| 1 |
Thunder |
-- |
37-10 |
I want to sincerely say fuck ICE and everything they stand for. Get mad, get involved and take care of each other out there. |
| 2 |
Pistons |
-- |
33-11 |
ICE needs to pull out of ALL U.S. cities immediately until it can appropriately serve We, the American People. Its officers are solely responsible for the executions of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and those involved need to be investigated and punished appropriately for murder. In its current state, ICE is full of incompetent, immoral, and callous agents who are unfit to serve this great nation. Its agents need to be properly trained to understand the basics of the U.S. Constitution and to abide by it. Those involved in the chain of command who deny or obstruct this tragedy need to be questioned and removed from their current positions. The signaling of denial and cover-up from government figures (such as Kristi Noem, Greg Bovino, JD Vance, and Donald Trump) show that they view YOU as subhuman and expendable - no matter your political affiliation, race, gender, ethnicity, or social class. If you are an NBA player or front office - I encourage you to use your platform to help speak up and stand up and lead by example. If you are an American speak out and stand up for your rights. |
| 3 |
Spurs |
-- |
31-15 |
What's happening in the United States should sicken you. Conservatives and Libertarians, what would your reaction be if a legal gun-owning white conservative Republican man was shot by federal agents while peacefully demonstrating in Dallas during the Obama or Biden administrations? Because that just happened in Minnesota, except the man demonstrating was doing so against a cause you all ostensibly believe in. We are ripping families apart and killing innocent people, and that's not even getting into whatever idiocy our administration is getting our country into on the world stage or with the economy. The house is on fire right now, and the fire was set by inviting the arsonist in because he "owned the libs." At what point is cutting off the nose to spite the rest of the country worth it? The best time to speak out was yesterday; the next best time is right now. I'm under no illusions that I'm screaming into the void here; I'm a fucking power ranker on r/nba. But whatever platform we have, we need to use. Innocent American citizens who are peacefully exercising their rights are being extrajudicially gunned down in the streets, and that's everyone's problem. What more do you need to see to decide that this is unacceptable? |
| 4 |
Nuggets |
+2 |
31-15 |
The Nuggets' performance to start 2026 has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite using 18 different starting lineups this season, David Adelman has found ways to continue winning games regardless of who's available each night. The emergence of Peyton Watson as a two-way monster and Jamal Murray's All Star-worthy campaign has kept the team afloat through the chaos, despite both nursing injuries of their own, and with Jokic hopefully returning in the next week or two, there's hope that this team can make a deep run once the injury bug decides to leave the Nuggets locker room. |
| 5 |
Rockets |
+4 |
27-16 |
The Rockets are a middling team. They can lose to 15th seed or beat the 1st team, and nobody would flinch an eye. This season, success has largely come off the back of great rebounding, but with Steven Adams's injury, Capela will have to step up to continue this prowess. Although the team looks reluctant to reinforce in the trade market, there is now some building hope that VanVleet, once thought out for the season, may be coming back. This would surely provide some much needed fluidity to the offense, but the outlook is still unclear. |
| 6 |
Celtics |
-1 |
28-17 |
It's finally time for the NBA trade deadline to pick up. What will be the first domino? What'll be the first major trade that everyone's waiting for, that makes teams realize they can make trades? As reported for months now, the Celtics want to get a big man. Their ideal target, Ivica Zubac, is reportedly either not truly on the market or requiring multiple 1sts to get. With the Clippers recent run it's hard to imagine they want to trade him now. There's also been reports that the Celtics are interested in Jaren Jackson Jr, however the problem of course is that his contract is massive. Since the last rankings the Celtics went 4-2, with wins over the Heat, Hawks, Pacers, and Nets, while losing to the Pacers and Bulls on the road. Between now and the next rankings the Celtics will play 8 times, with matchups against the Trailblazers, Hawks, Kings, Bucks, Mavs, Rockets, Heat, and Knicks. |
| 7 |
Raptors |
+3 |
29-19 |
Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Sandro Mamukelashvili, RJ Barett, Brandon Ingram, Collin Murray Boyles. Jamal Shead. Honourable mention to the rest of the team! They're just getting it done as of late. Great win in OKC. |
| 8 |
Knicks |
-1 |
27-18 |
Now is the time for Americans to look deeply at the values we hold for ourselves, the rights we've been taking for granted, and the standards to which we hold our government. If any one of us is not free, then none of us are. ICE's budget is over 80 Billion Dollars, and those in power are determined to use every cent of it to push dangerous political agendas in our cities. If you thinking Minnesota is an isolated incident, I implore you to reframe it as a trial run. None should walk their streets fearful of masked men in uniforms pointing guns at them. I've seen many- in response to the recent escalations of force and murders- ask where the accountability is within our government. The accountability comes from you. Hold your elected officials accountable by calling their offices. Hold your government accountable by electing figures who have track records of successful platforms, not demagoguery. Stand up for your fellow Americans, no matter where they're from. People come to this country for opportunity. Give it to them. |
| 9 |
Suns |
-1 |
27-19 |
