National Basketball Association

2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Final Rankings In Week 25

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 2:03 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Fansided, Gerald Bourguet/FanSided via Hoops Habit

Apr 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) congratulates forward Andre Iguodala (9) after a Warriors basket against the New Orleans Pelicans in the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 123-101. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 25 of NBA Power Rankings, the playoff fields are almost completely set in both conferences and we roll out our final power rankings of the season.

The 2016-17 NBA season has finally hit its final week, with only three days of games separating us from the start of the playoffs on Saturday.

In the Eastern Conference, the No. 1 seed and Nos. 5-8 are still up for grabs. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are both striving for that top spot, while five teams jostle for positioning in the East's final four playoff spots.

In the West, the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers duke it out for the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage in their upcoming playoff series, while the rest of the conference matchups are set in stone.

As teams blatantly tank and others rest starters heading into the postseason, it can be hard to reconcile a team's overall record and their recent play with where they truly lie in the NBA landscape.

To sort it all out, here's a look at our final NBA Power Rankings for the 2016-17 regular season in Week 25.

Apr 6, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) dribbles past Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

28-52

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 27th

With the Lakers' seriously jeopardizing their top-three protected pick, Philly could've been feeling really good about their chances of snagging two top-five picks in this year's draft. Instead, they could end up with zero…and perhaps yet another ironic Rookie of the Year award in lieu of actual team success.

Mar 15, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles the ball up the court against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

24-57

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 30th

It didn't come at a great time with the second-worst record in the league well within reach, but it's hard to fault these young Suns for winning games when it's the foundational pieces that are getting it done. Case in point: Devin Booker taking cheers for Russ in his home arena personally and exploding for 21 straight fourth quarter points to steal the spotlight with 37 points in a sizzling performance. This kid is already a stone-cold killer.

Next: No. 28

Apr 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) dribbles the ball in the first quarter as Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) defends at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

28-52

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 28th

For the Magic, though, the question is what they'll do with their potential top-five pick when there isn't a single player on the roster who's safe. Elfrid Payton was a triple-double machine since the All-Star break, Terrence Ross has been great since the trade and Aaron Gordon has tons of promise, but given this team's poor drafting history under Rob Hennigan — and their tendency of prematurely giving up on players — Magic fans should be sitting on the edge of their seats.

Next: No. 27

Apr 9, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle talks with forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) on the sidelines in the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

32-48

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 23rd

No one should fault the Mavs for exploring their young guys. After all, Dallas actually tried to make a playoff push, and what they're doing now makes sense with that ship setting sail. But given those comments early in the season, it's a little amusing to see them go 0-4 on the week, lose to teams like the Suns and Kings, and completely cave in to the league's tank fever.

Apr 7, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) reacts on the court during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. The Grizzlies won 101-88. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

30-51

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 26th

All jokes (that aren't funny because they're completely true) aside, the progress from guys like Willy Hernangomez and Mindaugas Kuzminskas serve as small consolation for Knicks fans who are more than fed up with Phil Jackson. The dude is not a good team president, but he has fared relatively well in the last few drafts. Maybe he'll do so again with another top-10 pick before he's escorted from the building.

Next: No. 25

Apr 4, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) goes up for the shot during the fourth quarter of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Dallas Mavericks 98-87. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

31-49

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 24th

The best part, however, might be the level of intrigue that Ben McLemore — a restricted free agent this summer — has brought to the table, averaging 11.7 points per game on .452/.460/.769 shooting splits since the start of February.

Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 110-109. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

31-49

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 21st

The mark of a great tank is letting the young franchise players loose, watching them put up big numbers in competitive games, and still coming up short. Losing to the Lakers is taking that to the extreme, but you could only laugh when Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 81 points and still came up on the losing end thanks to Russell's miracle game-winner.

Apr 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace (37) cheers from the bench in the second half of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Lakers won 98-94. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

25-55

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 29th

However, as disastrous as this four-game winning streak might be for the Lakers' chances of keeping their top-three protected pick, it's hard to gripe too much when you learn the backstory behind Russell's shot rolling off the rim, hovering in the air for what felt like five minutes and magically falling into the basket. Just another example of sports giving us goose bumps.

