LeBron James Is Doing the Unthinkable Again
Believe it or not, there are just three weeks left in the 2023-24 NBA campaign.
And while the Boston Celtics may have locked up the top seed in the Eastern Conference, playoff races all over the rest of the league are heating up.
Three teams (the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves) are still in the mix for first in the West. The play-in ranges in each conference are very much in flux.
As teams continue to jockey for positioning in both conferences, we’ll rank the entire league with the same criteria we use every week: team and individual numbers, recent performance, championship chances and plenty of subjectivity.
And, of course, no late-season power rankings would be complete without a LeBron James status check. Spoiler: He’s still incredible.
30. Washington Wizards (12-58)1 OF 31
Deni AvdijaStephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 30Net Rating: -9.5
The Washington Wizards snuck out a victory against the Sacramento Kings to end the week, a win that pushed them to 3-21 in their last 24.
At this point, they’re pretty much assured a 14 percent chance at the No. 1 overall pick, but that may not be the only source of solace.
Over his last 14 games, 23-year-old Deni Avdija is averaging 19.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 threes, while shooting 40.0 percent from deep.
29. Charlotte Hornets (17-52)2 OF 31
Grant WilliamsRich Schultz/Getty Images
Previous Rank: 29Net Rating: -10.3
The Charlotte Hornets have been a more competitive 7-12 since the trade deadline, and the rotation players they acquired that day are all under contract for 2024-25.
Since joining the Hornets, Grant Williams is averaging 13.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 threes per game, Vasilije Micić is at 12.3 points and 5.5 assists and Tre Mann is putting up 12.1 points and 4.7 assists.
If the team can simply add healthy versions of LaMelo Ball (which gets harder to imagine with every injury-riddled year) and Mark Williams, it should be able to claw its way away from the bottom of the East.
And if the Hornets can add a difference-maker with their cap space (which could exceed $30 million, per Cap Sheets), they might even threaten the play-in range.
28. Detroit Pistons (12-57)3 OF 31
Cade CunninghamChris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 28Net Rating: -8.3
It’s been easy to criticize the Detroit Pistons for most of this season. And that extends to the No. 1 overall pick in 2020, Cade Cunningham.
Given the lack of experience and high-end talent around him, though, his third season in the NBA may be worthy of a bit more praise than it’s gotten to this point.
In a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Cunningham had 23 points and 10 assists, bringing his averages to 22.2 and 7.6.
The list of players who matched or exceeded both those marks in an age-22 (or younger) season is pretty impressive: Luka Dončić (three times), LaMelo Ball (twice), Trae Young (twice), Stephon Marbury, Oscar Robertson, Derrick Rose and Isiah Thomas.
27. Portland Trail Blazers (19-50)4 OF 31
Scoot HendersonAmanda Loman/Getty Images
Previous Rank: 26Net Rating: -8.1
Ordinarily, a season as bad as the Portland Trail Blazers’ might come with some ray of hope from a recent top draft pick.
If Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick last summer, had shown some hint of consistently solid play, this way-below-.500 campaign would’ve been easier for fans to stomach.
But in the seven games since returning from his most recent injury, Henderson is averaging 11.9 points, 4.9 assists and 3.1 turnovers while shooting 35.3 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from deep.
This stretch has dragged down Scoot’s season-long box plus/minus to minus-6.6, a mark that ranks 1,058th among the 1,062 rookie seasons with 1,000-plus minutes since 1973-74.
26. San Antonio Spurs (15-54)5 OF 31
Gregg Popovich and Tre JonesPhotos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 27Net Rating: -7.3
If the goal was to wind up at or near the top of the lottery again, the San Antonio Spurs’ approach to this season makes plenty of sense.
If it was to be competitive during Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season, it took way too long to consistently surround him with logical lineups.
The “Jeremy Sochan at point guard” experiment was interesting, but turning someone who was a non-shooting, hustle-and-energy forward in college into an NBA 1 had almost no chance of success.
Having Wemby play the 4 could’ve been interesting, too, but his advantages in terms of agility and skill are far greater against 5s.
