Power Rankings, Week 18: The dwelling stretch begins

Record: 40-13

OffRtg: 116.6 (10) DefRtg: 108.3 (2) NetRtg: +8.3 (2) Pace: 100.4 (17)

The Pistons went into the All-Star break with a three-game successful streak, the league’s greatest report, and one of the best report (17-6) in video games performed between the 16 groups which are presently over .500.

Three numbers to know

• The Pistons have outscored their opponents by 13.3 factors per sport within the restricted space. That’s one of the best differential for any workforce within the final seven seasons and nearly double the differential for another workforce this season.

• They’ve averaged 4.6 extra shot alternatives than their opponents, the league’s greatest differential. They’ve pressured 17.2 turnovers per 100 possessions, the very best opponent price for any workforce within the final six seasons, additionally rating fourth in offensive rebounding share (35.2%).

• Opponents have shot 88-for-206 (42.7%) on the rim when Isaiah Stewart has been there. That could be one of the best rim safety mark within the 13 seasons of monitoring knowledge for a participant who’s defended at the very least 200 photographs on the rim.

Coming up: The Pistons’ first sport after the break is their solely (common season) go to to Madison Square Garden. They’ve outscored the Knicks by 69 factors over the primary two conferences, however they’ll be with out each Stewart (suspended six extra video games) and Jalen Duren (another) for the season-series finale on Thursday.

Week 18: @ NYK, @ CHI

Record: 38-16

OffRtg: 117.0 (7) DefRtg: 110.9 (3) NetRtg: +6.1 (5) Pace: 100.9 (13)

The Spurs have the league’s longest lively successful streak (six video games) and are simply two video games within the loss column behind the Thunder, holding the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Three numbers to know

• The Spurs have been the league’s most improved workforce in regard to successful share and on protection, the place they’ve allowed 5.4 fewer factors per 100 possessions than they did final season. They’ve seen the league’s greatest drop in opponent subject purpose share within the paint, from 57.8% (nineteenth) final season to 54.6% (fourth) this season.

• They’ve been at their greatest (plus-12.1 factors per 100 possessions) within the first quarter however are additionally considered one of two groups with a greater report after they’ve misplaced the primary quarter (13-3) than after they’ve received the primary quarter (24-13).

Coming up: The rodeo is on the town, so the Spurs come out of the break with their two video games in Austin. They’re 0-2 towards the Suns (who they’ll face on Thursday), although they have been with out De’Aaron Fox within the first assembly and with out each Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama within the second.

Week 18: vs. PHX, vs. SAC

Record: 42-14

OffRtg: 117.8 (4) DefRtg: 106.3 (1) NetRtg: +11.5 (1) Pace: 100.7 (15)

With their shorthanded loss to the Bucks on Thursday, the Thunder misplaced their spot on the prime of the mixed standings and have become the third workforce to match its loss complete from final season (68-14).

Three numbers to know

• The Thunder are the one workforce that ranks within the prime 5 on each ends of the ground. They’ve outscored their opponents by 11.7 factors per sport, what could be the fifth greatest mark in NBA historical past.

• They lead the league in turnover differential for the third straight season and by an enormous margin, having dedicated 4.5 fewer per sport than their opponents. Detroit ranks second at 2.1 fewer turnovers than their opponents. Among 318 gamers who’ve performed at the very least 500 minutes, Alex Caruso (5.9) and Cason Wallace (5.8) rank fourth and fifth in deflections per 36.

Coming up: The Thunder have the league’s second hardest post-break schedule in regard to cumulative opponent successful share (.541), although it begins with their first of two conferences with the Nets, they usually’ll have a rest-advantage towards Brooklyn on Friday.

Week 18: vs. BKN, vs. CLE

Record: 35-20

OffRtg: 118.9 (3) DefRtg: 112.8 (11) NetRtg: +6.1 (4) Pace: 98.7 (23)

The Knicks had a confounding loss to the Pacers final week however went into the break with a 49-point win over the Sixers. They’re in a decent race with the Celtics and Cavs for the 2-4 seeds within the East, they usually’re presently 4-1 towards Boston and Cleveland.

Three numbers to know

• The Knicks have the league’s greatest home-road differentials in regard to successful share (21-7 vs. 13-13) and level differential per 100 possessions (plus-10.1 vs. plus-1.6). The latter has been extra about protection than offense.

• They’ve seen the league’s greatest soar in 3-point price, from 38.2% of their photographs (twenty eighth) final season to 43.8% (ninth) this season. But they rank final within the share of their 3-point makes an attempt (41%) which have been huge open, based on monitoring knowledge.

• Jalen Brunson leads the league in time of possession for the third straight season, however his 7.8 minutes per sport of possession is his lowest price in his 4 seasons with the Knicks. His common seconds per contact (5.18) and dribbles per contact (4.82) are additionally down from final season (6.06 and 6.04).

Coming up: The Knicks are 0-2 vs. the Pistons, having scored simply 89.9 factors per 100 possessions over the 2 losses, which each got here by greater than 30 factors. The third and closing (common season) assembly is Thursday in New York.

Week 18: vs. DET, vs. HOU, @ CHI

Record: 35-20

OffRtg: 121.0 (1) DefRtg: 116.9 (24) NetRtg: +4.1 (9) Pace: 98.4 (25)

The Nuggets stay banged up, going into the break with out Aaron Gordon, Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson. They’re simply 2-4 in February however are holding onto third place within the West.

