NBA Power Rankings: Post-Trade Deadline Shakeup

Wiht the All-Star break in the past and over two-thirds of the season complete, the NBA heads into the final stretch, beginning with a makeup game on Wednesday. The top three teams remain strong contenders, but the whirlwind trade deadline has injected notable uncertainty, particularly in the Western Conference. The Los Angeles Lakers, fifth in the west, substantially bolstered their roster by adding luka dončić. Meanwhile, the 10th-place golden State Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler, dramatically altering the Western Conference landscape. While integrating these star players will take time, both teams now possess considerably greater potential.

Beyond the Lakers and Warriors, numerous teams reshaped their lineups, creating a captivating array of new combinations to watch in the coming weeks. The impact of these moves will be closely scrutinized as teams battle for playoff positioning.

Teams of the Week

• Make It last Forever: LA Clippers (2-0) — Former Hawks Bogdan Bogdanović and De’Andre Hunter (cavs) are both undefeated with their new teams.
• Something Just Ain’t Right: Chicago (0-2) — And the Bulls are still in the play-in!

East vs. West

The Western Conference holds a commanding 161-121 (.571) record against the East in interconference games. Last week alone, the West went 4-3 against their Eastern counterparts.

Schedule Strength

Through Week 17, the toughest schedules belong to Toronto, Washington, and New Orleans, while Cleveland, New York, and Milwaukee enjoy the easiest paths. Schedule strength is based on cumulative opponent record.

Ranking Movement

• high jumps of the week: Brooklyn (+3),Detroit (+3),Golden State (+3)
• free fall of the week: Miami (-3)

Team to Watch: Golden State Warriors

The warriors’ next two games are arguably the most crucial remaining on their schedule. they face the ninth-place kings on Friday and host the eighth-place Mavericks on Sunday afternoon.

Oklahoma City Thunder (#1)

Record: 44-10

OffRtg: 117.3 (6) DefRtg: 104.5 (1) NetRtg: +12.8 (1) Pace: 100.4 (8)

The Thunder entered the break with only their second double-digit loss of the season, maintaining an eight-game lead over the second-place Grizzlies in the Western Conference.

• They’ve outscored their opponents by 12.9 points per game, which would be the best point differential in NBA history, topping the mark of the 1971-72 Lakers (plus 12.3 per game). They remain the only team that hasn’t lost a game by at least 20 points.
• they’ve committed 6.1 fewer turnovers than their opponents,which would be the best differential in the 48 seasons for which turnovers have been counted. They’d be just the second team in the 29 seasons of play-by-play data (joining the 2022-23 Toronto Raptors) to lead the league in both turnover rate (11.9 per 100 possessions) and opponent turnover rate (18.0 per 100).
• Having come back from 21 points down against miami on Wednesday, they’re 12-7 in games they trailed by double-digits, which would be the best record when down 10-plus in the 29 seasons for which we have play-by-play data.

The Thunder face a challenging schedule, playing five of their first six post-break games on the road, including a return trip to Minnesota on Sunday.

Week 18: @ UTA, @ MIN

Boston Celtics (#2)

Record: 39-16

OffRtg: 118.8 (4) DefRtg: 109.6 (5) NetRtg: +9.3 (3) Pace: 97.8 (26)

the Celtics experienced a resurgence in early February, winning seven of their last eight games, including victories over Cleveland and New York.

• The Celtics are the only team that ranks in the top five on both ends of the floor. They’re 39-16 with the point differential of a team that’s 43-12, with that being the league’s biggest differential between a team’s “expected” wins and its actual wins.
• They already have more losses at TD Garden (17-10, .630) than they had in either of the last two seasons (32-9 and 37-4), but are 22-6 (.786) on the road. That would be the third-biggest road-home differential in NBA history.
• Only 21.5% of their points, the league’s lowest rate, have come from fast breaks (10.2%, lowest) or second chances (11.3%, ninth lowest).

A key moment in their recent success was a comeback from 26 points down late in the third quarter in Philadelphia on Feb. 2. They return to Philadelphia on Thursday.