So, even with a season-long net rating that’s been in the bottom five throughout 2023-24, the Spurs are plus-5.5 points per 100 possessions (80th percentile) when Wembanyama is playing center and Tre Jones (a good old-fashioned point guard) is merely on the floor.
25. Toronto Raptors (23-46)6 OF 31
Gradey DickBart Young/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 25Net Rating: -4.7
If the Toronto Raptors’ 2023-24 white flag isn’t waving, it sure feels like it’s at least being fastened to the flagpole.
After losing on Wednesday, the Raptors have now dropped eight straight and 10 of their last 11. They are essentially eliminated from play-in contention, and their rotation minutes are starting to feel like a game of musical chairs.
On the bright side, 2023 first-round pick Gradey Dick is starting to show signs of life.
The 20-year-old averaged 4.0 points and shot 27.9 percent from deep in his first 28 games. In his 20 appearances since then, he’s at 10.9 points and 2.1 threes with a 41.0 three-point percentage.
24. Brooklyn Nets (26-44)7 OF 31
Mikal Bridges and Cameron JohnsonPhotos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 24Net Rating: -2.6
Few teams seem as rudderless as the Brooklyn Nets right now.
Beyond being 13-34 since a decent 13-10 start to the season, Brooklyn doesn’t have a single sure-fire star on the roster. It doesn’t have control of several of its first-rounders over the next few years.
And at least corners of the front office have to be regretting not getting some of the Nets’ draft picks back from the Houston Rockets earlier this season (Houston was reportedly willing to return some for Mikal Bridges).
23. Memphis Grizzlies (23-47)8 OF 31
GG JacksonNoah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 23Net Rating: -6.7
This space was devoted to GG Jackson last week, but the rookie who just turned 19 in December keeps having noteworthy performances.
His Memphis Grizzlies were crushed by the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, but Jackson dropped 35, bringing his average to 18.0 points over his last 15 games.
Combine the more consistent scoring with his size (6’9″ with a 7’0″ wingspan) and ahead-of-schedule defense, and it’s easy to get excited about Jackson’s future.
22. Utah Jazz (29-41)9 OF 31
Collin SextonGlenn James/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 22Net Rating: -4.0
After a second straight season mostly spent in the NBA’s no-man’s land, the Utah Jazz are on track to land outside the top five in the draft again.
This is an organizational spot that can be tough on fans. The Jazz aren’t bad enough for a great shot at No. 1, but they’re not good enough to make the play-in.
For a lot of teams around this range (like, say, the Brooklyn Nets), it can be hard to identify silver linings. That’s not true for Utah, which has a legitimate All-Star building block in Lauri Markkanen, a surging rookie in Keyonte George and one of the most underrated players in the league in Collin Sexton.
After dropping 20 in a loss on Thursday, Sexton is now averaging 18.5 points and 4.8 assists in just 26.0 minutes. He’s the only player in NBA history to match or exceed both of those marks in 26 or fewer minutes per game.
21. Atlanta Hawks (30-39)10 OF 31
Dejounte MurrayBarry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 20Net Rating: -2.1
Fortunately, the Atlanta Hawks are in the Eastern Conference and have a four-and-a-half game cushion between their 10th-place spot and the 11th-place Brooklyn Nets.
After losing to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, they’re now 1-5 in their last six and looking like more than a long shot to escape the play-in tournament.
Of course, this version of the Hawks is without Trae Young, and we’re now approaching the end of the original four-week timeline for his reevaluation after a surgery on his left finger.
If he’s back and at full speed before those elimination games, Atlanta might still have a puncher’s chance to get into the postseason.
20. Philadelphia 76ers (38-31)11 OF 31
Joel EmbiidTim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Previous Rank: 21Net Rating: +2.4
After losing to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers are 12-23 in games missed by Joel Embiid.
And there’s a very real chance they’ll have to survive the play-in tournament to make the postseason.
But help may be on the way between now and then.
Head coach Nick Nurse told reporters this week that Embiid is in the “ramp up” phase of his rehab. And while Philadelphia still hasn’t put a definite timeline on his return, this is undoubtedly a positive update.
If Embiid is back in time for the play-in, it’s not hard to imagine them getting through. Philadelphia is plus-10.3 points per 100 possessions when the big man is on the floor with Tyrese Maxey.