Three numbers to know

• The Nuggets are the one workforce that ranks within the prime 10 on one finish of the ground and within the backside 10 on the opposite finish. They’ve mixed with their opponents to attain 118.9 factors per 100 possessions, the league’s highest mixed mark by a large margin.

• They’re the one workforce that ranks within the prime 10 in subject purpose share within the paint (59.2%, seventh), mid-range subject purpose share (44.5%, fifth) and 3-point share (39.5%, first). They lead the league with seven gamers who’ve shot 38% or higher on at the very least 100 3-point makes an attempt.

• The Nuggets have been 15.8 factors per 100 possessions higher with Nikola Jokić on the ground (plus-11.7 per 100) than they’ve been with him off the ground (minus-4.1). That has him main the league in on-off differential (amongst gamers who’ve performed at the very least 750 minutes) for what could be the fifth straight season, although that 15.8 per 100 is his smallest differential in these 5 years.

Coming up: The Nuggets have the league’s hardest remaining schedule in regard to cumulative opponent successful share (.551). After they play a highway back-to-back towards the Clippers and Blazers, 11 of their subsequent 12 video games will come towards groups presently over .500.

Week 18: @ LAC, @ POR, @ GSW

Record: 35-19

OffRtg: 120.2 (2) DefRtg: 112.6 (9) NetRtg: +7.5 (3) Pace: 95.7 (30)

The Celtics received six of their final seven video games earlier than the All-Star break, although the one loss got here by 22 factors to the Knicks, who they lead by a half sport for second place within the East.

Three numbers to know

• The Celtics are 35-19 with the purpose differential of a workforce that’s 40-14. They have the league’s greatest differential between their report in video games that weren’t inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes (23-5) and their report in video games that have been inside 5 within the final 5 (12-14).

• They’ve seen the league’s greatest drop in 3-point price, from 53.6% (the very best price in NBA historical past) final season to 46.5% (fifth within the league) this season. They nonetheless rank final within the share of their photographs (40%) which have come within the paint, they usually nonetheless have the league’s greatest differential between their report after they’ve shot the league common (35.9%) or higher from 3-point vary (24-2, .923) and their report after they’ve shot worse (11-17, .393).

• They have the league’s second-ranked offense, despite the fact that Derrick White (from 58.0% to 48.3%) and Payton Pritchard (from 62.0% to 55.4%) have seen the largest and third greatest drops in efficient subject purpose share amongst 76 gamers with at the very least 500 subject purpose makes an attempt in every of the final two seasons.

Coming up: The Celtics come out of the break with a four-game journey the place they’re enjoying 4 of the highest eight groups within the Western Conference. They’re simply 2-4 (1-1) towards the West’s prime eight to this point.

Week 18: @ GSW, @ LAL

Record: 34-21

OffRtg: 117.5 (5) DefRtg: 113.3 (12) NetRtg: +4.2 (8) Pace: 101.8 (8)

The Cavs are undefeated (3-0) with James Harden, received 10 of their final 11 video games earlier than the All-Star break, and have had the league’s greatest report (17-6) since Christmas. They’ve gone from eighth to fourth within the East over the past seven weeks and have put themselves in place to climb as excessive as second.

Three numbers to know

• They’ve seen the league’s greatest drop in 3-point share, from 38.3% (second) final season to 35.8% (fifteenth) this season. Among 192 gamers with at the very least 100 3-point makes an attempt in every of the final two seasons, De’Andre Hunter (traded), Lonzo Ball (traded), Keon Ellis (acquired for Hunter) and Evan Mobley have seen the second, tenth, Thirteenth and 14th greatest drops in 3-point share.

• They’ve been 8.8 factors per 100 possessions higher within the second halves of video games (plus-8.7, second greatest) than they’ve been in first halves (minus-0.1, sixteenth). That’s been the league’s greatest halftime enchancment and solely the Lakers (20-1) have fewer losses than the Cavs (23-3) when main at halftime.

• Donovan Mitchell has registered his highest utilization price (31.6%) in his 4 seasons with the Cavs, and his true capturing share (61.9%) is the very best of his profession. His 52.3% from mid-range is one of the best mark of his profession and ranks third amongst 37 gamers with at the very least 100 mid-range makes an attempt.

Coming up: The Cavs’ first 5 post-break video games are their third (and closing) stretch of 5 video games in seven days. The one sport that’s not a part of a back-to-back is their go to to Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Week 18: vs. BKN, @ CHA, @ OKC

Record: 33-20

OffRtg: 117.0 (6) DefRtg: 112.0 (5) NetRtg: +5.0 (6) Pace: 96.6 (28)

The Rockets rank twenty eighth offensively over the past six weeks, however they’re nonetheless within the prime 4 within the West with the simplest post-break schedule amongst groups within the prime eight.

Three numbers to know

• The Rockets have retained 39.9% of accessible offensive rebounds, the very best price for any workforce within the 30 seasons of play-by-play knowledge. If you took away each workforce’s second-chance factors, they might rank twenty second offensively (98.3 factors scored per 100 possessions). But with second-chance factors included, they rank sixth.