Next: No. 22

Apr 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center. Detroit Pistons won 114-109 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

37-43

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 25th

Seeing Boban Marjanovic break free from being tethered to the bench long enough to put up 27 and 12 against Houston and then another 14-10 double-double against Memphis — two of Detroit's three wins in their last 10 games — only adds to the sense of disappointment.

Apr 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) celebrates his basket for a lead in the last two minutes against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

20-60

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 22nd

The Nets are 7-4 over their last 11 games, which is a testament to Jeremy Lin's return along with the strength of a supporting cast that includes Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, Sean Kilpatrick and even Archie Goodwin. That's about as good as the good news gets though, since nothing is going to dull the pain of potentially handing over that No. 1 overall draft pick.

Apr 4, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (left) and forward Anthony Davis (right) look on from the bench before a game against the Denver Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

33-47

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 16th

That officially starts the countdown to the offseason, when the Pellies need to decide A) What they're going to do with Jrue Holiday to address the point guard situation and B) How they're going to put a playoff-caliber team around this dynamic duo if they want Boogie to stick around when his 2018 free agency hits.

Apr 8, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) reacts to a foul call in the second half against the Boston Celtics at Spectrum Center. The Celtics defeated the Hornets 121-114. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

36-44

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 15th

Still, it can't feel good to look at the current list of teams eliminated from playoff contention and realize that of those 13 teams, only the Hornets and Nuggets have a positive point differential. For Charlotte, their abysmal 0-9 record in games decided by three points or less is what ultimately did them in.

Apr 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) in the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

38-42

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 18th

Danilo Gallinari's 22-point third quarter had the Nuggets in position to beat the Thunder and keep their fading playoff hopes alive for another evening. But then Russell Westbrook not only made history with triple-double No. 42, but he led OKC back from the brink of an 11-point deficit with 4:33 to go, drilling a 36-footer at the buzzer to officially send Denver into the offseason. Just…vicious.

Apr 7, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33), Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and Grizzlies guard Wayne Selden (7) celebrate on the court during the second half against the New York Knicks at FedExForum. The Grizzlies won 101-88. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

43-38

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 17th

It also probably does nothing to alleviate the fears of this fan base that an upcoming playoff series with San Antonio will end any differently as the Grit-N-Grind era continues to creep toward its end.

Apr 6, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) and forward Nikola Mirotic (44) react after a score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

39-41

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 13th

Dwyane Wade may be back, but Chicago's middling 19-18 record against teams below .500 doesn't inspire much faith when their last two games are against Orlando and Brooklyn.

Apr 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (6) reacts after hitting a three pointer in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. The Pacers won 127-112. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

40-40

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 20th

A three-game win streak doesn't change their likely fate of a first round playoff exit, but Born Ready has brought scoring, playmaking and competitive fire off the bench…along with his undeniable penchant for getting under opponents' skins in the most Lance fashion possible.

Next: No. 14

Apr 7, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) dances after hitting a three-pointer during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Hawks won 114-100. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

42-38

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 19th

That's about as impressive a week as you can ask for from a team not projected to make it out of the first round. Paul Millsap won't get any MVP votes in such a crowded race, but there's no question these Hawks are 110 percent better when he's on the floor.

Next: No. 13

Apr 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) dribbles past Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

39-41

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 14th

Miami's remaining schedule includes the Cavaliers and a rematch with Washington, but is it wrong to feel optimistic they can pass Chicago for the 8-seed? The Bulls may own the tiebreaker, but they haven't fared well against losing teams lately, and their remaining games are against the Magic and Nets….

Next: No. 12

Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrate win against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Bucks Defeated the 76ers, 90-82. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

41-39

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 8th

They'll likely end up at No. 6, which means a first round matchup with the red-hot Raptors. But for now, we'll just take comfort in the excitement of another playoff series for the Greek Freak and Malcolm Brogdon's Rookie of the Year case.

Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) and Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate after defeating the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

48-32

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 12th

Their path to getting there? Beating a Pistons team that rested starters in its last game, and then exacting revenge on the Heat for that narrow victory this week, which included James Johnson embarrassing a Morris brother for like the fifth time this month.