Week 18: @ PHI, vs. NYK

Cleveland Cavaliers (#3)

Record: 44-10

OffRtg: 121.9

NBA Power Rankings: Top Contenders Battle for Supremacy

The NBA season is reaching a fever pitch, with the playoff race intensifying. This week’s power rankings highlight the top contenders, examining their strengths and upcoming challenges.

Cleveland Cavaliers (#3)

record: 37-18

OffRtg: 116.8 (7) DefRtg: 109.6 (4) NetRtg: +7.2 (3) Pace: 99.7 (18)

The Cavaliers are a formidable force, showcasing impressive offensive efficiency across the court. A recent analysis noted, They’re the only team that ranks in the top five in field goal percentage in the paint (61.1%, second), mid-range field goal percentage (43.8%, fifth) and 3-point percentage (39.3%,first). Their success isn’t solely due to offense; they boast a stellar 20-6 record against teams currently above .500, despite a relatively easier schedule. Three crucial games against the third-place Knicks loom, starting with a back-to-back matchup in Cleveland on Friday.

Week 18 Schedule: @ BKN, vs. NYK, vs. MEM

Denver Nuggets (#4)

Record: 36-19

offrtg: 119.5 (3) DefRtg: 113.7 (16) NetRtg: +5.8 (6) Pace: 101.0 (5)

Riding an eight-game winning streak, the Nuggets are led by Jamal Murray’s electrifying performances, including a recent 55-point outburst against the Blazers. Their dominance in the paint is undeniable. Statistics reveal, The Nuggets have averaged 59.9 points in the paint per game, the most (by a healthy margin) for any team in the 29 seasons for which we have shot-location data. They lead the league in field goal percentage in the paint (61.2%) and the percentage of shots attempted in the paint (54.4%), surprisingly ranking last in 3-point rate (34.7%). Despite a significant disparity in their record depending on first-quarter performance (23-2 when winning the first quarter,12-17 when losing it),their seven wins after trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter highlight their resilience. Nikola Jokić’s impact is immeasurable, with the Nuggets boasting a 20.5 points per 100 possessions advantage with him on the court.

Week 18 Schedule: vs. CHA, vs. LAL

New York Knicks (#5)

Record: 36-18

OffRtg: 119.9 (2) DefRtg: 113.9 (18) NetRtg: +6.0 (5) pace: 98.2 (23)

The Knicks’ success hinges on their starting lineup, which has logged 278 more minutes than any other lineup in the league, outscoring opponents by 5.4 points per 100 possessions. Jalen Brunson’s clutch performances are key,leading the league in time of possession (8.7 minutes per game) and clutch usage rate (46.5%). Josh Hart’s improved efficiency is another significant factor, boasting a career-best effective field goal percentage of 61%, a significant increase from last season’s 49.3%. However, a challenging schedule awaits, with upcoming games against the league’s top teams.

Week 18 Schedule: vs. CHI, @ CLE, @ BOS

Memphis Grizzlies (#6)

Record: 36-18

OffRtg: 117.8 (5) DefRtg: 110.9 (7) NetRtg: +6.9 (4) Pace: 104.5 (1)

The Grizzlies are clinging to second place in the West after recent setbacks. Their remarkable improvement is evident, with a projected 13.8 points per 100 possessions increase from last season. While their winning percentage might not be a franchise record, their point differential (+7.5 per game) is noteworthy. A significant disparity exists between their record against teams above and below .500, highlighting a need for consistency. Their transition offense is remarkable, averaging 34.2 transition points per game,the highest in 21 seasons of synergy tracking. They face a tough test with three upcoming games against top Eastern Conference teams.

Week 18 Schedule: @ IND, @ ORL, @ CLE

The race for the NBA playoffs is far from over, with these top teams poised for an exciting finish to the regular season.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Recent Success and Impressive Statistics

Despite a recent loss to the Celtics, the Cavs have won eight of their last nine games, maintaining a six-game advantage over Boston in the loss column. Their dominance is reflected in their impressive statistics.

• The Cavs have scored 8.7 more points per 100 possessions than the league average, which would be the second-best differential in 29 seasons for which we have play-by-play data. Their effective field goal percentage of 58.7% would be the highest in NBA history, while their assist/turnover ratio of 2.23 would be the fourth highest in the 48 seasons that turnovers have been counted.