• They’re considered one of two groups – the Clippers are the opposite – that rank within the backside two in each ball motion (299 passes per 24 minutes of possession, twenty ninth) and participant motion (9.7 miles traveled per 24 minutes of possession, thirtieth).

• The Rockets rank sixth in 3-point share (37.0%), with Tari Eason (46.0%) fourth amongst people. But Houston is thirtieth within the share of its photographs (34.0%) which have come from 3-point vary and has been outscored by 2.1 factors per sport from past the arc.

Coming up: The Rockets misplaced at dwelling to the Hornets lower than two weeks in the past they usually’ll start their post-break schedule in Charlotte on Thursday. They’re enjoying 5 of their subsequent seven video games towards the Eastern Conference.

Week 18: @ CHA, @ NYK

Record: 34-22

OffRtg: 117.0 (8) DefRtg: 112.4 (7) NetRtg: +4.6 (7) Pace: 101.7 (9)

After a few unhealthy losses, the Wolves went into the break with a pair of snug wins they usually’re simply 1.5 video games behind the third-place Nuggets.

Three numbers to know

• This could be the Thirteenth time within the final 16 seasons the place the Wolves had fewer precise wins than “expected” wins, primarily based on their level differential. They’re considered one of 4 groups that rank within the prime eight on each ends of the ground and have the purpose differential (fourth greatest within the West) of a workforce that’s 37-19. But they’re simply 12-12 (1-5 since mid-January) in video games that have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes, despite the fact that Anthony Edwards has been the league’s greatest clutch shooter.

• They’ve allowed 8.8 fewer factors per 100 possessions at dwelling (108.3, third) than they’ve on the highway (116.9, twenty second). That’s the league’s greatest home-road differential on both finish of the ground.

• Among 192 gamers with at the very least 100 3-point makes an attempt in every of the final two seasons, Jaden McDaniels (from 33.0% to 45.4%) and Ayo Dosunmu (from 32.8% to 44.7%) have seen the 2 greatest jumps in 3-point share.

Coming up: The Wolves have the league’s third hardest post-break schedule in regard to cumulative opponent successful share (.522), although three of their first 4 video games are towards groups that presently have dropping data. They have been 14-1 towards that group in mid-December however have since gone 8-8.

Week 18: vs. DAL, vs. PHI

Record: 32-23

OffRtg: 114.5 (14) DefRtg: 112.7 (10) NetRtg: +1.8 (13) Pace: 99.0 (22)

The Suns misplaced three of their final 4 video games earlier than the All-Star break, however they have been simply getting Devin Booker again from an prolonged absence and nonetheless have a shot at climbing into the highest six within the Western Conference.

Three numbers to know

• The Suns have allowed 5.0 fewer factors per 100 possessions than they did final season (117.7 per 100, twenty seventh). That’s the league’s second greatest drop. They’ve seen the league’s greatest jumps in common pick-up distance (based on monitoring knowledge) and opponent turnover price, from 12.3 per 100 possessions (twenty eighth) final season to 16.9 (second) this season.

• They have the fourth greatest report (28-5, .848) in video games they led by double-digits. But they’re additionally simply 7-21 (.250, twentieth) in video games they trailed by double-digits. That’s the league’s greatest such differential.

• Dillon Brooks has a utilization price of 28.2%, up from 17.6% final season. That’s the largest soar amongst 334 gamers who’ve performed at the very least 250 minutes in every of the final two seasons.

Coming up: The Suns are considered one of 5 groups with a league-high seven back-to-backs left on their schedule, and the primary is Saturday and Sunday, after they’ll host the Magic and Blazers. That’s the beginning of a stretch the place they’re enjoying seven of eight video games at dwelling.

Week 18: @ SAS, vs. ORL, vs. POR

Record: 33-21

OffRtg: 116.3 (11) DefRtg: 116.6 (23) NetRtg: -0.3 (16) Pace: 99.7 (19)

The Lakers are holding onto one of many prime six spots within the West, having closed their pre-break schedule with a 3-2 homestand the place the losses got here to the Thunder and Spurs.

Three numbers to know

• The Lakers are tied (with the 44-28, 1953-54 Knicks) for what could be one of the best report in NBA historical past for a workforce with a detrimental level differential. They’ve been outscored by a single level over their 54 video games however are 15-3 in video games that have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes. That could be the third greatest clutch report within the 30 seasons for which we’ve got play-by-play knowledge, although these 18 clutch video games are the fewest within the league.

• They lead the league in free throw differential for what could be the fourth straight season, having outscored their opponents by 3.7 factors per sport on the line. They even have the league’s greatest differential of their subject purpose share within the paint (63.3%, first) and their efficient subject purpose share on photographs from exterior the paint (50.9%, sixteenth).

• The Lakers have been outscored by 5.2 factors per 100 possessions in 680 minutes with each Luka Dončić and LeBron James on the ground. But someway they’re nonetheless 19-11 after they’ve each been obtainable. They’ve outscored opponents by 5.3 per 100 (with significantly better offensive numbers) in 1,332 complete minutes with solely considered one of Dončić or James on the ground.

Coming up: The Lakers’ schedule stays home-heavy for the following month. They come out of the break with a rest-advantage sport towards the Clippers. But they’re considered one of three groups – the Pistons and Thunder are the others – with a league-high 18 remaining video games towards groups which have successful data. They’re 11-13 (6-7 at dwelling) inside that group to this point.

