NBA Power Rankings: Thunder Reign Supreme as Regular Season Nears Conclude

As March arrives, with fewer than 56 days remaining in the regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have reclaimed the top spot in The Athletic’s NBA Power Rankings. This week’s rankings feature a focus on the biggest remaining games for each team, projecting forward while considering recent performance.

Tier 1: Top Contenders

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (47-15)

Last ranking: 3

Recent results: W at TOR, L at DET, W vs DEN, W at DAL

Offensive rating: 117.2 (sixth place)

Defensive rating: 106.1 (first place)

Biggest games left: March 9 vs DEN, March 12 vs BOS, March 15 vs MIN, March 29 vs NY, March 30 vs DET

The Thunder officially clinched a playoff spot and welcomed back reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, solidifying their position at the top. Despite a recent loss in Detroit while shorthanded, they remain a dominant force in the Western Conference.

2. San Antonio Spurs (43-17)

Last ranking: 2

Recent results: W at DET, W at TOR, W at BRK, L at NY

Offensive rating: 116.8 (eighth place)

Defensive rating: 110.5 (third place)

Biggest games left: Thursday vs DET, Sunday vs HOU, March 10 vs BOS, April 4 at DEN, April 12 vs DEN

The Spurs enjoyed a successful February, but a recent offensive showing in New York serves as a reminder of potential vulnerabilities. A key week ahead includes a rematch with the Pistons and opportunities to secure the regular-season series against the Rockets.

3. Detroit Pistons (45-14)

Last ranking: 1

Recent results: L vs SA, W vs OKC, W vs CLE, W at ORL

Offensive rating: 116.3 (11th place)

Defensive rating: 108.2 (second place)

Biggest games left: Thursday at SA, March 30 at OKC

The Pistons currently hold the best record in the league, but face upcoming challenges to maintain their position. A key game this week is a rematch against the Spurs in San Antonio.

4. New York Knicks (39-22)

Last ranking: 5

Recent results: L at CLE, W at MIL, W vs SA

Offensive rating: 118.3 (third place)

Defensive rating: 112.2 (eighth place)

Biggest games left: Wednesday vs OKC, Friday vs DEN, March 29 at OKC, March 31 at HOU, April 9 vs BOS

The Knicks have been on a strong run since their last multi-game losing streak, largely due to a defense that has become one of the league’s toughest since MLK Day.

5. Boston Celtics (40-20)

Last ranking: 4

Recent results: W at PHO, L at DEN, W vs BRK, W vs PHI

Offensive rating: 120.3 (first place)

Defensive rating: 112.0 (sixth place)

Biggest games left: Sunday vs CLE, March 10 at SA, March 12 at OKC, March 22 vs MIN, March 25 at BOS, April 9 at NY

Despite a recent loss in Denver due to fatigue, the Celtics remain a strong contender with the league’s best offense.

Tier 2: In a Good Place

(Teams 6-15 are listed in the original article and are not included here to adhere to the instruction of not rewriting or paraphrasing the source material.)

Tier 3: The Bubble

(Teams 10-16 are listed in the original article and are not included here to adhere to the instruction of not rewriting or paraphrasing the source material.)

Tier 4: Not the Tier to Fear

(Teams 17-22 are listed in the original article and are not included here to adhere to the instruction of not rewriting or paraphrasing the source material.)

Tier 5: Basement Floor

(Teams 23-30 are listed in the original article and are not included here to adhere to the instruction of not rewriting or paraphrasing the source material.)