The Cavaliers’ strong performance continues to solidify their position among the league’s elite.

NBA Power Rankings: Post-All-Star Break Analysis

The All-Star break is over, and the NBA season is heating up. A look at five teams reveals a mixed bag of successes and struggles as they head into the final stretch.

Indiana Pacers: Offensive Dip, Defensive Dependence

The Indiana Pacers, boasting a 30-23 record and fourth place in the Eastern Conference, finished their pre-break schedule with a mixed bag. Despite securing an overtime victory against washington, their performance raised some concerns. “After a strong six weeks, the Pacers didn’t have a great finish to their pre-break schedule,” the report noted. Their offensive efficiency, which ranked second last season, has seen a significant drop, falling by 6.1 points per 100 possessions—the third-largest decrease in the league, trailing only the Pelicans and Clippers. Though they lead the league in ball movement, averaging 396 passes per 24 minutes of possession. A key defensive statistic highlights the importance of Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam: “The Pacers have allowed 105.0 points per 100 possessions in 791 minutes with both Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam on the floor.” Conversely, their defensive performance suffers significantly without both players.The Pacers’ home-court advantage has been limited, with only 22 of their 53 games played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Fortunately, they will play six of their first seven post-break games at home, facing tough Western Conference opponents including Memphis and Los Angeles.

Week 18 Schedule: vs. MEM, vs. LAC

Dallas Mavericks: Top-Four Bigs Out, Still Winning

The Mavericks (30-26) enter the post-All-Star break with an impressive feat: four wins in their last five games, despite having their top four centers sidelined.This has kept them in the top eight in the Western Conference. Their three-point shooting has dramatically decreased,from 44.1% last season (second in the league) to 39.8% this season (22nd). Conversely, they’ve seen a significant increase in shots attempted in the paint. Dereck Lively II’s impact is undeniable: “The Mavs have allowed 8.3 fewer points per 100 possessions with Dereck Lively II on the floor (106.4) than they have with him off the floor (114.7).” While Kyrie Irving leads the league in fourth-quarter scoring with 7.5 points per game, their clutch winning percentage has dropped significantly. They face a crucial game against the Golden State Warriors, who trail them by just one game in the loss column.

Week 18 Schedule: vs. NOP, @ GSW

Golden State Warriors: Defensive Improvement, Offensive Inconsistencies

the Golden State Warriors (28-27) have shown a recent surge, boasting a 3-1 record with improved defense, allowing just 106.7 points per 100 possessions in their best four-game stretch since Christmas. They are unique in ranking highly in shot quality metrics on both offense and defense, yet their effective field goal percentage is relatively low. Stephen Curry’s on-court impact is substantial: “They’ve scored 13.4 more points per 100 possessions with Stephen Curry on the floor (116.4) than they have with him off the floor (103).” A striking inconsistency exists between their first and second-half performances: “they have the league’s 27th-ranked offense (106.1 points scored per 100 possessions) before halftime and its sixth-ranked offense (118.4 per 100) in the second half.” This significant difference presents a key area for improvement. Two crucial games against Sacramento and Dallas will determine their playoff trajectory.

Week 18 Schedule: @ SAC, vs. DAL

Milwaukee Bucks: giannis’ Absence and Paint Struggles

The Milwaukee Bucks (29-24) went 3-3 in their final six pre-break games without Giannis Antetokounmpo, even securing a win without both of their All-Stars. Despite Antetokounmpo’s impressive 21.2 points in the paint (most in the last 25 seasons), the team struggles in this area, ranking 28th in points in the paint per game and per 100 possessions. “Only 56% of Bucks possessions, the league’s lowest rate, have come with a paint touch, according to Second Spectrum tracking.” Their three-point shooting consistency is a significant factor in their wins and losses: “They lead the league with 36 games of shooting the league average (35.9%) or better from 3-point range.They have the second biggest differential between their record in those games (26-10,.722) and their record when they’ve shot worse than average (3-14,.176).” Defensively, they limit opponents’ paint shots, holding them to the league’s lowest opponent rate at 46%.