Week 18: vs. LAC, vs. BOS

Record: 32-23

OffRtg: 113.8 (16) DefRtg: 112.2 (6) NetRtg: +1.5 (14) Pace: 99.3 (21)

The Raptors obtained Jakob Poeltl again from a 24-game absence on Wednesday, however they obtained clobbered by the Pistons, falling to 0-7 towards the highest three groups within the East. They stay in fifth place, however have some work to do to safe a spot within the prime six.

Three numbers to know

• The Raptors are considered one of three groups – the Sixers and Spurs are the others – that (while you take the league-average effectivity enhance into consideration) have been at the very least two factors per 100 possessions higher than they have been final season on each ends of the ground. They’ve seen the league’s third greatest soar in factors scored per 100 possessions and the sixth greatest drop in factors allowed per 100.

• They lead the league in each the share of their 3-point makes an attempt which have been off the catch (84%) and the share which have been huge open (64%), based on monitoring knowledge. But they’re considered one of six groups that rank within the backside 10 in each 3-point share (34.4%, twenty fifth) and the share of their photographs which have come from 3-point vary (37.5%, twenty fifth).

• The Raptors have outscored their opponents by 9.3 factors per sport in transition, the league’s greatest transition differential by a wholesome margin. They rank within the prime three in each the share of their very own possessions which have been in transition (22.6%, third) and the (lowest) share of their opponents’ possessions which have been in transition (15.6%, first).

Coming up: The Raptors are considered one of six groups with a greater report on the highway (16-10) than they’ve at dwelling (16-13), they usually’ll play 15 of their 27 remaining video games on the highway. Their post-break schedule begins with video games in Chicago and Milwaukee, with the Raptors presently 16-5 (7-3 on the highway) towards the seven East groups with dropping data.

Week 18: @ CHI, @ MIL

Record: 30-24

OffRtg: 114.8 (11) DefRtg: 114.5 (15) NetRtg: +0.3 (15) Pace: 99.6 (20)

The Sixers misplaced three of their final 4 video games earlier than the break, getting clobbered (with out Joel Embiid) by the Knicks on Wednesday. But they continue to be within the prime six within the East and have a comparatively simple remaining schedule.

Three numbers to know

• The Sixers have been the league’s second most improved workforce in regard to successful share and have already received six extra video games than they did final season. They’ve seen the league’s fourth greatest soar in factors scored per 100 possessions (+3.8) and its fourth greatest drop in factors allowed per 100 possessions (-2.8).

• The Sixers are the one workforce that ranks within the backside 5 in shot high quality on each offense (thirtieth) and protection (twenty sixth), based on monitoring knowledge. But they’re considered one of 4 groups within the prime 10 in three of the 4 components associated to the possession sport, rating seventh in turnover price, ninth in offensive rebounding share and seventh in opponent turnover price.

• They’ve outscored their opponents by 6.0 factors per 100 possessions over the primary, second and fourth quarters, however have been outscored by 18.0 per 100 within the third. That could be the worst mark for any workforce in any quarter within the final 10 seasons.

Coming up: The Sixers have misplaced two wild video games to Atlanta this season, they usually’ll open their post-break schedule with a go to from the Hawks on Thursday. They’ll then hit the highway for a back-to-back, with their rest-disadvantage sport in Minnesota on Sunday night time being the primary of 12 remaining video games (tied for many within the league) towards groups that presently rank within the prime 10 offensively.

Week 18: vs. ATL, @ NOP, @ MIN

Record: 26-28

OffRtg: 115.3 (12) DefRtg: 115.6 (20) NetRtg: -0.4 (17) Pace: 96.6 (29)

The Clippers have remained aggressive within the wake of the trades that despatched James Harden and Ivica Zubac East. They went 3-1 on their four-game journey main into the All-Star break, beating the Wolves and splitting two video games in Houston.

Three numbers to know

• The Clippers have seen the league’s greatest drop-off on protection, having allowed 6.2 extra factors per 100 possessions than they did final season (109.4 per 100, third). They’ve seen the third largest drop in opponent turnover price and its second largest drop in defensive rebounding share.

• They’re 21-4 (with 16 straight wins) when their opponent has shot worse than the league common (35.9%) from 3-point vary and 5-24 when their opponent has shot league common or higher from past the arc. That’s the league’s greatest such differential by a wholesome margin.

• Kawhi Leonard has averaged 2.06 steals + blocks per private foul, the very best price (by a large margin) amongst 323 gamers who’ve performed at the very least 500 minutes. His 34 extra steals (86) than fouls (52) is by far the largest such differential amongst that very same group. (Only 4 others have extra steals than fouls.)

Coming up: The Clippers have the league’s third best remaining schedule in regard to cumulative opponent successful share (.473), however it begins with 4 straight video games towards groups with successful data. They’re 10-6 towards that group since Dec. 20, a stretch that features two wins over the Lakers, who they’ll go to (with a relaxation drawback) on Friday.

Week 18: vs. DEN, @ LAL, vs. ORL

Record: 26-29

OffRtg: 116.8 (9) DefRtg: 114.8 (16) NetRtg: +2.0 (11) Pace: 98.5 (24)

The Hornets’ nine-game successful streak got here to an finish in Detroit final Monday, however they went into the break with a win over the Hawks that has them in ninth place within the East.

