NBA Power Rankings: Health and Strategy as Playoffs Approach

NBA Power Rankings: Health and Strategy as Playoffs Approach

As we inch closer to the end of the NBA regular season, the excitement is palpable. With just a month left, the Cleveland Cavaliers have already secured their playoff spot, leading the East with an impressive record. Meanwhile, several other teams are on the cusp of clinching their own spots, making this a thrilling time for basketball fans.

One of the key factors that will determine success in the playoffs is the health of the teams. We’ve seen how injuries can impact a team’s performance, with the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks being prime examples of teams that have struggled due to injuries. As we look at this week’s Power Rankings, the focus is on each team’s health and their strategy for the final weeks of the season. Should teams prioritize player development and potential draft positioning by resting their starters, or should they push to maintain their standings and ensure a healthy roster for the playoffs?

Let’s take a closer look at this week’s updated Power Rankings for all 30 NBA teams, as determined by our panel of experts, including ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, and Chris Herring.

• 1. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2024-25 record: 55-10
  • Previous ranking: 1
  • Next games: @ MEM (Mar. 14), vs. ORL (Mar. 16), @ LAC (Mar. 18)

  The Cavaliers are in a great position, with coach Kenny Atkinson able to play 14 players against Milwaukee as they extended their win streak to 14 games. With an eight-game lead for the No. 1 spot in the East and 17 games left, the Cavs can afford to be cautious with potential injury risks without jeopardizing their playoff seeding. — Dave McMenamin

• 2. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • 2024-25 record: 53-12
  • Previous ranking: 2
  • Next games: @ BOS (Mar. 12), @ DET (Mar. 15), @ MIL (Mar. 16)

  Chet Holmgren’s performance in Monday’s loss to the Nuggets was a bit of a struggle, but his participation is a positive sign of progress. It was the first time Holmgren played both ends of a back-to-back since recovering from a fractured pelvis. The Thunder are 8-2 when Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein play together, boasting a plus-12.3 net rating with both 7-footers on the floor. — Tim MacMahon

• 3. Boston Celtics

  • 2024-25 record: 47-18
  • Previous ranking: 3
  • Next games: vs. OKC (Mar. 12), @ MIA (Mar. 14), @ BKN (Mar. 15), vs. BKN (Mar. 18)

  Kristaps Porzingis’ recent announcement about his ongoing viral illness is concerning, as it has caused him to miss the past six games. On a brighter note, Jrue Holiday returned from a pinky finger injury for Saturday’s win over the Lakers. — Tim Bontemps

• 4. Denver Nuggets

  • 2024-25 record: 42-23
  • Previous ranking: 6
  • Next games: vs. MIN (Mar. 12), vs. LAL (Mar. 14), vs. WAS (Mar. 15), @ GS (Mar. 17)

  Nikola Jokic is playing some of the best basketball of his life, despite dealing with elbow and ankle injuries. His recent 31-point, 22-assist, 21-rebound performance was historic. The Nuggets need a healthy supporting cast to make a deep playoff run, with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon being key contributors. — Ohm Youngmisuk

• 5. Los Angeles Lakers

  • 2024-25 record: 40-23
  • Previous ranking: 4
  • Next games: @ MIL (Mar. 13), @ DEN (Mar. 14), vs. PHX (Mar. 16), vs. SA (Mar. 17)

  LeBron James’ left groin strain has been a significant issue for the Lakers, but it’s not the only injury concern. Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jordan Goodwin, and Rui Hachimura have all missed games recently. James is expected to be out for at least another week. — McMenamin

• 6. Memphis Grizzlies

  • 2024-25 record: 41-24
  • Previous ranking: 7
  • Next games: vs. UTAH (Mar. 12), vs. CLE (Mar. 14), vs. MIA (Mar. 15), @ SAC (Mar. 17)

  Despite injuries to key players like Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies have won three straight games. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane’s return has been crucial, but the supporting cast needs to step up with bigs like Jackson and Zach Edey out. — Michael Wright

• 7. New York Knicks

  • 2024-25 record: 41-23
  • Previous ranking: 5
  • Next games: @ POR (Mar. 12), @ GS (Mar. 15), vs. MIA (Mar. 17)

  With Jalen Brunson out for at least two weeks due to an ankle injury, the Knicks have an opportunity to develop a better attack for the postseason. Brunson’s absence affects the team’s ballhandling, but it also allows for growth in other areas. — Chris Herring

• 8. Golden State Warriors

  • 2024-25 record: 37-28
  • Previous ranking: 12
  • Next games: vs. SAC (Mar. 13), vs. NYK (Mar. 15), vs. DEN (Mar. 17), vs. MIL (Mar. 18)

  The Warriors are gaining momentum and nearing full strength. Jonathan Kuminga’s expected return will add an explosive element off the bench, but coach Steve Kerr plans to integrate him slowly to maintain team chemistry. — Youngmisuk

• 9. Houston Rockets

  • 2024-25 record: 40-25
  • Previous ranking: 8
  • Next games: vs. PHX (Mar. 12), vs. DAL (Mar. 14), vs. CHI (Mar. 15), vs. PHI (Mar. 17)

  Fred VanVleet is close to returning from an ankle injury, but Amen Thompson’s recent sprain will sideline him for two weeks. The Rockets are within reach of a top seed in the West and need to capitalize on their current homestand. — Wright

• 10. Milwaukee Bucks

  • 2024-25 record: 36-28
  • Previous ranking: 9
  • Next games: vs. LAL (Mar. 13), vs. IND (Mar. 15), vs. OKC (Mar. 16), vs. GS (Mar. 18)

  Health is crucial for the Bucks’ championship hopes. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s commitment to shooting more midrange shots has helped him stay fresher, and the team is finding its stride since the All-Star break. — Jamal Collier

As the regular season winds down, teams are making strategic decisions to balance health, player development, and playoff positioning. The next few weeks will be critical in determining which teams can maintain their momentum and enter the playoffs with a healthy and competitive roster.