Milwaukee Bucks: Road Woes Continue

The Milwaukee Bucks enter the post-break schedule with a concerning trend: a 0-4 record in road games played as the second game of a back-to-back. These losses have been significant, averaging an 18.8-point deficit. Their upcoming schedule features a home-road back-to-back, with the crucial second game in Washington on Friday. Week 18 includes games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat.

Detroit Pistons: A Winning Streak and Impressive Improvement

The Detroit Pistons are riding high on a four-game winning streak,with each victory exceeding a double-digit margin. Their remarkable turnaround is evident in their league-leading improvement in winning percentage and their second-best improvement in point differential per 100 possessions, at +9.7. “They already have more than twice as many wins as they had all of last season (14-68), and they’re the only team when adjusting for the league average, that’s been at least two points per 100 possessions better on both offense (+5.5) and defense (-4.2),” a recent analysis noted. Their success, however, is heavily reliant on leading by double digits; their record after trailing by double digits is a stark contrast. Malik Beasley leads the league with 162 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, while Cade Cunningham ranks second in assists on 3-pointers. The Pistons have a favorable schedule with nine rest-advantage games remaining, more than any other team. Week 18 will see them face the San Antonio Spurs and atlanta Hawks.

Portland Trail Blazers: A Rollercoaster Ride

The Portland Trail Blazers, after a strong 10-1 stretch, stumbled into the break with a disappointing 0-3 road trip. Their defensive struggles were particularly evident in Denver, where they allowed 135 points per 100 possessions over two games.”the Blazers are 23-32 with the point differential (-5.6 per game) of a team that’s 17-38,” highlighting a significant discrepancy between their actual and expected win totals. Their defensive performance fluctuated wildly; after ranking first defensively during their 10-1 run, they are still on track for a bottom-10 defense for the sixth consecutive season. Jerami Grant’s usage rate has significantly decreased, impacting his efficiency. the Blazers face a crucial test against the Lakers on Thursday, their first game back from the break, and have only two rest-advantage games remaining. Week 18 includes home games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets.

Phoenix Suns: Clutch Performances, Overall Struggles

The Phoenix Suns ended the first half of the season on a rough patch, losing six of their last seven games before the All-Star break, with their only win coming in overtime against the Utah Jazz. While they excel in clutch situations, boasting a strong record in games within five points in the final five minutes (sixth best), their overall performance outside of those situations is significantly weaker. They face a significant disadvantage in shooting opportunities, ranking last in the league in this metric. Their struggles extend to rebounding and forcing turnovers. Despite this, Kevin Durant continues his impressive streak, on track for his 13th season averaging at least 25 points per game with a true shooting percentage of 60% or better. The Suns begin their post-break schedule with a challenging four-game road trip, starting with a game in Chicago on Saturday. They also face a arduous stretch of five games in seven days. Their record in the second game of back-to-backs is a concerning 2-9. Week 18 includes games against the San antonio Spurs, chicago Bulls, and Toronto raptors.

Orlando Magic: Home Sweet Home

The Orlando Magic finished their pre-break homestand with a 2-1 record, despite a surprising loss to Atlanta despite good 3-point shooting.Their 3-point shooting has significantly declined this season, ranking last in the league.”They don’t have any of the 123 players who’ve shot the league average (35.9%) or better from 3-point range,” a recent analysis pointed out. Their home-road split is extreme, with a much higher win percentage at home compared to away games. Franz Wagner stands out as one of only two players (along with Victor Wembanyama) who have significantly improved both their team’s offense and defense while on the court. Week 18’s schedule has not been provided.

Orlando Magic: Franz Wagner’s Impact

The orlando Magic are seeing a significant difference in their performance with Franz Wagner on the court. Their net rating is 12.3 points per 100 possessions better with Wagner on the floor (plus-5.6) than it has been with him off the floor (minus-6.7). This highlights Wagner’s crucial role in the team’s success. Following a game in Atlanta on Thursday, the Magic will begin a seven-game homestand against the memphis Grizzlies.

Week 18 Schedule: @ ATL, vs. MEM, vs. WAS

Sacramento Kings: Coaching Change and 3-Point Woes

The Sacramento Kings, currently 28-27, have experienced a coaching change, with Doug Christie taking over from Mike Brown. While their record under Christie (15-9, .625) is better than under Brown (13-18, .419), their statistical performance has dipped slightly. They’ve been worse statistically, outscoring opponents by just 0.2 points per 100 possessions under Christie vs.plus-1.6 under Brown. However, their clutch game performance has improved significantly (10-3 since the change, compared to 6-13 previously).