Three numbers to know

• The Hornets have been the league’s most improved workforce statistically, 11.1 factors per 100 possessions higher than they have been final season. They’ve been essentially the most improved workforce on offense by an enormous margin, scoring 10.1 per 100 greater than they did in 2024-25. No different workforce has seen a soar of greater than 4.7 factors scored per 100 possessions.

• They’ve outscored their opponents by 1.9 factors per sport, the purpose differential of a workforce that must be 31-24. It could be the fifth greatest level differential for a workforce with a dropping report in NBA historical past. At one level, they have been 4-13 in video games that have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes. (They’ve received 5 of their final six since.)

• The Hornets are the one workforce that ranks within the prime 5 in each offensive and defensive rebounding share.

Coming up: The Hornets’ successful streak included a formidable win in Houston wherein they received the rebounding battle towards the one workforce that has the next rebounding share than they do. The rematch is Thursday in Charlotte.

Week 18: vs. HOU, vs. CLE, @ WAS

Record: 29-26

OffRtg: 114.3 (15) DefRtg: 112.5 (8) NetRtg: +1.8 (12) Pace: 100.7 (14)

The Warriors have been in a position to keep afloat with Stephen Curry lacking the final 5 video games earlier than the All-Star break, successful two of these 5 video games. They’re three video games behind the seventh-place Suns and three video games within the loss column forward of the ninth-place Blazers.

Three numbers to know

• The Warriors lead the league in 3-point price (50.8% of their photographs) and 3-point differential, having outscored their opponents by 11.3 factors per sport from past the arc.

• Stephen Curry leads the league in gravity rating (how a lot a participant pulls defenders towards them above anticipated). He ranks fifth in on-ball gravity however is first in off-ball gravity by an enormous margin.

• The Warriors have outscored their opponents by 16.8 factors per 100 possessions in De’Anthony Melton’s 609 minutes on the ground. That’s one of the best on-court mark amongst 228 gamers who’ve averaged at the very least 20 minutes in 25 video games or extra.

Coming up: The Warriors are considered one of two groups with a league-high 12 video games remaining towards groups that presently rank within the prime 10 offensively, they usually’ll come out of the break with dwelling video games towards the league’s prime two offenses.

Week 18: vs. BOS, vs. DEN

Record: 28-25

OffRtg: 113.6 (19) DefRtg: 114.0 (14) NetRtg: -0.4 (18) Pace: 100.6 (16)

The Magic obtained Franz Wagner again final week, however after successful three straight video games, they went into the break with a loss to the Bucks and stay in seventh place within the East.

Three numbers to know

• The Magic have seen the league’s second greatest soar in factors scored per 100 possessions (+4.7) and are in place to (barely) rank exterior the underside 10 in offensive effectivity for the primary time within the final 14 seasons. They’ve seen the league’s second greatest soar within the share of their photographs which have come within the paint and its second greatest soar in 3-point share.

• On the opposite finish of the ground, the Magic have seen the league’s second greatest soar in factors allowed per 100 possessions (+4.9). They’ve seen its greatest drop in opponent turnover price, from 16.8 (second) final season to fifteen.2 (ninth) this season.

• They’re tied for the league lead with 14 wins (they’re 14-20) in video games they trailed by double-digits and lead the league with six wins (they’re 6-17) in video games they trailed by 15 factors or extra.

Coming up: The Magic nonetheless have 14 video games remaining towards the Western Conference they usually’ll start their post-break schedule with a four-game journey by means of the Pacific Division. They’re considered one of two groups with a league-high six rest-disadvantage video games remaining, and the primary can be their go to to the Clippers on Sunday.

Week 18: @ SAC, @ PHX, @ LAC

Record: 29-27

OffRtg: 113.7 (17) DefRtg: 111.6 (4) NetRtg: +2.1 (10) Pace: 104.9 (1)

The Heat proceed to have a tough time stringing a number of wins collectively, someway dropping to the Jazz (at dwelling) final Monday when Utah rested its greatest gamers for the ultimate quarter-hour.

Three numbers to know

• The Heat have averaged 7.8 extra possessions per 48 minutes than they did final season (97.1, twenty seventh). That could be the third greatest season-to-season tempo soar for any workforce within the final 25 years. They’ve additionally seen the league’s greatest jumps from final season in each ball motion and participant motion.

• They rank within the prime 10 defensively for what could be the sixth straight season and the twenty third time within the final 30. They’re the one workforce that ranks within the prime 10 in every of the 4 components on protection.

• They have the league’s greatest differential between their report after they’ve received the primary quarter (24-11, 686) and their report after they’ve misplaced the primary quarter (4-16, .200).

Coming up: The Heat are 10-3 towards the seven groups behind them within the Eastern Conference standings, although that features a loss to the Hawks earlier this month. They’ll start their post-break schedule with a rest-advantage sport in Atlanta on Friday.

Week 18: @ ATL, vs. MEM

Record: 27-29

OffRtg: 113.5 (21) DefRtg: 115.5 (18) NetRtg: -2.0 (20) Pace: 102.1 (6)

After a six-game dropping streak, the Blazers received 4 of their final 5 video games earlier than the break. They seem safely inside the Play-In group within the West and doubtless have the chance to climb into the highest eight.

