National Basketball Association

2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Bulls, Hornets Make Playoff Push In Week 24

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:27 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Fansided, Gerald Bourguet/FanSided via Hoops Habit

Apr 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 24 of NBA Power Rankings, the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets have made late playoff pushes to keep their seasons alive a little longer.

With less than two weeks left of regular season action, the NBA playoff races are heating up and so are NBA Power Rankings!

As the season enters its home stretch, playoff spots that were once thought to be set in stone have been opened back up, with the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets making late postseason pushes in the East and the Denver Nuggets trying to keep hope alive out West.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks continue to hit bumps in the road as the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs reassert themselves as the unquestioned NBA alphas.

So where does the rest of the league shake out this week? Here's a look at our Week 24 NBA Power Rankings.

Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

22-56

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 28th

There are still reasons for optimism though. Rookie Dragan Bender dropped nine points and seven boards in 14 minutes in his return, Devin Booker has stepped up his playmaking to average 30.3 points and 8.3 assists per game over his last three contests and Tyler Ulis just became the closest Suns rookie to reaching a triple-double (34 points, nine rebounds, nine assists) since Michael Finley in 1996.

Next: No. 29

Mar 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) during the second half of a NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

22-55

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 30th

And yet even with a 1-3 week, that lone victory over the Grizzlies — coupled with Phoenix's current 10-game losing streak — now has the Los Angeles Lakers in third place in the tank standings…right on the cusp of losing that top-three protected first round draft pick.

Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) brings the ball up court in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Nets won 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

27-50

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 27th

Unfortunately, even Payton's newfound confidence and Terrence Ross 306 dunks against his old team weren't enough to get the Orlando Magic back in the win column, with their losing streak tying a season-long skid of four straight games after a humbling double-digit loss to the lowly Nets.

Next: No. 27

Mar 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) grabs a rebound against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

28-49

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 26th

As much as we love self-depreciating humor, we'll go with yet another Philadelphia 76ers rookie showing signs of progress. Over his last 12 games, the 21-year-old French product is averaging 11.3 points in 28.7 minutes per game — a stark increase from the 4.3 points in 13.1 minutes per game he was averaging up to that point.

Next: No. 26

Mar 31, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (left) talks with Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (right) during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

29-48

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 29th

Meanwhile, Derrick Rose's season-ending injury all but assures his time in the Big Apple is over, which is good news for the Knicks. But as much as this season has been an absolute train wreck on and off the floor for him, we should take a moment and grieve for the former MVP's career and what might have been if not for these incessant injuries.

Mar 30, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) dribbles by Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 90-89. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

35-42

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 24th

No one should expect them to close the gap though, especially after losing to the Knicks, a loss to the Heat on a Hassan Whiteside buzzer-beater and a backbreaking overtime loss to the Bucks. The Pistons barely beating Brooklyn by one, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope being arrested for a DUI and the fact that they're considering shutting down Reggie Jackson probably don't help matters either.

Mar 27, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) talks with forward Anthony Tolliver (43) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Grizzlies 91-90. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

30-47

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 25th

Wilie Cauley-Stein continues to be the biggest bright spot, with Skal Labissiere adjusting to life as a starter and Ben McLemore suddenly finding his groove off the bench. The question is what happens this summer when McLemore is a restricted free agent, Tyreke Evans, Darren Collison and Ty Lawson are unrestricted free agents, Rudy Gay and Langston Galloway can use their player options to become unrestricted free agents AND the contracts of Arron Afflalo and Anthony Tolliver are non-guaranteed? Enjoy the rookie contracts, because there's no stability outside of that.

Mar 31, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) and guard J.J. Barea (5) react during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

32-44

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 22nd

Nerlens Noel hasn't exactly blown anyone away during his early Mavs tenure, the joy of Yogi Fever has worn off and at this point, most Dallas fans are looking forward to the draft and another offseason of growth for the young guns.

Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Archie Goodwin (10) scores against Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard D.J. Augustin (14) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Nets win 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

18-59

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 21st

Archie Goodwin earning a two-year contract is a positive sign for the Nets, who can afford to take swings on young players with upside as they face the reality of handing over the No. 1 overall pick to Boston in this year's draft.

Mar 30, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) points to a teammate after making a three point shot in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

31-45

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 23rd

Minus that lone blemish against the talent-starved Kings, the Wolves had a strong week with Ricky Rubio leading the way. His free throws after being fouled on a three-pointer lifted Minny over Indiana at the very end of the game, while his career-high 33 points easily took care of the Lakers. Then we got a nice dose of Karl-Anthony Towns, who helped end Portland's six-game win streak in Monday night's other basketball game.

Next: No. 20

Apr 2, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

37-40

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 17th

With PG-13's monster numbers not enough to get Indiana back in the win column, not to mention his candid comments and the last-ditch effort of signing Lance Stephenson, it's hard to tell what is slipping away faster: the Pacers' playoff hopes or George's long-term future with the franchise.

Next: No. 19

Apr 2, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) reacts in the second quarter against Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Nets win 91-82. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

39-38

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 20th

The Hawks have now lost eight of their last 10 games, including a embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Nets in Millsap's first game back. We hate asking this same question every week, but why did the Hawks enter the trade deadline as buyers again?

Apr 2, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (left) and forward Danilo Gallinari (center) and guard Jamal Murray (right) come on the floor after a timeout during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

36-40

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 15th

Still, dropping that critical head-to-head matchup against the Blazers, not to mention a follow-up must-win contest against the Hornets, made for a back-breaking week….especially with Jusuf Nurkic dropping a career-high 33 points on his old squad to drive the dagger into their playoff hopes.

Apr 2, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11), forward Zach Randolph (50), forward James Ennis III (8) and guard Troy Daniels (30) head to the bench after a time out in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Lakers won 108-103. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

42-35

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 16th

At this point, the question is how much longer this foot injury will keep Big Spain sidelined, because without him, Memphis' already distant chances of climbing to sixth in the Western Conference standings — and thereby avoiding what's sure to be another playoff sweep at the hands of the Spurs — go right out the window.

Mar 31, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) during the second quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

33-44

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 13th

More specifically though, the question moving forward is not whether this superstar frontcourt tandem can work together, but whether Jrue Holiday — an unrestricted free agent this summer — is the right point guard to pair with those two for the long haul considering how much it may cost to re-sign him.

Mar 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) reacts after sinking a basket against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Hornets won 110-106. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

36-41

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 18th

The Hornets are still one game out of a playoff spot, but clutch wins over Toronto, Denver and OKC kept their season alive this past week.

Apr 2, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra (right) talks with guard Goran Dragic (left) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

37-40

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 11th

With all of those teams jockeying for playoff positioning — plus the Hornets needing to win out in order to climb back into the top eight — the Heat won't find any relief in their remaining schedule. After eking out a win over Detroit on Hassan Whiteside's game-winner, it's going to take a little more magic to pull off this improbable playoff comeback.

Next: No. 13

Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) guard Rajon Rondo (9) and guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrate their win against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 106-104. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

38-39

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 19th

This week saw the Bulls sweep Cleveland for their 20th straight win on TNT Thursday night games, and they went a perfect 3-0 overall. Jimmy Buckets has exploded for 29.7 points, 8.7 assists and 6.4 rebounds per game over his last seven contests, Nikola Mirotic can suddenly shoot again and Rondo is reminding people he's not completely washed yet, averaging 15.0 points, 9.8 assists and 9.5 rebounds in Chicago's last four games.

Apr 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts to a call in game against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Wizards 139-115. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

46-31

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 5th

The Wizards have now lost seven of their last 12 games, and coupled with the Raptors' hot streak, that's been enough to drop them to fourth in the conference standings, which could mean a potential first round matchup with a team that's been playing great basketball lately, the No. 5-seeded Milwaukee Bucks.