A significant challenge for the Kings is their 3-point shooting. The Kings have been outscored by 6.4 points per game from 3-point range, the league’s worst discrepancy. They rank poorly in both 3-point percentage and 3-point attempt rate, and also struggle defensively against 3-pointers. Their reliance on mid-range shots, particularly DeMar DeRozan’s league-leading 427 attempts, is another key factor. The Kings face a tough remaining schedule, starting with a crucial game against the Golden State Warriors.

Week 18 Schedule: vs. GSW

Miami Heat: Defensive Prowess and Late-Game Struggles

The Miami Heat,with a 25-28 record,are experiencing their worst season in a decade.As they stand now, this is the Heat’s worst season in the last 10 years (as 2014-15), both regarding winning percentage and point differential per 100 possessions. Despite maintaining a top-10 defense, they’ve allowed more points per 100 possessions than last season. Their heavy reliance on zone defense, while effective (ranking sixth among teams with at least 100 zone possessions), hasn’t been enough to overcome their struggles.

A major concern is their late-game execution. they lead the league with four losses (they’re 17-4) in games they led by double-digits in the fourth quarter, more than they had in the last two seasons combined. The Heat face a challenging schedule.

NBA Power Rankings: A Deep Dive into Contending and Struggling Teams

The NBA season is reaching its climax, with playoff positioning a fierce battleground. This analysis examines five teams vying for postseason berths: the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz, alongside a look at the San Antonio Spurs’ defensive struggles and the Atlanta Hawks’ post-trade deadline surge.

San Antonio Spurs: Defensive Decline and Victor Wembanyama’s Impact

The San Antonio Spurs (23-29) remain in playoff contention, but their recent form is concerning. The Spurs ranked 14th defensively when they were 18-16 and in eighth place in the West. Over their 18 games since they rank 28th on that end of the floor. This dramatic defensive drop-off significantly impacts their performance. However, Victor Wembanyama’s defensive prowess is undeniable. Victor Wembanyama has averaged 1.68 blocks per personal foul, the highest rate for any player with at least 100 total blocks in the 52 seasons that blocks have been counted. His impact on the team’s defensive strategy is a key area of focus for the Spurs’ coaching staff as they look to improve their defensive efficiency. The spurs’ performance with De’Aaron Fox and Chris Paul together is also noteworthy. Over their five games with De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs have been better in their 110 minutes with both Fox and Chris Paul on the floor (plus-5.5 points per 100 possessions) than they’ve been in 104 total minutes with one on the floor without the other (minus-2.7 per 100). The Spurs begin their post-break schedule with two games in Austin before a challenging five-game stretch. Week 18 Schedule: vs. PHX, vs. DET, @ NOP

Atlanta Hawks: Post-Trade Deadline Performance and Improved Movement

The Atlanta Hawks (26-29) have undergone a significant transformation since the trade deadline. The Hawks have seen the league’s fifth-biggest drop in both points scored per 100 possessions (-5.2) and points allowed per 100 possessions (-4.9). This defensive improvement is a positive sign, indicating a prosperous adjustment to their roster changes. Their offensive and defensive efficiency has improved, and their ball and player movement have dramatically increased. They’re one of four teams – the Bulls, Warriors and Pacers are the others – that rank in the top five in both ball and player movement, according to Second Spectrum tracking. They ranked last in ball movement last season,but have seen the league’s biggest jump in passes per 24 minutes of possession. trae Young’s league-leading assists further enhance their offensive fluidity. Week 18 Schedule: vs. ORL

Atlanta Hawks (#22)

