National Basketball Association

2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Celtics Pushing For No. 1 Seed In Week 23

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:07 p.m. ET

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Mar 24, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 23 of NBA Power Rankings, the Boston Celtics are making a serious push for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference as the Cleveland Cavaliers struggle.

The Cleveland Cavaliers still have the No. 1 seed, but with the Boston Celtics mere percentage points behind in the standings, the race at the top of the East has seriously heated up.

With just a few weeks left of regular season action, Brad Stevens and company are on a tear and everything seems to be coming together at the right time. Meanwhile, Cleveland's defense is the second-worst in the association since the All-Star break as the defending champs search for answers.

In the West, the Golden State Warriors have made their climb back to the top of our power rankings without Kevin Durant, while James Harden restated his MVP case in a dominant head-to-head win over Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder over the weekend.

With the San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks all submitting strong resumes over the last few weeks, where does everyone end up on the NBA ladder?

Here's a look at our Week 23 NBA Power Rankings.

Mar 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of statue of Los Angeles Lakers former center Shaquille O'Neal at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

21-52

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 30th

The second? Magic Johnson missing the whole thing to scout the Kentucky-UCLA Sweet 16 game, showing there's finally an executive in L.A. who's more focused on the franchise's future than its illustrious past.

Mar 25, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose (25) shoots the ball under pressure from San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons (behind) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

27-46

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 28th

Speaking of Noah, after the Knicks invested a four-year, $72 million contract in him in free agency, this suspension only makes his 5.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in just 46 appearance look even worse.

Mar 24, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket while Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

22-52

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 29th

So what if it came in a 10-point loss? So what if head coach Earl Watson padded the point total by fouling and calling timeouts? HE SCORED 70 POINTS AND HAD BOSTON CHEERING HIM ON. Even with a 28-point loss to the Nets coming against the youngest starting lineup in NBA history, Booker becoming the sixth player to ever drop 70 points won the week, hands down.

Next: No. 27

Mar 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 115-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

27-46

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 27th

Elfrid Payton recorded his fourth triple-double of the season (tied for fifth-most in the NBA) in that 28-point victory, Terrence Ross is scoring the ball well and Nikola Vucevic continues to be one of the league's most overlooked passing big men. This season is still a colossal disappointment, but the past week was better.

Mar 26, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Shawn Long (36) slam dunks the ball in the first half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

27-46

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 24th

On the bright side, some dude named Shawn Long has come out of nowhere to produce off Philly's bench, averaging 15.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game over the team's last three games. Not bad for a guy with nine games in his NBA career.

Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Garrett Temple (17), guard Arron Afflalo (40), forward Anthony Tolliver (43), guard Tyreke Evans (32), and guard Darren Collison (7) celebrate on the bench in the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Kings won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

28-45

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 26th

Skal Labissiere is in the starting lineup and was two assists shy of a triple-double against the Warriors, Buddy Hield put up a 22-8-7 stat line in the same game and Willie Cauley-Stein provided the highlight of the week with his game-winning put-back against LAC as the Kings rallied from an 18-point deficit in the final five minutes.

Next: No. 24

Mar 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy reacts against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 115-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

34-39

Last week: 0-2Last rank: 20th

To further complicate matters, the situation has gotten so desperate that Reggie Jackson has come off the bench behind Ish Smith the last two games, with less than favorable results. Does anyone know how to fix the Pistons?

Mar 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) goes for the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

28-44

Last week: 0-2Last rank: 21st

On the bright side though, Kris Dunn is starting to show signs of life after a disappointing rookie campaign putting up 11 points and seven boards off the bench against Los Angeles before dropping 17 against Portland.

Mar 23, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry (30) and forward Nerlens Noel (3) and forward Harrison Barnes (40) react during the second half against the LA Clippers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

31-41

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 22nd

With seven of their last 10 games coming on the road, including a five-game road trip, they may not even have to try that hard to lose games.

Mar 26, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Nets defeated the Hawks 107-92. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

16-57

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 25th

Beating the youngest starting lineup in NBA history that Phoenix trotted out isn't particularly impressive, but Brooklyn left no room for doubt in a 28-point beatdown. A double-digit loss to the Wizards made sense, but downing the Hawks by 15 — punctuated by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's dunk — made for a fun week.

Next: No. 20

Mar 26, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) in action against the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

37-36

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 17th

The Hawks have now lost seven straight games overall, sliding all the way to sixth in the standings before Milwaukee's Sunday loss bumped them back up to No. 5. Dwight Howard became the 15th player in NBA history to tally 16,000 points and 12,000 rebounds in his career, but Atlanta's drastic tumble from grace overshadows everything else.

Next: No. 19

Mar 22, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) sits on the bench during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

35-39

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 23rd

Neither does Nikola Mirotic, who has suddenly revived his re-sign value to the Bulls with 28 points against Detroit, 15 against Philly and another 28 against Milwaukee. He's still a non-shooter in our book, but he's doing everything he can to flip the narrative before restricted free agency.

Mar 26, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots a three point shot against Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams (15) in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

33-40

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 19th

It seems that Kemba Walker has rediscovered his groove, posting 81 points over the last three games. We should also point out once again that with Cody Zeller on the floor, the Hornets are 31-23…compared to 3-17 without him. Assuming this unexpected X-factor stays healthy, can the Hornets make up that two-game gap for a playoff spot?

Next: No. 17

Mar 26, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) slam dunks the ball in the second half of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Indiana Pacers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 107-94. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

37-36

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 18th

On a similar note, we should point out that Indiana has the fewest number of wins (11) against teams at or above .500 of any of the current playoff teams in the East.