Apr 9, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates with teammates after hitting a three point basket to win the game as time expired against the Denver Nuggets Pepsi Center. The Thunder won 106-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

46-34

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 10th

HIs performance in Phoenix was disappointing, but Russ still got the six assists he needed to ensure a triple-double average for the entire season…before unleashing his pent-up anger on Denver's playoff hopes with a 50-point game, triple-double No. 42 to pass Oscar Robertson for the most in a single season, and a game-winning buzzer-beater for good measure. MVP or not, no one will ever forget this season.

Next: No. 9

Apr 7, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) warms up with assistant coach Antonio Lang prior to their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

49-31

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 9th

Even worse, Lob City faces a Houston team with nothing to play for and an ultra-young Kings team to close the season. Utah, meanwhile, enjoys matchups with the two best teams in the NBA. The Spurs may rest key players down the stretch, but the Dubs are still trying to work Kevin Durant back in. Good luck with that one, Jazz. We didn't even get to fully enjoy Gordon Hayward's career-high 39 points!

Apr 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots against Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) in the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

49-31

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 11th

This week didn't give Lob City much to do in terms of actual games, but they made the most of their opportunities, racking up 11-point win over both the Mavs and Spurs. Their reward for the two Texas wins? Passing the Jazz in the standings for the 4-seed by virtue of their head-to-head tiebreaker.

Apr 8, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates after scoring a basket during the second half in a game against the Utah Jazz at Moda Center. The Trail Blazers won 101-86. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

40-40

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 7th

That's nowhere near as dramatic as the Heat's turnaround, but between Jusuf Nurkic, Allen Crabbe dropping a career-high eight three-pointers on Minnesota and Damian Lillard pouring in 59 against Utah, it's hard to deny the Blazers are finally fun again.

Next: No. 6

Apr 8, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) goes up for a shot between Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) and guard Jeremy Lamb (3) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Celtics defeated the Hornets 121-114. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

51-29

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 3rd

However, even in a week where Isaiah Thomas and company went 1-2, they still own the same record as the Cavs, plus they have an easier remaining schedule. If the Celtics can win one more game than Cleveland over this two-game stretch, they can still earn the No. 1 seed — and that ever-important home-court advantage — in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Apr 7, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots over the defense of Atlanta Hawks forward Kris Humphries (43) during the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

51-29

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 6th

The Cavs own the tiebreaker, but their two remaining games come against Miami and Toronto. The Celtics, meanwhile, enjoy matchups with Brooklyn and Milwaukee. After watching Cleveland get decimated by Atlanta's B-team and then cough up a 26-point lead in another loss to the Hawks, it's hard to know which team to expect anymore. The only thing we know for sure is LeBron James is still really good.

Next: No. 4

Apr 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball against the the Miami Heat at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Miami 96-94. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

50-31

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 5th

It's no wonder they were able to lock up the third seed in the East, but now the question is whether they'll be able to do anything with it. Here's hoping last year's playoff breakthrough prevents us from regurgitating the same old headlines wondering why Lowry and DeRozan are such different players when the postseason rolls around.

Apr 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a basket during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

54-26

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 4th

Team success matters in this conversation, and people forget the Houston Rockets were expected to be battling for a bottom rung playoff spot before the season, while most assumed OKC would make the playoffs. It's just too bad we won't know who the MVP is before that epic first round matchup between these two former teammates-turned-leading-MVP-candidates.

Apr 5, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) steals the ball from Los Angeles Lakers small forward Corey Brewer (3) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

61-19

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 2nd

Instead, we'll choose to focus on that overtime win against the Grizzlies, which featured some vintage Gregg Popovich execution down the stretch in one of the craziest finishes to regulation we've seen this season:

Next: No. 1

Apr 5, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) and guard Klay Thompson on the bench against the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

66-14

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 1st

Not only are the Dubs on a season-high 14-game win streak, but they've locked up the No. 1 seed throughout the playoffs, they're the only team in NBA history to post a win percentage of .830 or better in three straight seasons, and they've got Klay Thompson putting up 41, Stephen Curry dropping 42 and Kevin Durant slam dunking on his first basket back from injury…ALL IN THE SAME WEEK. Look out, everyone else.

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 25 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

More from Hoops Habit

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Basketball Association