Golden State is clearly the top squad in the latest power rankings and despite a solid season from San Antonio, they will remain there until the Spurs can pass them in the standings, which at this point seems unlikely. For fans of the game, a closer look in the East reveals a tight race as teams battle for home court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.
Cleveland remains on top, but the Toronto Raptors are just three games back with both squads playing excellent basketball over the last month. The Cavaliers can’t lose focus over the last few weeks as traveling to Canada could cost them a shot at winning a championship.
Miami (32-24) and Boston (33-25) are sitting third and fourth respectively, but there’s no room to breathe as several teams are in the chase to pass them in the playoff rankings. Indiana and Atlanta are just two games back, but don’t forget about Charlotte, who with five straight wins are now just 2.5 games back for home court advantage in the opening round.
Chicago is also 2.5 games back, but with the inconsistent play all year, it seems they just don’t have the right chemistry to make a big move over the last few weeks. Detroit and Washington are currently out of the playoff picture, but a hot streak from the Pistons and Wizards could change things quickly.
The Western Conference race is a bit more clear — Oklahoma City and the LA Clippers are lined up behind the big two. Memphis is sitting comfortably in the fifth spot, but that means plenty of travel come playoff time for the Grizzlies.
Utah has made a late surge to get into the picture, but the Jazz are still in a battle Houston, Portland, and Dallas sitting above them in the latest NBA standings.
