Just like that, the All-Star break is over and our focus shifts to the stretch run of the 2021-22 NBA season.
While the Suns have been the league's most dominant team by far, there's been something of a power struggle elsewhere, as hot and cold streaks have completely altered the standings in each conference.
MORE: The best highlights from the 2022 NBA All-Star Game
Did win streaks from the Celtics and Raptors impact their place in the power rankings more or less than the Nets' recent skid? What about a recent stretch of impressive play from the Mavericks? Our latest power rankings mirror the ongoing jostling for position in the standings.
As a reminder, these rankings are a reflection of where teams stand up to this point in the season and not a projection of where they could land later in the season.
Got it? Cool, let's get into the rankings.
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1. Suns
Previous Rank: 1
Record: 48-10
The Suns have been nothing short of dominant all season, as evidenced by their historic pace to start the season. Chris Paul’s impending absence of six-to-eight weeks will be a test of how good this team really is.
MORE: The latest on Chris Paul's thumb injury
2. Heat
Previous Rank: 5
Record: 38-21
The Heat have it all and somehow remained atop the East standings despite extended absences of Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry this season. To think Miami is 38-21 without fully clicking just yet is a scary prospect.
3. Bulls
Previous Rank: 8
Record: 38-21
The Bulls have also been dealt with a number of injury blows. DeMar DeRozan’s play has allowed Chicago to thrive despite long-term absences of Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams and, to a lesser extent, Zach LaVine, who’s been in and out of the lineup.
4. Warriors
Previous Rank: 3
Record: 42-17
Maybe Stephen Curry’s 50-point outburst in the All-Star Game is just what he needed to permanently emerge from a shooting slump. With Curry being Curry and Klay Thompson getting his legs under him, Draymond Green’s return is now the biggest key for the Warriors.
MORE: Warriors' Stephen Curry wins Kobe Bryant MVP Award after 50-point showing
5. Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 4
Record: 41-19
The Grizzlies are no longer an up-and-comer – they’ve arrived. It’s no coincidence that Ja Morant’s third season will be Memphis' third consecutive year in the postseason (second in the playoffs). Lessons from the last two years will go a long way during the stretch run.
6. Bucks
Previous Rank: 2
Record: 36-24
As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing at an MVP level, the defending champs have a chance. We’ll see if the deadline addition of Serge Ibaka pays off in the long run.
MORE: Who is the MVP favorite at the NBA All-Star break?
7. 76ers
Previous Rank: 7
Record: 35-23
Speaking of MVPs, Joel Embiid’s case is as strong as he is dominant. Great as Embiid’s been, he now gets to play alongside James Harden. The best is yet to come for Philly.
8. Celtics
Previous Rank: 15
Record: 34-26
A … flukey loss to the Pistons kept the Celtics from taking a 10-game win streak into the All-Star break, but Boston’s defensive dominance suggests its recent success is sustainable.
MORE: Celtics solidify season turnaround with historic night in Philadelphia
9. Mavericks
Previous Rank: 12
Record: 35-24
Luka Doncic has been on an absolute tear and the Mavs have one of the league’s best defenses. Watch out, because Dallas is on the verge of snagging a top-four spot in the West.
10. Cavaliers
Previous Rank: 10
Record: 35-23
With two young All-Stars and the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, the Cavs have proven to be legit for now and the future. The addition of Caris LeVert only adds to their playoff push.
11. Jazz
Previous Rank: 9
Record: 36-22
Utah has dealt with its fair share of injuries but as of late looks to be like the Jazz of old – whether that’s a good or a bad thing remains to be seen.
12. Nuggets
Previous Rank: 13
Record: 33-25
Nikola Jokic is the definition of an MVP. He’s winning without his two main sidekicks in Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., but they could be back soon. That bodes very well for Denver.
13. Raptors
Previous Rank: 14
Record: 32-25
Fred VanVleet’s an All-Star, Pascal Siakam’s playing at an All-NBA level and the Raptors entered the break winning eight of 10. This battle-tested team will be a pain to deal with.
MORE: Nobody could've predicted Fred VanVleet's storybook journey
14. Nets
Previous Rank: 6
Record: 31-28
After losing 11 straight, the Nets returned to the winners' circle thanks to Seth Curry and Cam Thomas. Now, they await the return of Kevin Durant and the debut of Ben Simmons.
