NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.
This week, we're taking stock of where things stand as the regular-season calendar enters the stretch run.
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San Antonio has won nine straight, including Monday's statement victory over the East-leading Pistons in Detroit. While it's fair to assess the Spurs' ascension as ahead of schedule, they're 20-11 against teams at .500 or better and have taken four of five from the Thunder. Their time is now.
Cade Cunningham's calling out floppers in GQ interviews, the Pistons beat the Knicks twice in five games, and their East lead is as solid as it's been all year despite losing to the Spurs. The Motor City vibes are impeccable right now.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (45-14)
We knew the Thunder were deep, but perhaps the greatest testament to their unrivaled depth was their statement victory over the red-hot Cavs on Sunday without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell.
In the Middle Ages, a king's endorsement may have gotten you some sheep or an extra plot of land. This summer, it could be what we identify as the turning point in Jaylen Brown winning his first career MVP award.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (37-22)
The Cavaliers have won 14 of their last 16 and six of seven games in which newcomer James Harden has appeared. Kenny Atkinson's squad is beginning to resemble an actual threat in the East after an underwhelming first half of the campaign.
Denver's front office has given Nikola Jokic arguably the strongest supporting cast he's ever had. The Nuggets' depth pieces shined during the three-time MVP's injury absence and could be difference-makers in the team's pursuit of a second NBA title.
Granted, it's an improvement on last season's 15-23 mark against teams with a .500 or better record, but this year's 17-16 return - paired with a recent defeat to the Pistons at MSG - has again brought the Knicks' title credentials into question.
Though he'll turn 40 in 2028, Durant said he wants to play in a fifth Olympic tournament in Los Angeles. That's music to the ears of Rockets fans, who know they get to watch Durant support his case through next season.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (36-23)
The Wolves have struggled to contain opponents' 3-point shooting in February. Teams are shooting 42.8% against them - the second-highest rate this month. Their saving grace is that they're only allowing 35.6 attempts per game.
10. Los Angeles Lakers (34-23)
Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are finally back on the court together. JJ Redick must determine how to optimize the star triumvirate's strengths if the Lakers hope to make some serious noise in the West.
The Raptors excel in clutch scenarios, with a 7-3 record in games decided by three points or fewer. But their 4-14 mark against top 10 teams - skewed by a 3-0 sweep of the Cavs early in the season - is a worrying portent of potential playoff struggles.
Is anyone more popular than Devin Booker right now? After Giannis Antetokounmpo's hilarious attempt to recruit him over the All-Star break, Booker coolly laughed off a fan's pitch to join the Lakers. It might be time for Booker to become the recruiter.
Miami is getting healthy at the right time, as Tyler Herro's return coincides with an impressive run for the team. The Heat have the league's fourth-best net rating (14.3) across their last eight games and they're now just 1.5 games back of sixth.
14. Philadelphia 76ers (32-26)
Joel Embiid's health will remain top of mind. The big man experienced shin soreness while participating in a knee injury management program over the All-Star break. It's not a huge concern at the moment, but the 76ers must proceed with caution.
15. Golden State Warriors (30-28)
Golden State's injuries are starting to pile up, including the runner's knee that has sidelined Stephen Curry for all of February so far. They now seem destined for the play-in, where their experience could be a decisive edge - if everyone's healthy.
