National Basketball Association

2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Celtics, Wizards Gaining On Cavaliers In Week 16

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:09 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Gerald Bourguet/FanSided via Hoops Habit

In Week 16 of NBA Power Rankings, the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards look like bigger threats to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ reign in the Eastern Conference, but can they knock off the defending champs?

Feb 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the third quarter at Verizon Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Washington Wizards 140-135 in third quarter. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Monday night’s overtime showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards was not only one of the best games of the year, but also a reminder of the Eastern Conference hierarchy.

With the Wizards viewing the game as a litmus test, it’s no surprise LeBron James came out with 37 points and a career-high 17 assists to remind everyone who the King is. With trade rumors swirling, it’s also not surprising Kevin Love dropped 39 points and 12 boards in the win.

What was surprising is how it took a ridiculous game-tying turnaround three-pointer from LeBron to force overtime and eventually snap Washington’s 17-game win streak at home. The Wizards were this close to getting a huge statement win over the defending champs.

Between that incredible slugfest and the Boston Celtics moving within 2.5 games of the Cavaliers, the East is suddenly a lot more interesting.

Bearing all that in mind, here’s a look at our Week 16 NBA Power Rankings for 2016-17.

Feb 5, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) grabs a loose ball against Toronto Raptors shooting guard Norman Powell (24) in front of Brooklyn Nets small forward Joe Harris (12) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

9-42

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 30th

Will the Nets cave and accept one first-rounder for their best player? Because given his contract and the state of the franchise, a little hope entering the season’s home stretch would be nice…especially if the Nets wind up having to hand over this year’s No. 1 overall pick.

Feb 4, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after making a three point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

16-36

Last week: 1-4Last rank: 28th

But wait, there’s more! Giving up 137 points to the Bucks was less than encouraging, but Booker’s 20-point streak (ended at 16 games), his game-winner against the Kings and his 27-point second quarter against Milwaukee got everyone back on the Booker Bandwagon after his slow start to the season. In non-Booker news though, we have to ask: Will we see Eric Bledsoe‘s name pop up soon in trade rumors as the team’s best asset?

Next: No. 28

Jan 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

20-33

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 27th

In the last few weeks, we’ve now heard Ibaka, Elfrid Payton and Nikola Vucevic come up in trade rumors. The question is, are the Magic still trying to retool for the playoffs so general manager Rob Hennigan can keep his job? Or has Orlando finally accepted its reality and braced for yet another rebuild?

Nov 9, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

19-33

Last week: 1-4Last rank: 25th

Fingers crossed that LaVine will be able to come back next season healthy and better than ever, since he’s such an explosive athlete and was in the middle of his best season yet, averaging a career-high 18.9 points per game on .459/.387/.836 shooting splits.

Feb 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Luol Deng (9) controls the ball while Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

18-36

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 29th

This year’s underwhelming field for the Slam Dunk Contest has a lot to do with Larry Nance Jr. not being 100 percent, and as fun as Ivica Zubac has been lately, Magic Johnson taking on an executive role is not exactly reassuring when he’s the same guy who believes this team is one star away from contending with the Warriors and Spurs in the West.

Feb 6, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) during the fourth quarter as Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) defends at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

18-33

Last week: 1-4Last rank: 20th

On a more positive note, trading Jahlil Okafor to the Pelicans for a first round pick would be a home run for Philly, especially if it’s unprotected. Time will tell if the front office can pull it off, but at the very least, it appears Nerlens Noel is no longer closest to the chopping block.

Feb 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) hugs Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) prior to their game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

22-31

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 24th

Now here’s a fun exercise: Go back and read those last two sentences again, only this time while remembering how high expectations were when the Knicks first brought Phil Jackson aboard. This can’t be what New York had in mind.

Feb 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

20-32

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 23rd

Whether that player should be Jahlil Okafor, however, remains to be seen. The Brow may not like playing the 5, but that might be the position where the Pellies need him to flourish. Trading a future first-rounder for a miserable defender like Okafor and playing him at the 5 is a disaster waiting to happen, even if he’s still only 21 years old and can provide a low-post threat for the NBA’s 27th-ranked offense.

