Name: NBA Power Rankings: Timberwolves Hit Rock Bottom, Nets Rise to the Top
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NBA Power Rankings: Timberwolves Hit Rock Bottom, Nets Rise to the Top

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0 of 30In the last week, the saw the end of Utah's winning streak and the rise of the Nets despite the fact that they had guys in and out of the lineup. The Clippers are beginning to get healthy and have put an end to a few streaks. The Suns continue to shine brightly, and the Blazers are rolling behind .Jamal Murray and Joel Embiid both had 50-point performances, and on the same night. Rookie Anthony Edwards probably had the of the season.It was not a great week for everyone in the NBA, as a few teams are riding long losing streaks. The Lakers are struggling to find their footing without Anthony Davis. The Bucks are still trying to find a consistent rhythm. The Wolves fired their young coach.The All-Star starters and the coaching staffs were announced for the upcoming game in Atlanta. It was also the last week for players hoping to make the squad as a reserve to leave an impression on coaches. It led to some standout performances from a few players who are on the bubble.The power rankings criteria remain the same: how a team played this week, the body of work for the season, who they beat and strength of schedule.1 of 30Minnesota Toronto Raptors assistant coach Chris Finch to a multiyear deal to take over as head coach, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.2 of 30Even trading Drummond is not guaranteed to bring in a big haul. He is in the last year of his deal, and teams are not looking to give up a lot of assets for a player who can leave in free agency. 3 of 304 of 305 of 30Fournier averaged points and 5.3 assists for the week while Ross caught fire from three, shooting 60 percent from deep on his way to averaging 23.7 points. If they can keep playing at this level, Orlando might be able to hold onto hope until help arrives.6 of 307 of 30In the long run, the Thunder are still looking to rebuild, but a win here and there will be good for their youngs as they continue to develop.8 of 3014th9 of 30If they are going to build off this win against the Nuggets, they will need everyone to step up, especially when Young goes to the bench to rest. 10 of 30If the Pelicans get the defensive effort they got in the comeback win against the Celtics in most of their games, they will be in great position to fly up the rankings and standings. 11 of 3025thIn more good news for Chicago, Wendell Carter Jr. returned to the lineup. He immediately provided an impact as he averaged points on 58.3 percent shooting from the field.  12 of 3020th13 of 3018th14 of 3017thHow far the Mavericks go this year depends on how much they can improve defensively. Dallas' defensive rating is , and it will be near impossible to reach the top 10. The goal should be to lift it out of the 20s by the end of the season.15 of 30Last Week's Ranking: 16thIt has not just been Hayward. Terry Rozier is having a great season too, putting up 21.1 points with 46.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc.16 of 3015th17 of 3013th18 of 3012th19 of 3011th20 of 309th21 of 3019thOn the court, the Raptors have decided to start games small, moving Aron Baynes to the bench and Norman Powell to the starting lineup. Even when they lost Kyle Lowry, Nick Nurse still stayed small, opting to move DeAndre' Bembry into the starting spot. Going undefeated last week and against two of the three best teams in the East warrants a big jump in the rankings.22 of 308thThe bigger issue was the drop in Khris Middleton's play in their three games before he busted out against the Kings. He shot percent from three and 41.0 percent from the field for just 14.7 points. Middleton found his groove against Sacramento when he put up 32 points and six assists. It is critical for Milwaukee to get consistent play from him not just as a scorer but also as a playmaker.23 of 3010th24 of 307th25 of 304th26 of 303rdIn particular, the Lakers offense struggles whenever James goes to the bench. In their three games last week, the offensive rating dropped points when he was off the floor. Another concern for the Lakers has been their steady decline in three-point shooting. Since the month of February, they have shot a from deep.27 of 30Last Week's Rankings:It was a big week for the Clippers. Without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, they were able to beat the Heat but not the Jazz in their first game of the miniseries. They got back their big guns for the second game of the miniseries and put an end to Utah's winning streak but couldn't stop the Nets' run.  28 of 30Last Week's Rankings:Over the last 13 games, Devin Booker has been on another level. He is averaging points, shooting 51.7 percent from the floor, including 41.7 from three. Deandre Ayton has been a double-double machine during this stretch, averaging points and 11.9 rebounds. 29 of 30Last Week's Rankings:One thing to keep an eye on is three-point shooting. The Jazz were shooting the lights out from deep over their run, but they shot just percent in the last three games. It was their three-point shooting that made them special. If this shooting continues to slide, the Jazz are going to drop in the rankings as well.30 of 30Last Week's Ranking: 5thOffensively, the Nets are operating on another level, and Joe Harris has been an important piece to the puzzle. On the trip, he shot percent from three, making defenses pay when they left him to help. Brooklyn also signed Andre Roberson to help the perimeter defense. It will be interesting to see how much he can contribute after working his way back from a knee injury. At his very best, Roberson was an All-Defensive team member for the 2016-17 season, and the Nets are hoping he can bring some of that energy to the court.

0 of 30In the last week, the saw the end of Utah's winning streak and the rise of the Nets despite the fact that they had guys in and out of the lineup. The Clippers are beginning to get healthy and have put an end to a few streaks. The Suns continue to shine brightly, and the Blazers are rolling behind .Jamal Murray and Joel Embiid both had 50-point performances, and on the same night. Rookie Anthony Edwards probably had the of the season.It was not a great week for everyone in the NBA, as a few teams are riding long losing streaks. The Lakers are struggling to find their footing without...

NBA Power Rankings: Timberwolves Hit Rock Bottom, Nets Rise to the Top

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