NBA Power Rankings: December 20th, 2022

Home Court Favorites

1. Milwaukee Bucks (+1)

Record: 21-8 (2-1)

2. Memphis Grizzlies (+2)

Record: 19-10 (2-1)

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (+2)

Record: 20-11 (3-1)

4. Boston Celtics (-3)

Record: 22-9 (1-3)

Rounding Out the Playoff Picture

5. Denver Nuggets (+1)

Record: 18-11 (2-1)

6. Phoenix Suns (+1)

Record: 16-11 (2-1)

7. Brooklyn Nets (+1)

Record: 19-12 (3-0)

8. New Orleans Pelicans (-5)

Record: 18-8 (0-3)

Play-In Favorites

9. Portland Trailblazers (-)

` Record: 17-13 (3-1)

10. Los Angeles Clippers (-)

Record: 18-14 (3-1)

11. Philadelphia 76ers (+1)

Record: 16-12 (2-0)

12. New York Knicks (+1)

Record: 17-13 (3-0)

Play-In Contenders

13. Sacramento Kings (+2)

Record: 16-12 (2-1)

14. Miami Heat (+6)

Record: 16-15 (4-0)

15. Dallas Mavericks (-4)

Record: 15-15 (2-2)

16. Utah Jazz (+3)

Record: 17-15 (2-1)

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (-1)

Record: 15-15 (2-2)

18. Golden State Warriors (-4)

Record: 15-16 (1-3)

19. Indiana Pacers (-2)

Record: 15-16 (1-3)

20. Atlanta Hawks (-2)

Record: 15-15 (1-2)

Play-In Pretenders

21. Los Angeles Lakers (+2)

Record: 13-16 (2-1)

22. Toronto Raptors (-1)

Record: 13-17 (0-3)

23. Chicago Bulls (-1)

Record: 11-18 (0-3)

24. Orlando Magic (+3)

Record: 11-20 (3-0)

Working Towards Wembanyana

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (-)

Record: 12-18 (1-3)

26. Washington Wizards (-2)

Record: 11-20 (0-4)

27. Houston Rockets (-1)

Record: 9-20 (1-2)

28. San Antonio Spurs (-)

Record: 9-20 (1-2)

29. Detroit Pistons (+1)

Record: 8-24 (1-2)

30. Charlotte Hornets (-1)

`Record: 7-23 (0-3)

Biggest Winners:

Miami Heat (16-15, +6 spots)

The Heat’s three-point shooting has finally come around, having shot 38% in their last three contests. They’ve won four straight on the round and have climbed back over .500. Their big four—Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro—are finally all healthy and playing cohesively. This is the team they envisioned when they put the roster together; one capable of repeating as Eastern Conference champs. While that particular dream may be out of reach, the Heat just need to make the dance. Once they are there, the Heat are sure to make a statement.

Honorable Mentions: Jazz, Magic (+3)

Biggest Losers:

Pelicans (18-8, -5 spots)

After a seven-game win streak, the Pels have dropped three straight—including a 24-point collapse against the scorching-hot Devin Booker and the Suns. Their defense has lagged in this stretch. Willie Green questioned the referees after the Suns loss, but the Pelicans should look to improve their defensive effort. Ultimately, there’s no reason to overreact to a rough week, but there’s a lot of competition at the top so the Pelicans find themselves the biggest losers.

Honorable Mentions: Warriors, Mavericks (-4 spots); Celtics (-3 spots)