19. Chicago Bulls (34-36)12 OF 31
Ayo DosunmuLogan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 19Net Rating: -1.8
With eighth place four-and-a-half games ahead and 10th place three games behind, the Chicago Bulls seem pretty much locked into ninth and the bottom half of the play-in tournament.
And if they keep getting performances from Ayo Dosunmu like the one he delivered on Thursday, they might have an outside shot to escape those elimination games.
The Bulls lost to the red-hot Houston Rockets, but the 24-year-old had 35 points on 13-of-18 shooting. And over his last 18 games, he’s averaged 17.9 points, 5.6 assists and 2.6 threes, while shooting 42.7 percent from deep.
18. Houston Rockets (34-35)13 OF 31
Amen Thompson, Jalen Green and Jeff GreenLogan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 18Net Rating: +1.0
The Houston Rockets are on an absolute tear since switching to an unconventional starting five in the wake of Alperen Şengün’s injury.
With Jabari Smith Jr. as the nominal 5, Fred VanVleet starting at the 1 and Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and rookie Amen Thompson making up something of a positionless trio between them, the Rockets are overwhelming opponents with athleticism, defensive tenacity and switchability.
Houston has won seven straight and is suddenly back within striking distance of the play-in tournament.
17. Los Angeles Lakers (37-32)14 OF 31
LeBron JamesAdam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 16Net Rating: -0.2
LeBron James’ numbers were already outrageous for a player in his age-39 campaign, but he’s somehow found another level of late, as the Los Angeles Lakers solidify their play-in spot.
Over his last 11 games, James is putting up 28.3 points, 9.5 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 threes and 1.1 steals while shooting 45.0 percent from deep.
And while there are plenty of worthy candidates, he is now at 60 games played (five shy of the minimum of 65 to qualify for postseason awards), with this recent stretch giving him a pretty solid argument for a record 20th All-NBA nod.
No other player in NBA history has more than 15.
16. Golden State Warriors (36-32)15 OF 31
Jonathan Kuminga and Steve KerrEzra Shaw/Getty Images
Previous Rank: 17Net Rating: +1.6
The ascendence of Jonathan Kuminga has completely changed the Golden State Warriors’ 2023-24 fortunes.
He entered the starting lineup for good on January 27, when the Warriors lost a double-overtime thriller to the Los Angeles Lakers to move to 19-24.
Since then, Golden State is 17-8. And in those 25 games, Kuminga is averaging 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
15. Indiana Pacers (39-31)16 OF 31
Tyrese HaliburtonBrian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 15Net Rating: +2.0
The Indiana Pacers crushed the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday by 19 points, moving them to 4-2 in their last six.
In this little stretch, they have road wins over both the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder. So, from a team perspective, it feels like things are headed in the right direction.
However, after going 1-of-3 from deep in the latest win, Tyrese Haliburton’s shooting slump may be nearing concerning territory (if that’s possible for a career 39.4 percent three-point shooter).
Over his last 13 games, the 24-year-old is averaging 15.4 points and shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 19.5 percent from deep.
The Pacers, again, are picking up some wins during this slump, but if Haliburton can’t get closer to where he was before it started (he averaged 21.9 points and shot 40.0 percent from three in his first 44 games), Indiana probably won’t put a playoff scare in anyone.
14. Miami Heat (38-31)17 OF 31
Jimmy ButlerDavid Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 14Net Rating: +0.6
It’s been sort of a roller-coaster season for the Miami Heat, and the last couple weeks were no exception.
After going on a four-game losing streak earlier this month, they got back on track with a 3-1 week that ended with a road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Jimmy Butler had 30 points, five assists and four steals in that game, and Miami is now 7-1 on the season when he eclipses the 30-point mark.
13. Sacramento Kings (40-29)18 OF 31
Domantas SabonisKenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 13Net Rating: +1.5
The frustrating inconsistency of the Sacramento Kings has been on display the last couple weeks.
On March 12, they crushed the Milwaukee Bucks, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 30. They beat the Los Angeles Lakers by double-digits the next night. But this week, they went 2-2, with one of the losses coming to the Washington Wizards and one of the wins taking overtime against the Memphis Grizzlies.