I first had this feel-good writeup about ⋆｡°✩alignment✩°｡⋆ and exceeding expectations. I then had a feel-bad writeup about the injuries to Booker and Green on the same night (plus not winning in Atlanta since 2014). But the execution in Minnesota is more important. I’m not going to soapbox, pretend anything I say in a subreddit about a sport will have some great impact. All I ask is that anyone who reads this to go out of your way to help someone, anyone. You never know who you may save with nothing more than a simple act of kindness. "It's the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love". |
| 10 |
Cavaliers |
+2 |
27-20 |
The Cavs now hold the 2nd best record in the league over the last 4 weeks after going 5-2 in this stretch, and are looking more like a team that’s paying to be in the second apron. While waiting for our perimeter scorers in Sam Merrill and Darius Garland to return from injury, Jaylon Tyson has blown out expectations: in 26 games since the start of December, he’s averaging 15 ppg on 63.5 ts%, good for 53/46/77 shooting splits. He plays good defense and makes the high effort plays while being extremely efficient and much needed on offense as a microwave scorer in progress. His feel for passing has gotten better, with nothing better to highlight that than him, with 4 seconds left against the 76ers, driving to the hoop with his career high 39 points, and delivering a dish to Evan Mobley for the game winner. We’re a great team when playing with intensity and Tyson’s been a driving force of that intensity. |
| 11 |
TWolves |
-7 |
27-19 |
"For the 2nd time in 3 weeks a member of the Minneapolis community was murdered by masked terrorists. Justice for Renee, justice for Alex. Ice needs to get the fuck out of the state. |
| " |
|
| 12 |
Lakers |
-1 |
27-17 |
|
| 13 |
76ers |
-- |
24-20 |
It looks like "the Big Fella" is truly back to being a dominant force on both ends of the court. While many of us in the offseason were discussing if a medical retirement would be in the near future, Embiid has come back as a force of nature and showed that MVP type player still exists at some level. These past two weeks, he has averaged 30 points on over 50% from the field (and 40% from 3), as well as adding nearly 9 rebounds and 5 assists. That's not to say the other players are slouching either, and it needs to be said just how much Kelly Oubre coming back has added some nice scoring to the team. That along with some incredible defensive presence by PG, a seemingly permanent emergence of VJ Edgecombe, and Maxey doing what he always does. The next goal… get rid of the 3rd quarter. Maybe we should do periods like hockey… |
| 14 |
Warriors |
+1 |
26-21 |
Just when everything starts to click, Jimmy goes down with what might be a career ender. While brutal for what it means for the Warriors potential this season, we thank Jimmy for giving us hope that we could get Steph one more. After his injury the Warriors decided now was a good time to unleash Kuminga and drive up his trade value…then he goes down with an injury. The canceling of Saturday's game in Minnesota put all the Warriors woes into perspective that no matter how dreary the Warriors future might look, there's issues bigger and more important than the game we watch. Curry commented that he was impressed to see the turnout in protest to ICE despite the frigid winter. Stay strong Minnesota and FUCK ICE. |
| 15 |
Clippers |
+4 |
21-24 |
This team has been so good lately that they have forced one of our fans to literally eat his own words on the same day of me writing this (#EATTHETWEET). The formerly 6-21 Clippers have somehow clawed their way out of their hole and back into the messy playoff situation in the West. Even with Kawhi missing games during this stretch, the team looks unrecognizable from the disgusting and lazy slop we were subjected to at the start of the season. Jordan Miller has been a revelation for us this season; after rotting on our bench/gleague for the past 2 years, he has started to find his role in our offense while continuing to play within the team’s defensive scheme. It has been a lot of fun to see the team actually give our young guys a chance (yes he is 26 but that is like 19 in clippers years), and we need him to continue this form in order to go up a seed or two. Asides from him, our front court are starting to find their rhythm, with both Zubac and Collins upping their offensive output while looking more comfortable playing together. Despite all of this improvement, we’ve only moved to a 1 1/2 game back from the 9th seed; with our schedule getting tougher after the ASB, all we can hope is that the Clips continue to click as we take on more of the West. |
| 16 |
Heat |
-- |
25-22 |
Fuck ICE... Now on to the Heat...Bam is back! The slump is over and he's been massive the last 2 weeks, averaging 24 & 10 on 59% TS (43% from three). The Heat have had more injuries to Tyler Herro and Kel'el Ware lately, but we've had some great wins in the meantime, including a huge win over the Thunder. Jaquez has been one of the most consistent players on the team and should easily be the favorite for 6MOTY. We're still only 7th in the East for now though, and we'll need another good run if we want to climb the standings. As for the Trade Deadline, every team including the Heat seems to be waiting on a Giannis decision to make any moves, so I won't be surprised if the Heat don't do anything aside from a Terry Rozier salary dump. |
| 17 |
Magic |
-3 |
23-21 |
RIP Renee Good, Alex Pretti, Keith Porter, Heber Sanchez Dominguez, Victor Manuel Diaz, Parady La, Luis Beltran Yanez Cruz, Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres, Geraldo Lunas Campos. 9 individuals who we know have had their lives taken by ICE agents overstepping their responsibilities and committing human rights violations. In short, fuck ICE and abolish ICE. |
| 18 |
Trail Blazers |
-- |
23-23 |
It's hard to know what we have in the Blazers. They're finally winning, but we've also not had a consistently healthy roster. It's a revolving door of players all of whom seem to be playing together and just...well. