Power Rankings, Week 16: Clippers leading way to start trade deadline week
As the Clippers continued their momentum in the West, Russell Westbrook achieved a career milestone.
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The market has undoubtedly been affected by two pieces of news from the past week, with the trade deadline looming in just three days.
Zach LaVine has been the player most discussed over the last couple of months, but is out for the remainder of the season. The Philadelphia 76ers, meanwhile, should have been the most aggressive buyer on the market, but now have to wonder if Joel Embiid will return to full health in time for the playoffs.
In the coming days, there should be ample activity, regardless of whether teams aim to compete for a title, secure a spot in the playoffs, plan for the future, or merely conserve funds.
Plus-Minus Players of the Week
- Right Way: Donovan Mitchell (CLE) was a plus-69 in four games last week.
- Wrong Way: Miles Bridges (CHA) was a minus-79 in four games last week.
Teams of the Week
- Make It Last Forever: Cleveland (4-0) — Players are hopping back on, but the train keeps moving.
- Something Just Ain’t Right: Charlotte (0-4) — It bears repeating that this team has a much worse point differential than the 6-43 Pistons.
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East vs. West
- The West is 147-113 (.565) against the East in interconference games after going 19-16 last week.
Schedule strength through Week 15
- Toughest: 1. Golden State, 2. Memphis, 3. L.A. Lakers
- Easiest: 1. Phoenix, 2. Philadelphia, 3. Milwaukee
- Schedule strength is based on cumulative opponent record, and adjusted for home vs. away and days of rest before a game.
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Movement in the Rankings
- High jumps of the week: Cleveland (+4), Atlanta (+3), Minnesota (+3)
- Free falls of the week: Philadelphia (-6), Chicago (-3), Memphis (-3)
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Week 16 Team to Watch
- Sacramento — The Kings have won six of their last seven and complete their seven-game trip with a game against the Cavs (who’ve won 13 of their last 14) on Monday. After hosting the Pistons on Wednesday, they’ll play the Nuggets and Thunder over the weekend.
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Previously…
- Last week: Clippers reign as new No. 1 team
- The archive: NBA.com Power Rankings
OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
The league has averaged 115.2 points scored per 100 possessions and 99.7 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes this season.
NBA.com’s Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man’s opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, send him an e-mail or contact him via threads.