Three numbers to know

• The Blazers rank second in shot high quality, having seen the largest soar from final season (after they ranked twenty fifth), based on monitoring knowledge. But they’re twenty second in efficient subject purpose share (53.2%).

• According to monitoring knowledge, the Blazers lead the league in common choose up distance (52.1 toes from the basket) on protection. But they nonetheless rank twenty eighth in turnover differential (2.1 per sport greater than their opponents) as a result of they’ve dedicated a league-high 16.9 turnovers per 100 possessions.

Coming up: The Blazers have the league’s best remaining schedule in regard to cumulative opponent successful share (.452), with solely 9 of their 26 video games coming towards groups that presently have successful data. Three of these 9 are their first three video games out of the break, however they’ll have relaxation benefits towards the Nuggets on Friday and in Phoenix two nights later.

Week 18: vs. DEN, @ PHX

Record: 26-30

OffRtg: 113.6 (20) DefRtg: 114.9 (17) NetRtg: -1.3 (19) Pace: 102.9 (3)

The Hawks misplaced their final three video games earlier than the All-Star break, with two of these losses coming to the ninth-place Hornets, who they now path by a half sport.

Three numbers to know

• This could be the primary time within the final six seasons that the Hawks have had a worse-than-average offense. They’ve truly seen a soar in efficient subject purpose share from final season, however they’ve the league’s second greatest drop in free throw price and its greatest drop in offensive rebounding share.

• They could be the sixth workforce in NBA historical past with a successful report (16-15) on the highway and a dropping report (10-15) at dwelling. Four of the earlier 5 have come within the final 5 seasons (2020-21 by means of final season).

• fJalen Johnson (from 34.2 to 42.5) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (from 21.9 to 29.7) have seen the eighth and ninth greatest jumps in factors + rebounds + assists per 36 minutes amongst 263 gamers who’ve performed at the very least 500 minutes in every of the final two seasons. Johnson’s 98 assists to Alexander-Walker are the second most from any participant to a single teammate.

Coming up: The Hawks have the league’s most home-heavy remaining schedule, although it begins in Philadelphia on Thursday. They’ll then play 10 of their subsequent 11 video games at State Farm Arena, a stretch that features two video games every towards the Nets, Wizards and Bucks.

Week 18: @ PHI, vs. MIA, vs. BKN

Record: 23-30

OffRtg: 113.1 (24) DefRtg: 116.4 (22) NetRtg: -3.3 (23) Pace: 98.4 (26)

The Bucks received 5 of their final six video games earlier than the All-Star break, successful in Orlando and Oklahoma City final week. They’re now 8-15 with out Giannis Antetokounmpo and 1.5 video games out of a Play-In spot within the East.

Three numbers to know

• The Bucks have averaged 4.2 fewer shot alternatives than their opponents, the league’s greatest discrepancy. They rank final within the share of their factors which have come on quick breaks (11.1%, twenty eighth) or second possibilities (10.4%, thirtieth).

• They rank second in 3-point share (39.2%) after rating first (38.7%) final season. Bobby Portis (51.2%) and AJ Green (50.9%) are two of the three gamers who’ve shot higher than 50% on at the very least 75 makes an attempt from the corners.

• They’ve gotten simply 26 complete minutes from rookies or second-year gamers, all of them from rookie Mark Sears, who’s not on the roster. Every different workforce has gotten at the very least 970 minutes from first or second-year guys.

Coming up: After a go to to New Orleans on Friday, the Bucks will play 9 of their subsequent 10 video games at dwelling. Their 8-15 report with out Antetokounmpo features a 5-5 mark at Fiserv Forum.

Week 18: @ NOP, vs. TOR

Record: 24-31

OffRtg: 113.5 (22) DefRtg: 117.6 (25) NetRtg: -4.1 (24) Pace: 102.3 (5)

The Bulls climbed above .500 (23-22) after which misplaced 9 of their final 10 video games earlier than the All-Star break, breaking apart their workforce alongside the best way.

Three numbers to know

• The Bulls lead the league in ball motion (393 passes per 24 minutes of possession) they usually rank third in participant motion (11.6 miles traveled per 24 minutes of possession). They rank second within the share of their 3-point makes an attempt (83%) which have come off the catch and third within the share (62%) which have been huge open.

• They’ve taken simply 4.7% of their photographs from mid-range (between the paint and the 3-point line), what could be the bottom price for any workforce within the 30 seasons of shot-location knowledge. They’re the one workforce this season that ranks within the prime 10 within the share of their photographs which have come within the paint (51.0%, seventh) and the share which have come from 3-point vary (44.2%, eighth).

• They rank twenty ninth in opponent turnover price (12.3 per 100 possessions) for the second straight season. They’re final in deflections per sport (14.1).

Coming up: The Bulls come out of the break with their longest homestand of the season (seven video games over 13 days), with 4 of the seven video games coming towards groups with successful data. They’re presently 7-2 at dwelling towards the highest eight groups within the East, set to host the Raptors, Pistons and Knicks this week.

