The 2024-25 season is nearing as the calendar has flipped to April. The league is entering into the final stretch of the season as teams begin to gear up to make a run at the playoffs, or for some, the play-in tournament.
In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been a machine, and the Boston Celtics have been terrific, while the Philadelphia 76ers have been struggling all season as injuries have robbed them from what was expected to be a championship contender. The New York Knicks have been terrific, but injuries are beginning to hit, while the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Milwaukee Bucks are lurking.
Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been at the top while teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors will be teams to worry about as well.
Now is the time for the 19th edition of the NBA Power Rankings:
30. Utah Jazz (16-61)
Previous ranking: 29
The Jazz have lost seven in a row and have put on a tanking masterclass. Coach Will Hardy has this team play hard every night, but come up just short every time in order to take the losses needed to prepare for the lottery. If the Jazz can add a talent like Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper to this group, it would be a big help with the infusion of talent.
29. Washington Wizards (17-59)
Previous ranking: 30
The Wizards are slogging through another season, but there appears to be hope for this group. The deadline additions of Khris Middleton ...