It’s tough to know which version of the Kings you might get on any given night, but the same can’t really be said of Domantas Sabonis individually.
He still leads the league in triple-doubles this season, and after finishing with 14 points and 14 rebounds in Thursday’s loss to Washington, he’s recorded a double-double in 52 straight games.
12. Orlando Magic (42-28)19 OF 31
Jonathan IsaacFernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 12Net Rating: +2.2
There are plenty of good stories to highlight from this Orlando Magic season.
They’ve already exceeded their preseason over-under. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are both improving. Jalen Suggs had a breakout season. They’ve had one of the best defenses in the league throughout 2023-24.
One that may be underappreciated is Jonathan Isaac, whose career has been ravaged by injuries. He only played 34 games in 2019-20. Then, he missed all of the next two campaigns and played in just 11 games last season.
After registering a plus-14 in Thursday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the 26-year-old has now appeared in 48 games and played 719 minutes. He’s top-30 in the league in box plus/minus and is averaging 7.6 defensive rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 1.7 steals per 75 possessions.
Orlando has a shot at a 50-win season largely because of its defense and second unit, and Isaac has been a crucial component of both.
11. New York Knicks (41-28)20 OF 31
Jalen BrunsonGarrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 9Net Rating: +4.2
Injuries continue to plague this New York Knicks season.
Mitchell Robinson hasn’t played since December 8. Julius Randle hasn’t played since January 27. And after playing three games after his elbow surgery, OG Anunoby has been back on the shelf for the Knicks’ last two games. All three are certain starters when available.
What this stretch has done is give Jalen Brunson an opportunity to show genuine superstar upside. He’s had two 40-plus-point performances since last Thursday and is now averaging 30.1 points, 6.6 assists and 2.5 threes in his last 27 games.
10. Phoenix Suns (41-29)21 OF 31
Grayson AllenBarry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 11Net Rating: +2.8
Most of the Phoenix Suns-related attention this season has understandably been directed at Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but they have several role players who’ve helped keep the team in the hunt for a top-six finish despite tons of absences from the stars.
The most important could well be sharpshooter Grayson Allen.
In Wednesday’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers, he had a team-high 32 points and shot 9-of-15 from deep. For the season, he’s shooting a league-best 48.2 percent from deep. And the Suns are plus-4.2 points per 100 possessions when he plays, compared to plus-0.3 when he doesn’t.
On a team with as much ball-dominance as this one, having at least one player who’s willing and able to operate as more of an off-ball threat goes a long way.
9. Dallas Mavericks (41-29)22 OF 31
P.J. Washington, Kyrie Irving and Daniel GaffordSam Hodde/Getty Images
Previous Rank: 10Net Rating: +1.5
It’s getting easier and easier to buy into Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks’ supporting cast.
This week alone, Kyrie Irving delivered one of the most outrageous game-winning shots you’ll see, when he hit a running lefty hook shot over Nikola Jokić as time expired in Sunday’s win over the Denver Nuggets.
In the next game, Dante Exum was 4-of-4 from three and plus-16 in a six-point win. And on Thursday, Daniel Gafford was 10-of-11 and plus-25 in a 16-point win.
Dončić deserves much of the credit for this team’s success (more on that in Stat of the Week), but his teammates are really starting to do their part, and the wins are following.
Dallas is 7-1 in its last eight, with the only loss being on the road and against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (43-26)23 OF 31
Jarrett AllenJason Miller/Getty Images
Previous Rank: 7Net Rating: +4.1
The Cavs being top-10 in net rating and on pace for 50-plus wins is pretty remarkable, given the number of injury-related absences they’ve had to endure.
Donovan Mitchell missed his 20th game on Wednesday, when Cleveland lost to the Miami Heat. Evan Mobley was out too, and he’s up to 31 games missed. Darius Garland has missed 25.
Again, though, they’re still on track for home-court advantage in the first round. And while all of the above deserve credit for how well they’ve played when available, Jarrett Allen has been the constant.