Week 18: vs. TOR, vs. DET, vs. NYK

Record: 19-35

OffRtg: 110.2 (27) DefRtg: 113.5 (13) NetRtg: -3.3 (22) Pace: 102.5 (4)

The Mavs went into the All-Star break with a nine-game dropping streak, with eight of the 9 video games coming towards groups with successful data and the opposite coming towards the red-hot Hornets.

Three numbers to know

• The Mavs and their opponents have mixed to attain simply 111.8 factors per 100 possessions, the league’s lowest mixed mark. They’ve seen the league’s fourth greatest drop in factors scored per 100 from final season, but additionally its fifth greatest drop in factors allowed per 100.

• They lead the league with 34 video games that have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes. They’re 13-21 (fifth worst) in these video games, rating twenty sixth in clutch offense (102.0 factors scored per 100 possessions).

• Cooper Flagg could be simply the eighth rookie in NBA historical past to common at the very least 20 factors, six rebounds and 4 assists per sport. The final three to do it have been Larry Bird (1979-80), Michael Jordan (1984-85) and Luka Dončić (2018-19).

Coming up: The Mavs have scored simply 94.4 factors per 100 possessions (their worst mark vs. any opponent) as they’ve misplaced their first two conferences with the Wolves. They come out of the break with a three-game journey that begins in Minnesota on Friday.

Week 18: @ MIN, @ IND

Record: 15-41

OffRtg: 112.4 (25) DefRtg: 118.0 (27) NetRtg: -5.6 (25) Pace: 101.1 (12)

The Pelicans had a comparatively good three-game stretch (particularly offensively) earlier than dropping to the Heat of their final sport earlier than the break. They’re nonetheless in 14th place within the West, however could have the chance to maneuver up with three video games remaining towards the Thirteenth-place Jazz.

Three numbers to know

• The Pelicans have been the league’s seventh most improved workforce, 3.8 factors per 100 possessions higher than they have been final season. But they’re nonetheless considered one of seven groups that rank within the backside 10 on each ends of the ground and now have the second worst report (10-21) in video games that have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes.

• They lead the league within the share of their photographs (57%) which have come within the paint. But they rank twenty ninth in subject purpose share within the paint (55.0%) and likewise rank final in 3-point differential, having been outscored by 10.2 factors per sport from past the arc.

• The Pelicans have been outscored by 11 factors per 100 possessions in 561 minutes with Zion Williamson and Derik Queen on the ground collectively, however they’ve outscored their opponents by 0.1 per 100 in 626 minutes with Williamson on the ground with out Queen.

Coming up: The Pelicans misplaced shut video games in Philadelphia and Milwaukee (scoring simply 18 factors on 25 clutch possessions) in the previous couple of weeks, they usually’ll open their post-break schedule with a Friday-Saturday back-to-back towards the Bucks and Sixers.

Week 18: vs. MIL, vs. PHI

Record: 20-33

OffRtg: 113.3 (23) DefRtg: 115.6 (19) NetRtg: -2.3 (21) Pace: 101.3 (11)

The Grizzlies have been enjoying short-handed they usually’ve misplaced 10 of their final 12 video games, nearly guaranteeing that they’ll end exterior the Play-In group within the Western Conference.

Three numbers to know

• The Grizzlies have the league’s greatest differential between their report vs. the 14 groups presently under .500 (15-9, .625) and their report vs. the 16 groups presently above .500 (5-24, .172).

• They lead the league with 17 losses and are considered one of two groups with a dropping report (13-17) in video games they led by double-digits. No different workforce has greater than 13 losses after main by at the very least 10 factors.

• Cam Spencer is considered one of two gamers – Kon Knueppel is the opposite – who’ve shot 40% or higher on at the very least 100 3-point makes an attempt and 90% or higher on at the very least 100 free throw makes an attempt.

Coming up: The Grizzlies have 5 video games remaining inside the backside 5 within the West, and three of them are of their first 5 video games out of the break. They have one of the best report (8-3) in video games performed between these 5 groups to this point.

Week 18: vs. UTA, @ MIA

Record: 18-38

OffRtg: 113.6 (18) DefRtg: 121.0 (30) NetRtg: -7.4 (28) Pace: 102.9 (2)

The Jazz picked up a few wins final week regardless of their greatest gamers sitting out fourth quarters, however in addition they introduced that Jaren Jackson Jr. is finished for the season after enjoying simply 49 complete minutes alongside Lauri Markkanen.

Three numbers to know

• The Jazz are in place to be the primary workforce within the 49 years since turnovers have been counted to rank final defensively in three straight seasons. They rank twenty ninth in opponent subject purpose share within the paint (61.1%) and have additionally allowed 15.5 3-pointers per sport, essentially the most any workforce has allowed within the 47 seasons of the 3-point line.

• They’ve seen the league’s greatest soar in help/turnover ratio, from 1.48 (thirtieth) final season to 1.90 (twelfth) this season.

• Among 223 gamers with at the very least 200 subject purpose makes an attempt in every of the final two seasons, Cody Williams (from 39.1% to 51.8%), Svi Mykhailiuk (from 50.7% to 60.6%) and Isaiah Collier (from 45.9% to 54.0%) have seen the largest, fourth greatest and eighth greatest jumps in efficient subject purpose share.

Coming up: The Jazz have six video games remaining inside the backside 5 within the West, and three of them will come of their first 4 video games out of the All-Star break. They’ve break up their first two conferences with the Grizzlies and can start their post-break schedule in Memphis on Friday.

