(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Things are heating up as we kick in to the end of the season. This is the point of the year where we have a pretty good understanding of who teams are and who they are going to be. There may be some interesting storylines and shake-ups like the Orlando Magic or Chicago Bulls, but as far as contenders, things are clear enough. Now, obviously I can't name every team playing well with just five spots in this weeks Juiced Up Top 5. Since this is the first one, I will be going off of the last 2 weeks of play. Let's get right into this weeks power-rankings.
On the Bubble
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
In order to prevent some fan bases from coming at me with pitch-forks and torches, let's give some teams credit for their recent play. Just outside the top 5 the Los Angeles Clippers are still worth mentioning. They have been on a slight slide, and recently lost Russell Westbrook. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat all deserve a round of applause for the body of work they put together over the last two weeks. Now that is out the way, let's get to the juicy stuff.
#5 Minnesota Timberwolves
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
It doesn't feel great to put them here, but with the massive blow of losing Karl Anthony-Towns, it is hard to put them any higher than fifth. This has been a very promising season for the Wolves, so it is extremely unfortunate to have him go down at the end. There is still hope, as they have a solid squad with a great defense all-around. Over the last 8 games they went 5-3 picking up a major win with a heroic block by Anthony Edwards. Only time will tell if the Wolves can keep things together without their second leading scorer.
#4 Milwaukee Bucks
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
After a rocky start to the Doc Rivers era, the Bucks have finally hit their stride. While their record has never been necessarily bad throughout the season as a whole, it was pretty clear by watching them they had plenty of issues. The fit with Lillard and Giannis, Middleton's health and decline, coaching, you name it. It has been far from perfect. However, it has been much better as of late and they look like a legit threat in the playoffs. Over their last 8 games, they are tied with the Nuggets for the best record in that stretch at 6-2. Their resume during that period boasts wins over the Clippers, Bulls, Sixers, and Timberwolves. If they continue to improve at this rate, the Celtics may need to check over their shoulders.
#3 Oklahoma City Thunder
Nate Billings - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS
I don't think its remotely taboo to say that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP candidate. Chet Holmgren is a candidate for Rookie Of The Year, but it seems that Wemby has ran away with that. Jalen Williams is taking major strides this year, and the young core has lead them to holding the first seed in the Western Conference as we speak. Unfortunately, the lack of experience makes it hard for me to put them much higher than here. They may not be able to do it this season in the playoffs, but they are no doubt a team to look out for. The Thunder post a 6-2 record over their last 8 games, with key wins against the Suns and Heat. With the Timberwolves losing KAT it seems that the only threat to their 1 seed hopes could be the defending champions in Denver.
#2 Denver Nuggets
(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
There are a few separators between this team and the Thunder. Besides the previously mentioned inexperienced nature of the Thunder, the Nuggets are the defending champs. They have their eyes set on jumping them in the standings, while Jokic is in the running for MVP once again. Another separator is there major win against the Boston Celtics the other night, in what many considered a NBA Finals preview. Over their last 7 games, the Nuggets have only a single loss to the Suns. Key wins of their 6 in that stretch came against the Warriors, Heat, Lakers, and Celtics. Currently, I would pick them to come out the west.
#1 Boston Celtics
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This should come at no surprise, as this entire ranking has pointed straight to Boston. They have the best record in the league, best offensive rating, and second best defensive rating. While over the defined stretch we have given they went 4-2, their entire resume over this season has them locked in to this number one spot for now. Their recent loss to the Denver Nuggets is slightly concerning with Tatum's below average performance, but may just be a sign of the gap closing. Either way, the Boston Celtics are a clear cut finals contender if they can avoid their historic meltdowns.
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