Apr 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3), forward Blake Griffin (32) and forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) walk to the bench for a time out in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Clippers won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

47-31

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 14th

Though their slate of opponents wasn't particularly fearsome this week, it was good to see Griffin drop a 36-8-5 stat line, CP3 throw up a 29-10-5 line and even J.J. Redick go for 31 in a momentum-building win over the Wizards.

Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates the win over the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeat the Mavericks 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

43-33

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 9th

Now up to 40 triple-doubles on the season, Russ has made it impossible for voters to ignore his MVP case. Scoring 12 of his team's points in a 14-0 run to lead an improbable comeback against Dallas would've been something special even without the game-winner. But as if that wasn't enough, then Westbrook topped those feats in his next game with the highest-scoring triple-double in NBA history (57 points), including 19 points in the final 7:45 of the fourth quarter AND the game-tying three-pointer to force OT.

Next: No. 9

Mar 31, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (left) and center Rudy Gobert (27) wait to enter the game during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

47-30

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 12th

Utah gets a meeting with the Timberwolves to feast on, but they've also got the Warriors, two games against the red-hot Blazers and the Spurs to worry about. The Clippers, meanwhile, face Dallas, San Antonio, Houston and Sacramento to close the season.

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

Milwaukee Bucks

40-37

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 10th

From Giannis Antetokounmpo playing the part of franchise superstar to Khris Middleton's return to Malcolm Brogdon's unexpected emergence, it's almost easy to forget about Jabari Parker's depressing season-ending injury. The question is, can this young team upset one of the heavy hitters in the East's top four in the first round of the playoffs?

Mar 28, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) reacts after scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

38-39

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 8th

But even with their win streak stretching all the way to six games, losing the Bosnian Beast for at least two weeks keeps this playoff race alive for the time being. Get healthy soon, big guy.

Next: No. 6

Apr 2, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

49-27

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 6th

The Cavs' defense is still a legitimate concern, as eye-opening losses to San Antonio and Chicago proved earlier in the week. Doubting LeBron James in the playoffs is a fool's errand, but this team is really not hitting its stride when it needs to be.

Mar 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball in the second half of a 110-106 loss to Charlotte Hornets at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

47-30

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 7th

We've praised this team's depth for helping We The North weather the storm without Lowry, but DeRozan has been absolutely sensational, averaging 27.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game since the team's star point guard went down. In that time, DeRozan has also reached the 40-point threshold four times and the 30-point mark eight times.

Mar 31, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) is injured during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

52-25

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 2nd

Missing his first game of the season with an "illness" (cough wrist injury cough) didn't stop the Houston Rockets from beating the tanking Suns, but two losses against Golden State can't feel good heading into the postseason.

Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts from the bench during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

50-27

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 4th

On another note, Isaiah Thomas added another milestone to his spectacular season that might have put him on the fringe of the MVP conversation if not for how loaded this year's race is, becoming the sixth Celtic to ever score 2,000 points in a single season to join legends like Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, John Havlicek, Sam Jones and Kevin McHale.

Mar 27, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs players (from left to right) LaMarcus Aldridge, and Danny Green, and Pau Gasol, and David Lee, and Patty Mills, and Kawhi Leonard, and Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili (20) watch on the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

59-17

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 3rd

That being said, even with the No. 1 seed out of reach, Gregg Popovich's squad had a pretty great week outside of that, walloping the Cavs by 29, turning a 21-point deficit against OKC into a five-point win and outlasting the Jazz thanks to a huge quarter from Kawhi Leonard.

Next: No. 1

Apr 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after scoring a basket against Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

63-14

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 1st

The Dubs are on an 11-game win streak and just pulled off the most impressive back-to-back of the season, beating Houston on the road before overcoming a 22-point deficit in San Antonio to top the Spurs by 12. Then they went back home and took care of business against Houston and Washington — all without Kevin Durant. With the Cavs faltering, can anyone challenge Golden State this postseason?

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 24 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