After going for 25 points, 20 rebounds and three assists against Miami, he’s now averaging 16.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the season.
7. Los Angeles Clippers (43-25)24 OF 31
James HardenAdam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 5Net Rating: +4.0
Just a few weeks ago, the Los Angeles Clippers seemed like a near-lock to finish in the top four. They were even in the mix to finish first in the West.
But they’re 9-10 in their last 19, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that they sort of go as James Harden goes.
He had 19 points and 14 assists in a win on Wednesday, bringing L.A.’s record to 19-3 when he hands out at least 10 dimes.
Given some of his disappearing acts in recent postseasons, the Clippers being this reliant on his play has to be at least slightly concerning.
6. New Orleans Pelicans (42-27)25 OF 31
Zion WilliamsonNathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 8Net Rating: +5.2
Their week ended with a big loss to the Orlando Magic, but the New Orleans Pelicans have more than established themselves as a potential postseason threat over the last few weeks.
Since a three-game losing streak in late January, New Orleans is 16-6. And this stretch has pushed the Pelicans up to fourth in the league in net rating.
And while Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and the team’s depth all deserve plenty of credit for the surge, the biggest catalyst is undoubtedly Zion Williamson (though he’s reportedly shrinking physically).
During the aforementioned 22-game stretch, the 2019 No. 1 pick is averaging 23.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.1 blocks.
5. Milwaukee Bucks (45-25)26 OF 31
Giannis AntetokounmpoPatrick McDermott/Getty Images
Previous Rank: 6Net Rating: +3.3
Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his second game in a row and third in the Milwaukee Bucks’ last nine on Wednesday.
That was just his fifth missed game of the entire season, but hamstring injuries can be of the nagging variety. And if he’s not at 100 percent in April, the Bucks could be in trouble.
On the season, Milwaukee is plus-7.1 points per 100 possessions when Giannis is on the floor and minus-5.5 when he’s off.
On the bright side, he was back for Thursday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets, but he shot 9-of-19 from the field (it was just his ninth game of the season with a sub-50 field-goal percentage).
His health is something to keep an eye on as we approach the playoffs.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (47-22)27 OF 31
Anthony EdwardsMelissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 4Net Rating: +6.2
Anthony Edwards’ detonation on John Collins this week may have been the dunk of the year, but it was hardly the only noteworthy play or performance from Minnesota’s superstar of late.
Edwards has scored at least 30 in each of his last four games, and he’s averaging 29.4 points and 4.9 assists in his last 20 games.
Minnesota is suddenly banged up, with Karl-Anthony Towns recovering from a torn meniscus, Rudy Gobert missing the last three games with a rib injury and Edwards dealing with the finger he dislocated during his jam on Collins, but if Edwards can keep playing like this, the T-Wolves can remain in the hunt for the West’s top seed.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (48-20)28 OF 31
Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderJoe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 3Net Rating: +7.6
Outside the Boston Celtics, the Oklahoma City Thunder feel like the most consistent team in the NBA this season.
With another comfortable win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, OKC finished the week undefeated and moved to 13-3 in its last 16 games.
And the team’s ultimate individual model of consistency had another 31-point game along the way. After finishing at that mark against the Jazz, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now has a single-season record 13 games with exactly 31 points.
Of course, this recent stretch featured games against a number of sub-.500 teams, and the Thunder’s consistency will face a bit stiffer test going forward.
Over the next few weeks, OKC plays the Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and Celtics on the road.
2. Boston Celtics (55-14)29 OF 31
Kristaps Porziņģis, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Jaylen BrownBrian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Previous Rank: 2Net Rating: +11.8
Wednesday’s three-point win over the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks was closer than expected, but the Boston Celtics are now 18-2 in their last 20 games.
And with each of the six wins prior to Wednesday being by double-digits, Boston’s season-long point differential sits at plus-11.52.
Only the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks, 1995-96 Chicago Bulls and 2016-17 Golden State Warriors had bigger averages for margin of victory.
1. Denver Nuggets (49-21)30 OF 31
The home occupies 5,900 square feet. MLS
The living area. MLS
The kitchen boasts an expansive island and a dining area with skylights. MLS
One of six bedrooms. MLS