Feb 4, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) and guard Nicolas Batum (5) walk off the court after their loss to the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz defeated the Charlotte Hornets 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

23-28

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 17th

Trading for Miles Plumlee was an unbelievably bone-headed move for Charlotte, and with Ramon Sessions tearing his meniscus, the bench depth will become an even bigger problem. The buildup to Kemba Walker‘s first All-Star Game really deserved better than this.

Feb 4, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

20-32

Last week: 1-4Last rank: 18th

That is, until they somehow knocked off the Warriors in overtime thanks to Stephen Curry‘s missed layup that would’ve tied the game up in its closing seconds. Whatever keeps DeMarcus Cousins within striking distance of the playoffs, I guess, though we should note Sacramento got back on track with a home loss to the Jimmy Butler-less Bulls on Monday.

Next: No. 20

Feb 4, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) puts up a layup against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Bucks won 137-112. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

22-28

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 21st

Even better, they might not have to wait much longer for that bright future. Not only did the Bucks manage to get rid of Miles Plumlee’s albatross of a contract, but Khris Middleton is set to return to the lineup for Wednesday night’s game. Can he shake off the rust fast enough to help Milwaukee close the gap on a playoff spot?

Next: No. 19

Feb 5, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

22-30

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 16th

After spending last summer overpaying to keep a young, overachieving team together, have the Blazers hit a wall? Or can they get back on a more promising path with the help of the trade deadline?

Feb 3, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Yogi Ferrell celebrates with forward Dirk Nowitzki after hitting a shot late in the fourth quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Dallas won the game 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

20-31

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 26th

Ferrell’s nine points against San Antonio and 19 points against Cleveland were a strong start, but the former Indiana Hoosiers standout was just getting started, dropping 32 points on 9-of-11 shooting from downtown in just his fourth game with the Dallas Mavericks. Also worth noting: The Mavs are 4-1 since adding Yogi, and had the longest active win streak in the West before Monday night’s loss to the Nuggets.

Next: No. 17

Feb 6, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dribbles the ball against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 118-109. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

31-21

Last week: 1-4Last rank: 14th

Chris Paul is obviously a huge absence for this team, and three of those losses came to the Warriors (twice) and Celtics, but all of a sudden, the Clips are zero games ahead of the Grizzlies at No. 6 and only 2.5 games ahead of the Thunder at No. 7. But hey, at least Blake Griffin posters are back!

Next: No. 16

Feb 6, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) celebrates after making a three point basket during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

24-28

Last week: 3-2Last rank: 19th

A career-high 38 points from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and then career-highs for Marcus Morris (36 points) and Jon Leuer (24 points) got Detroit two of their three wins of the week, but isn’t it kind of concerning those came in games against the Pelicans and Timberwolves, while the losses came against possible playoff foes like the Celtics and Pacers?

Feb 6, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 110-87. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

23-28

Last week: 2-3Last rank: 13th

Their only wins of the week? A blowout win over the Mavs and a narrow home victory over Milwaukee that just so happened to feature 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists from the Joker — the first triple-double of his career.

Feb 1, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Willie Reed (L) Heat guard Goran Dragic (C) Heat forward James Johnson (third from left) and Heat forward Okaro White (R) laugh on the bench during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at American Airlines Arena. Miami Heat won 116-93. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

22-30

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 22nd

The Heat have won 11 straight games for the longest active win streak in the league, Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters are playing out of their minds and Hassan Whiteside just recorded a 30-point, 20-rebound performance this week. With Miami only two games out of a playoff spot now, will Pat Riley break this unexpected party up?

Jan 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

32-21

Last week: 3-2Last rank: 12th

The fact that their only three wins in the last seven games have come against the league-worst Nets, floundering Clippers and lowly Pelicans — in overtime on a Kyle Lowry buzzer-beater, no less — is perhaps just as concerning. It’s starting to become abundantly clear this team needs to make a trade for another star piece if it wants to seriously make a run to the Finals.