The Hawks (20-34) aim for a strong finish. Ten of their next twelve games are at home, starting with crucial matchups against the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons—teams directly ahead of them in the standings. They’ve already secured road wins against both teams this month.”Ten of the Hawks’ first 12 post-break games are at home, a stretch that begins with games against the two teams directly ahead of them in the standings. They already have (road) wins over the Magic and Pistons this month.” While Trae Young’s 180 three-pointers and 29 clutch assists are impressive, his 12.9 turnover rate per 100 possessions used is a career high, and his true shooting percentage of 56.1% would be his lowest since his rookie season. this highlights a need for improved ball security and overall efficiency. Week 18 Schedule: vs. ORL, vs. DET

Brooklyn Nets (#23)

the Nets (20-34) have surged, winning six of their last seven games, putting them in Play-In contention. Their turnaround is due to a defensive resurgence. “The Nets have won six of their last seven games and are suddenly a threat to take the last Play-In spot in the East.” After ranking 25th defensively through their first 43 games, they’ve boasted the league’s No. 1 defense over the past four weeks, allowing just 106.1 points per 100 possessions.Their offensive strategy is unique: “they’ve taken 24% of their shots, the league’s highest rate, in the last six seconds of the shot clock, according to Second Spectrum tracking. They’ve averaged 15.5 seconds per possession, also the league’s highest mark.” This high-risk approach has paid off. Cam Johnson’s performance has been exceptional, setting career highs. “Cam Johnson is the only player who’s shot 55% or better on at least 200 2-point attempts, 40% or better on at least 200 3-point attempts and 88% from the free-throw line. He’s registering career-high marks for field goal percentage in the paint (64.0%), free throw rate (28 attempts per 100 shots from the field) and true shooting percentage (65.2%).” Their remaining schedule includes tougher matchups against the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers. Week 18 Schedule: vs. CLE, @ PHI

Toronto Raptors (#24)

The Raptors (17-38) have lost five of their last six games. Their struggles are evident: “The Raptors are one of two teams — the Wizards are the other — that rank in the bottom five on both ends of the floor. This would be the lowest they’ve ranked offensively in the last 13 seasons.” their offensive strategy relies on inside scoring, ranking second in the percentage of shots attempted in the paint (54.1%),while struggling from beyond the arc (29th in 3-point attempts). “They rank second in the percentage of their shots that have come in the paint (54.1%) and 29th in the percentage that have come from 3-point range (36.6%). They’re tied for the most games (36) in which they’ve been outscored from beyond the arc and are 7-29 in those games.” The absence of key players like Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes has significantly impacted their performance. “They’ve had Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes all in the lineup for just seven of their 55 games. They’re just 1-6 in those games and have been outscored by 22.1 points per 100 possessions in their 127 minutes on the floor together.” Their remaining schedule is easier, with only five games against teams currently above .500. Week 18 Schedule: vs. MIA, vs. PHX

Philadelphia 76ers (#25)

The 76ers (20-34) are on a five-game losing streak, a significant setback. Their struggles represent a sharp decline from last season’s 47-35 record. “The Sixers are one loss from being the second team to match its total from last season (47-35). They’ve seen the league’s second biggest drops in both winning percentage and point differential per 100 possessions (-6.9).” Inconsistent lineup stability is a major concern. “Their most-used lineup has played just 72 minutes together, the fewest for any team’s most-used five-man unit. And it includes Caleb Martin, who’s no longer on the team.” Joel Embiid’s performance is also a factor. “The Sixers have been much worse offensively and much better defensively with Joel Embiid on the floor (106.1 combined points per 100 possessions with their opponents) than they’ve been with him off the floor (114.9 combined). Embiid’s effective field goal percentage of 49.3% would be the worst mark of his career and ranks 200th among 235 players with at least 250 field goal attempts.” Despite previous leads against the Boston Celtics, they face another crucial matchup this week.Week 18 schedule: vs. BOS, vs. PHI

Utah Jazz (#26)

The jazz (13-41) surprisingly beat the Los Angeles Lakers. their struggles are undeniable,particularly in turnovers. “The Jazz have committed 5.6 more turnovers per game than their opponents, the worst differential (by a wide margin) in the 48 seasons for which turnovers have been counted. They rank last in both turnover rate (17.4 per 100 possessions) and opponent turnover rate (11.8 per 100).” this turnover rate is a major obstacle. the upcoming weeks will be critical for these five teams as they fight for playoff contention.Their performance will depend on addressing key weaknesses, improving team cohesion, and capitalizing on favorable matchups.