Week 18: @ MEM

Record: 15-40

OffRtg: 108.8 (30) DefRtg: 116.1 (21) NetRtg: -7.3 (27) Pace: 101.6 (10)

The Pacers went into the break by sweeping a back-to-back in New York and Brooklyn, with the latter win coming with out Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam.

Three numbers to know

• The Pacers have seen the league’s greatest drop-offs in each successful share and offensive effectivity, having scored 6.6 fewer factors per 100 possessions than they did final season (115.4 per 100, ninth).

• They’re nonetheless considered one of three groups – the Bulls and Heat are the others – that rank within the prime 5 in each ball motion (376 passes per 24 minutes of possession, fourth) and participant motion (11.5 miles traveled per 24 minutes of possessions, fourth).

• They have the league’s lowest opponent 3-point price, with solely 37.3% of their opponents’ photographs having come from past the arc. They even have the league’s lowest opponent help price, with their opponents having recorded assists on simply 59.5% of their subject objectives.

Coming up: The Pacers have 4 video games remaining towards the opposite 4 groups which have received 15 video games or fewer. All 4 are on the highway and the primary two are in Washington on Thursday and Friday. They’ve break up their first two video games towards the Wizards with each being decided by 19 factors or extra.

Week 18: @ WAS, @ WAS, vs. DAL

Record: 15-38

OffRtg: 110.6 (26) DefRtg: 117.7 (26) NetRtg: -7.1 (26) Pace: 96.9 (27)

The Nets went 2-1 in video games inside the backside 5 within the East to shut out the break.

Three numbers to know

• The Nets rank final in level differential on each quick breaks (-5.3 factors per sport) and within the paint (-9.9 factors per sport). They’re the one workforce that ranks within the backside 5 in each opponent subject purpose share within the paint (59.6%, fifth highest) and the share of their opponents’ photographs which have come within the paint (52%, highest).

• They’re 5-18 (.217) in video games that have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes, which might be the worst clutch report for any workforce within the final 10 seasons. They rank twenty seventh in clutch offense (100.7 factors scored per 100 possessions) and final in clutch protection (126.0 allowed per 100).

• They lead the league (for the second straight season and by a large margin) with 35.6 handoffs per 100 possessions, based on monitoring knowledge. The 0.96 factors per possession they’ve scored when a handoff leads on to a shot, turnover or journey to the road ranks twenty second.

Coming up: The Nets have misplaced 11 of their final 12 highway video games and can play seven of their first 10 post-break video games exterior of Brooklyn, beginning with a troublesome back-to-back in Cleveland and Oklahoma City.

Week 18: @ CLE, @ OKC, @ ATL

Record: 14-39

OffRtg: 109.4 (29) DefRtg: 120.4 (29) NetRtg: -11.0 (30) Pace: 102.0 (7)

With the Pacers successful two video games final week, the Wizards are again in final place within the Eastern Conference and nonetheless in place to be the third workforce in NBA historical past with two straight seasons the place they obtained outscored by at the very least 10 factors per sport.

Three numbers to know

• For the second straight season, the Wizards are the one workforce that ranks within the backside 10 in every of the 4 components on protection.

• They lead the league within the share of their minutes (52%) which have come from rookies (18%, sixth most) or second-year gamers (34%, most).

• Kyshawn George has averaged 30.3 factors + rebounds + assists per 36 minutes, up from 20.9 final season. That’s the second greatest soar amongst 263 gamers who’ve performed at the very least 500 minutes in every of the final two seasons.

Coming up: The Wizards come out of the break with 5 straight video games towards different groups presently under .500, their longest such stretch of the season. That contains two straight video games towards the 14th-place Pacers this week.

Week 18: vs. IND, vs. IND, vs. CHA

Record: 12-44

OffRtg: 109.6 (28) DefRtg: 119.8 (28) NetRtg: -10.2 (29) Pace: 100.0 (18)

The Kings went into the break with a 14-game dropping streak and now have two fewer wins than each different workforce. Zach LaVine is out for the season, so rookie Nique Clifford must be within the highlight over the ultimate eight weeks.

Three numbers to know

• The Kings have been 10.8 factors per 100 possessions worse than they have been final season (plus-0.6, fifteenth). That’s been the league’s greatest drop-off by a wholesome margin. They’ve seen the second greatest drop in factors scored per 100 possessions and the third greatest soar in factors allowed per 100.

• DeMar DeRozan leads the league in complete mid-range makes an attempt for the fifth straight season. The Kings have taken 17.2% of their photographs from mid-range (between the paint and the 3-point line), which might be the very best price for any workforce within the final three seasons. But their 40.8% capturing from mid-range ranks simply 18th.

• Rookie Dylan Cardwell ranks fourth in offensive rebounding share (13.7%) amongst 228 gamers who’ve averaged at the very least 20 minutes per sport. The Kings have outscored their opponents by 2.8 factors per 100 possessions in his 409 minutes on the ground alongside Clifford.

Coming up: The Kings have the league’s second best remaining schedule in regard to cumulative opponent successful share (.468), although it doesn’t actually soften up for a few weeks. Five of their first seven video games out of the break can be towards groups with successful data.

Week 18: vs. ORL, @ SAS