Next: No. 12

Feb 6, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) gestures toward his team mates after defeating the Sacramento Kings 112-107 at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

26-26

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 15th

To be fair though, we’ve got a nearly identical situation going on at the bottom of the West, and with Michael Carter-Williams filling in so well for Jimmy Butler in his first two games back (23 points, nine rebounds and six assists in 35 minutes against Houston, plus 21 points and six boards against Sacramento), perhaps the Bulls could be on to something in the near future.

Next: No. 11

Feb 4, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) dunks against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

30-21

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 10th

There are worse NBA fates than that, but a rebuild still feels like the right course — especially after this week featured a dominant 27-point win over Orlando, a 25-point turnaround against Houston thanks to Tim Hardaway Jr.’s career night…and then a 25-point dismantling at the hands of the Jazz.

Next: No. 10

Feb 5, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

30-23

Last week: 2-3Last rank: 8th

With 25 triple-doubles on the season and the dominant point guard averaging a league-leading 30.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game, only 29 games separate Russ from history. The question is, can OKC rise high enough up the standings to earn him the MVP Award? Because No. 7 isn’t going to cut it.

Feb 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) defends at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

29-22

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 11th

Sure, those wins came against Minnesota, Sacramento, Houston, Orlando, Brooklyn, Detroit and an OKC team missing Enes Kanter, but at the very least, Indiana’s annoying habit of losing to lesser teams is starting to look like a thing of the past.

Feb 4, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) reacts with guard Vince Carter (15) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Grizzlies won 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

32-22

Last week: 4-1Last rank: 9th

With Conley back in the groove, Marc Gasol as consistently great as ever, Zach Randolph throwing his name in the Sixth Man of the Year discussion and JaMychal Green dropping a career-high 29 points of his own, the Grizz could be a quiet threat for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs out West.

Feb 4, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3), forward Gordon Hayward (20) and forward Joe Ingles (2) celebrate after basket in the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz defeated the Charlotte Hornets 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

33-19

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 7th

The question is, with Gordon Hayward making his first All-Star appearance, Rudy Gobert being a leading “All-Star snub” and Derrick Favors starting to find his rhythm, can the Jazz make some real noise in their first postseason with this young core?

Feb 3, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; The jersey number of former Houston Rockets player Yao Ming (11) hangs in the rafters after being retired during the game against the Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

37-17

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 5th

On the lighter side of things, Clint Capela is playing well, Eric Gordon is healthy and Yao Ming had his jersey retired during Houston’s slugfest with Chicago.

Next: No. 5

Feb 2, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates with guard John Wall (2) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards won 116 – 108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

30-21

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 6th

Though their 17-game win streak at home and seven-game win streak overall came to an end Monday night, it took a ridiculous (and yes, lucky) banked in three from LeBron James to force overtime. The Wizards were briefly third in the conference standings, and even after that brutal OT loss to Cleveland, the Wizards look like a legitimate threat in the East. Pretty remarkable for a team that started its season 3-9.

Feb 1, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

33-18

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 4th

Even without Thomas leading the league in fourth quarter scoring and being on the cusp of averaging 30 points per game, Paul Pierce making his last shot in the TD Garden was one of the top sports moments of the week:

Next: No. 3

Feb 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Kevin Love (0) celebrates after defeating Washington Wizards 140-135 in overtime at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

35-15

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 3rd

A seven-point loss to the Mavs dropped Cleveland to 4-7 over its prior 11 games at that point, and though they bounced back with wins Minnesota, New York and Washington, the Cavs were one lucky turnaround away from dropping their biggest test in weeks. Thankfully the shot DID fall, and the King adamantly denied reports that he’s pushing his front office to acquire Carmelo Anthony even if it means shipping away Kevin Love.

Next: No. 2

Jan 31, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after a shot during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

39-12

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 2nd

Case in point: The Warriors lost a game this week, but with the Spurs going 3-1 in the same span, they still trail Golden State by four games in the Western Conference standings. Given this team’s incredible depth, coaching and 20-6 road record, which is actually better than their 19-6 home record, no one in San Antonio seems too concerned either.

Next: No. 1

January 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 126-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

43-8

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 1st

Probably not anytime soon when you remember KD has been playing at an NBA All-Defensive First Team level, but it’s been good to see Curry back to MVP form…even after that missed layup in an overtime loss to the Kings over the weekend.

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 16 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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