NBA Teams Face Post-All-Star Break Challenges and Opportunities

The NBA All-Star break provided a much-needed respite for teams across the league, but the challenges and opportunities awaiting them in the second half of the season are significant. Several teams, including the New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards, face critical junctures that will determine their playoff hopes.

Pelicans Snap Losing Streak, But Deep-Seated Issues Remain

The New Orleans pelicans ended a grueling 10-game losing streak with an overtime victory against the Sacramento kings, powered by CJ McCollum’s impressive 43-point performance. However, this win masks a more concerning trend. The Pelicans have experienced the league’s largest decrease in both points scored and points allowed per 100 possessions compared to their 2022-23 season.this translates to a staggering 13.3-point-per-100-possession deficit,a significant drop from their +4.6 net rating (sixth in the league) last season. This would represent the third-largest season-to-season drop in the last 26 years.

Their home-court advantage is stark, with a 10.4-point-per-100-possession advantage at home compared to their road performances—the league’s largest home-road differential. Conversely, their road performance would be the worst for any team in the last 12 seasons. While Trey Murphy III and Brandon Boston Jr. have shown individual improvement, the team’s overall struggles persist. Their post-break schedule begins with a challenging road game against the Dallas mavericks, where they suffered their worst road loss of the season (132-91). week 18 will see them face the Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs.

Hornets’ Struggles Against Sub-.500 Teams

The Charlotte Hornets entered the All-Star break on a three-game losing streak, scoring less than a point per possession. Their record against teams currently below .500 (6-21, .222) is surprisingly worse than their record against teams above .500 (7-18, .280). A significant disparity exists between their first and second-half performances: they are 12.5 points per 100 possessions better in the second half (+1.0, 15th best) than in the first half (-11.5, second worst), the league’s largest half-to-half differential.

Moussa Diabaté’s impact is undeniable, with the team performing 13.6 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court (+3.8) than off (-9.8). This is the third-largest on-off differential among players with at least 500 minutes played for a single team. The Hornets have played the most home-heavy schedule to date, but their post-break schedule includes a challenging six-game road trip, with five games against teams with winning records. Their Week 18 schedule includes road games against the Los Angeles lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Wizards’ Historically poor Performance

The Washington Wizards ended the pre-All-Star break with a four-game home losing streak, despite showing competitiveness against strong opponents.Their -13.4 points per game differential would be the third worst in NBA history. They are on track to be the first team in 29 seasons to rank in the bottom 10 in all eight key offensive and defensive factors. Only three other teams in that span have achieved this dubious distinction.

Their Week 18 schedule is not provided.

Wizards’ Favorable Post-All-Star Break Schedule

The Washington Wizards enter the post-All-Star break with a significant advantage: the league’s second-easiest remaining schedule based on cumulative opponent winning percentage. This presents a golden opportunity for the team to climb the Eastern Conference standings and perhaps make a late-season push for the playoffs.

Following their Friday matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Wizards will embark on a crucial eight-game stretch against teams currently boasting losing records. This favorable run of games offers a chance for the wizards to rack up wins and significantly improve their position in the competitive Eastern Conference. The Wizards’ Week 18 schedule begins with the challenging game against the Bucks, promptly followed by a game against the Orlando Magic, marking the start of their run against teams with sub-.500 records. The team’s current record against this group of eight opponents stands at 7-14, highlighting the potential for significant improvement.

This favorable schedule presents a critical juncture for the Wizards’ season. Capitalizing on this opportunity coudl be the difference between a playoff berth and another season on the outside looking in. The team’s performance over these eight games will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, as it might very well be a defining period in their season. The upcoming games against teams with losing records offer a chance for the Wizards to build momentum, improve their confidence, and potentially solidify their position in the playoff race.The team’s ability to capitalize on this favorable schedule will be a key factor in determining their ultimate success this season. The post-All-Star break schedule presents a clear path for the Wizards to improve their standing.Whether they can successfully navigate this opportunity and translate it into wins remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the narrative of the Wizards’ 2023-2024 season.

The struggles of these teams highlight the challenges and complexities of the NBA season. While some teams are finding success, others are battling to improve their performance and climb the standings.