MORE: Does Nets' signing of Goran Dragic alter East Playoff picture?
15. Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 17
Record: 31-28
The Wolves deserve more credit for the season they’re having. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards is one heck of a pair, and the team keeps quietly finding ways to win.
16. Clippers
Previous Rank: 18
Record: 30-31
How about the job Tyronn Lue is doing? No Paul George or Kawhi Leonard, and the Clippers are right around .500. If those stars were to return, LA’s a team no one wants to see.
MORE: Clippers' Norman Powell out indefinitely with fractured bone in left foot
17. Hawks
Previous Rank: 21
Record: 28-30
It’s been a weird season in Atlanta but Trae Young’s play has kept the team afloat. These Hawks are no stranger to late-season runs, so another could be in store here. They’ll need it.
18. Lakers
Previous Rank: 16
Record: 27-31
LeBron James is amazing but the Lakers can’t put it together. Couple Russell Westbrook’s struggles with Anthony Davis’ latest injury, and this team might not make it out of the Play-In.
MORE: LeBron James speaks on moment with Michael Jordan at NBA 75 celebration
19. Hornets
Previous Rank: 11
Record: 29-31
Things could be better in Buzz City. Charlotte has lost nine of its last 10 games, including two down the stretch in OT. The Hornets need a surge to counter their latest skid.
MORE: LaMelo Ball joins elite company with first career selection
20. Trail Blazers
Previous Rank: 22
Record: 25-34
Tank? Not on Anfernee Simons’ watch. Simons averaged 30.3 points over Portland’s four-game win streak before the break. If Damian Lillard comes back? Tank’s done.
Learning from the best.@anferneesimons | @dame_lillard pic.twitter.com/XX0bwoLRZG
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 19, 2022
21. Spurs
Previous Rank: 25
Record: 23-36
Led by All-Star Dejounte Murray, the young, rebuilding Spurs are motivated to get Gregg Popovich the three wins he needs to become the NBA’s all-time leader.
22. Wizards
Previous Rank: 20
Record: 27-31
With Bradley Beal out for the season, the Wizards might not be able to hang in the Play-In picture for much longer, though Kristaps Porzingis is an intriguing addition.
23. Pelicans
Previous Rank: 26
Record: 23-36
The duo of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum has plenty of promise. If they can figure it out swiftly, there will be a battle for the West’s final Play-In spot.
MORE: The latest on Zion Williamson's foot injury
24. Kings
Previous Rank: 24
Record: 22-38
The move to acquire Domantas Sabonis was gutsy but does it really lift the Kings to another tier? It’s looking like the playoff drought will continue in 2022.
25. Knicks
Previous Rank: 19
Record: 25-34
The Knicks are hobbled and continue to blow leads of 20-plus points, including a 28-point advantage to the shorthanded Nets. Not good!
For the third time in seven games, the Knicks have blown a 20+ point lead and lost:
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 17, 2022
◻️ 21-point lead @ LAL
◻️ 23-point lead @ Portland
◻️ 28-point lead vs. Brooklyn https://t.co/m92Mz8XynF pic.twitter.com/wVHGbpROJc
26. Thunder
Previous Rank: 28
Record: 18-40
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is sidelined, you can’t help but be excited about Josh Giddey. He’s making triple-double history and impressing LeBron in the process.
27. Pacers
Previous Rank: 23
Record: 20-40
It’s been something of a lost year for the Pacers, but they’re retooling their roster to Rick Carlisle’s system. With Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Duarte, the future will be bright.
if this was the first four, we can't wait for the final 22.😏 pic.twitter.com/ZwOQoIOV2n
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 21, 2022
28. Pistons
Previous Rank: 29
Record: 13-45
Seven of the Pistons’ 13 wins have come against the Bucks, Cavaliers, Celtics, Heat, Jazz and Raptors (twice). That, and Cade Cunningham, makes them the strongest of the bottom tier.
29. Rockets
Previous Rank: 27
Record: 15-43
The Rockets are a young team with fun players and a good young coach. They’ll figure it out eventually.
30. Magic
Previous Rank: 30
Record: 13-47
It’s a lost season for Orlando, which has been without Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac all year. They have a ton of young talent, though, which is a step in the right direction.
