NBA Top-10 Power Rankings: Feb. 25
With the NBA season in full-swing, here's a look at the top teams.
1. Phoenix Suns
The Suns are currently the best team in the NBA at 46-10. They have only lost one game since Jan. 8 and have the fourth-best offense to go with the sixth-best defense.
With the loss of Chris Paul for six to seven weeks due to a fractured thumb, Cameron Payne steps in as a solid replacement to keep the team on top.
2. Miami Heat
Despite injuries to Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Lowry, the Heat are tied for the number one seed in the eastern conference at 38-21. Lowry has proved to be an upgrade over Goran Dragic and Tyler Herro has bounced back as a 20 point per game scorer
Max Straus, Cody Martin, and Omer Yurtseven have emerged as quality role players for the team. They’ll be a scary team to face in the playoffs.
3. Golden State Warriors
The loss of Draymond Green has hurt the team's defense, but the Warriors are still the second seed in the western conference at 42-17.
A positive sign has been Stephen Curry getting his efficiency back up, currently shooting 49.6 percent from the field in February so far.
4. Chicago Bulls
Despite long-term injuries to Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, the Bulls have remained the second seed in the eastern conference at 38-21 with Coby White and Ayo Dosunmo replacing the two very well.
Demar Derozan has continued his MVP-caliber season by averaging 35.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while 57.2 percent shooting from the field in February. He has complimented fellow star Zach Lavine very well.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have gone 11-2 in games Ja Morant hasn’t played this year. That’s what has kept the Grizzlies as the third seed in the western conference at 41-19.
When Morant has been playing, he has emerged as a legitimate superstar with averages of 26.8 points per game on 49.5 percent shooting from the field. He has been flanked by Desmond Bane, who has averaged 17.8 points a game on 46 percent shooting from the field.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
Despite a 135-87 loss to the Celtics on Feb. 15, the 76ers have managed to stay the 3rd seed in the eastern conference at 35-23 despite a tough February schedule.
Joel Embiid has kept up his MVP numbers this month with 31.8 points and 11.4 rebounds a game. Tyrese Maxey has averaged 17.5 points a game on 47.6 percent shooting from the field as his emergence as a potential star continues.
The James Harden trade should provide the team a playmaker that they’ve missed with Ben Simmons sitting out and improving the No. 20 scoring offense.
7. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are currently 6-2 in February. Luka Doncic has averaged 36.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 9.4 assists on 46.9 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent from three in the month so far.
The team defense has been elite this season, giving up only 103.3 points per game.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently in the midst of another MVP-caliber season. The team remains a top seed at fourth in the eastern conference at 35-23.
The team defense will need to improve, as they are No. 16 in points allowed with 109.8 points given up per game.
9. Boston Celtics
Since Jan. 28, the Celtics have only lost one game. Over the past 10 games, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are averaging 24.7 and 22.5 points per game, respectively.
Team defense has played a big role this season, only giving up 103.5 points a game.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers
In a season they weren’t projected to make the playoffs while losing Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio for the season, the Cavaliers are fifth in the conference at 35-24.
The additions of veterans Caris Levert and Rajon Rondo make it clear the Cavaliers are looking to be contenders.
Timothy Lonas is a junior majoring in digital/print journalism. To contact him, email tpl5336@psu.edu.
