– Last Updated on November 21, 2022 3:05 pm
2017-18 NBA Power Rankings
Looking for 2017-18 NBA Power Rankings? We’ve hit the half-season mark of the current campaign, and there are plenty of storylines to keep track of. But for our purposes, we’re only focused on who’s hot and who’s not as we break down the current power rankings.
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As always, our rankings will look at the entire body of work for all 30 teams, with a specific emphasis on recent trends.
1. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are the easy choice here at No. 1. Yes, they have a bad loss to the LA Clippers now on their season resume as of Wednesday night, but that was sans both Splash Brothers.
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Ever since Stephen Curry returned, Golden State has been on top of the league. The catch, of course, is that he’s now out again with another ankle injury.
Keep an eye on his status moving forward.
2. Boston Celtics
Entering the Boston Celtics’ Thursday afternoon London Experience against the Philadelphia 76ers, this squad has won seven straight and eight of its last nine.
Boston’s offense is middle of the pack as the 14th ranked offensive efficiency, but its defense is elite. The C’s are giving up just 99.7 points per 100 possessions, which puts them at first in defensive efficiency.
3. Toronto Raptors
Serge Ibaka is out for Thursday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of his scuffle with James Johnson, but the team may be able to make up the difference on the other end.
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The catch is that the team has a tough week ahead even if it can pull off a win against the defending Eastern Conference champs. Following the Cavs, Toronto has the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves in their path before they catch a break against the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz.
4. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets haven’t been the same since James Harden was sidelined, but the good news here is that Chris Paul is still balling out. This team could easily see a jump up to No. 3 this week with the Raptors’ tough schedule (plus they play bottom-five offenses all week).
5. San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio just continues to get the job done no matter what injuries they’re forced to endure.
With Kawhi Leonard sidelined again, players like Davis Bertans and Kyle Anderson have stepped in to make a terrible situation less terrible. Manu Ginobili continues to play an important role as well, which never hurts.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have the 27th rated defensive efficiency. That’s a huge problem for any team hoping to contend for a title.
With Isiah Thomas back in the lineup, defense is going to continue to be a problem. But as he gets more comfortable in the flow of the game, the offensive firepower he brings to the table could make up the difference.
7. Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards don’t feel like a contender so far this season, but they’re looking like homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a top-four seed.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
One team that will be chasing the Wiz for that top-four seed is the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still on pace to be an MVP finalist, and the team recently got news that Jabari Parker could be nearing his return.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are finally starting to play defense.
We say finally because it’s literally the first time we can say that in 1.5 seasons under Tom Thibodeau.
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Combine that with the fact that this group has multiple go-to scorers and All-Star-caliber players and you have a team that could creep closer to the top five in our rankings during coming weeks.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
Philly enters Thursday night with a four-game winning streak and a battle against the conference-leading Boston Celtics. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have a bright future together, but what we’re learning this season is that “the future” is nearly upon us.
More NBA Power Rankings – Teams #11 – > #30
- 11. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 12. Denver Nuggets
- 13. Detroit Pistons
- 14. Portland Trail Blazers
- 15. New Orleans Pelicans
- 16. Miami Heat
- 17. LA Clippers
- 18. New York Knicks
- 19. Indiana Pacers
- 20. Chicago Bulls
- 21. Charlotte Hornets
- 22. Brooklyn Nets
- 23. Dallas Mavericks
- 24. Phoenix Suns
- 25. Utah Jazz
- 26. Los Angeles Lakers
- 27. Memphis Grizzlies
- 28. Sacramento Kings
- 29. Atlanta Hawks
- 30. Orlando Magic
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