too little, too late. Without Domantas Sabonis (foot), this squad was unable to match up with a surging Heat team.
13. Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray is showing his potential and working well with Nikola Jokic to carry Denver’s offense. However, without Gary Harris (hip), the Nuggets have become arguably the worst defensive team left in the playoffs and have given up 124-plus points to Utah in each game of their first round series.