Mar 23, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) talks to his teammates during a timeout against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

40-33

Last week: 0-2Last rank: 14th

Even worse, Marc Gasol missed the second game of the week with a left foot strain. Here's hoping it's not anything serious with the playoffs just a few weeks away.

Mar 24, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

35-38

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 16th

Danilo Gallinari is back and Nikola Jokic is a bonafide star, but the Nuggets' remaining schedule is much tougher than Portland's home-heavy slate. Tuesday's head-to-head against Rip City is basically a do-or-die game at this point.

Next: No. 14

Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) and Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) on the court during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Kings won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

44-31

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 13th

First, there was an inexcusable two-point loss to the Mavs. Then, the Clippers looked more like themselves by thoroughly handling the Jazz in a pivotal game for playoff positioning. But instead of building on that momentum, Los Angeles somehow squandered an 18-point lead against the lowly Kings over the game's final five minutes. You just can't trust this team.

Mar 24, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) and forward Anthony Davis (23) react after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

31-42

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 15th

However, the Blazers have temporarily seized the West's final playoff spot, meaning New Orleans has some serious ground to make up before their final remaining game against Portland…which comes in as the very last game of the season.

Mar 22, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks the ball over New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

44-29

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 9th

In any event, Sunday's meltdown against Sacramento dropped the Clips one game behind Utah for the 4-seed in the West, helping the Jazz hold on to home-court advantage for another few days. The highlight of the week, however, has to go to Rudy Gobert, whose career-high 35 points on 13-of-14 shooting may have been the most efficient game in the NBA this season.

Next: No. 11

Mar 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) and guard Goran Dragic (7) talks to referee Scott Foster (48) after the final horn of the Boston Celtics 112-108 win over the Miami Heat at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

35-38

Last week: 0-2Last rank: 5th

Miami is still only two games behind the Hawks for the No. 5 seed, so we shouldn't go panicking just yet. But with the Pistons and Bulls floundering, it's a little alarming Erik Spoelstra's eighth-seeded squad is only 0.5 games ahead of Detroit and one game ahead of Chicago.

Mar 22, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates after a play against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

37-36

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 11th

However, the sixth-seeded Bucks have done well for themselves lately, winning 11 of their last 14 games as Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to provide visual reminders why no one should want to face him in a first round playoff series.

Next: No. 9

Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

41-31

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 8th

Meanwhile, James Harden supporters obviously have Sunday's rout to point to in a head-to-head battle of MVP frontrunners. Though Russ dropped a 39-13-11 in that game, the final result was never in question. Unless the Oklahoma City Thunder can climb to No. 4 or No. 5 in the standings, Russ may have a hard time being the undisputed No. 1.

Next: No. 8

Mar 25, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) drives to the basket during the second half in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center. The Trail Blazers won 112-110. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

35-38

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 12th

The two teams have the same record, however, which makes Tuesday's home contest against the Nuggets so pivotal. Could a Nurkic revenge game be in order? Or will Mason Plumlee have the last laugh? Either way, we can't wait.

Mar 25, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Raptors defeat the Mavericks 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

44-29

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 10th

DeMar DeRozan has been absolutely sensational over the last few weeks, dropping 40-point games left and right without even needing the three-point line to do it. Who knew the Eastern Conference playoffs would hold this much more intrigue this year?

Next: No. 6

Mar 24, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks with head coach Tyronn Lue (not pictured) in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Cavs defeated the Hornets 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

47-25

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 3rd

To be fair, if anyone deserves the benefit of the doubt as a team that could easily flip the switch in the playoffs, it's one with LeBron James. But now that the Cavs have lost seven of their last 11 games and Boston is within arm's length of the No. 1 seed, it's worth noting that Cleveland has the second-worst defense in the association since the All-Star break.

Mar 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) runs the offense during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

45-28

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 7th

Aside from a perfect 3-0 week, the Wizards notched statement wins over Atlanta (a team they may face in the first round) and Cleveland (a team they barely lost to in overtime in their last meeting, not to mention the team they'd have to knock off the Eastern throne). The bench coming to life obviously helped, but John Wall should probably start getting more attention as a late-blooming MVP candidate.

Next: No. 4

Mar 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives between Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) and guard Goran Dragic (7) during the second half of the Boston Celtics 112-108 win over the Miami Heat at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

48-26

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 6th

Isaiah Thomas is a human flamethrower, Al Horford is a jack of all trades and the Celtics have now won eight of their last 10 games. With the No. 1 seed within reach, an early April head-to-head against the Cavaliers looms large.

Mar 25, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates after scoring a three point basket during the second half New York Knicks at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

56-16

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 4th

It wasn't overly impressive stuff, but with the Warriors on a seven-game win streak, San Antonio kept itself within 2.5 games of the top seed in the West. Now begins a brutal four-game gauntlet against Cleveland, Golden State, OKC and Utah over the next week to see if they can close the gap.

Next: No. 2

Mar 24, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after making a basket during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

51-22

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 1st

One game does not decide the MVP race, but that contest was basically a microcosm of this year's MVP debate: One man's triple-doubling against another man's incredible numbers that are directly correlated with his team's stunning success and high-powered offense. The Beard seems to be just a few weeks away from his first MVP trophy, and Sunday's statement game may have sealed the deal.

Next: No. 1

March 26, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

59-14

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 2nd

In any case, with the Dubs playing well-rounded basketball, Stephen Curry stepping up as a facilitator and KD set to return soon, Golden State's seven-game win streak inches them ahead of the Rockets for the No. 1 spot in our power rankings.

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 23 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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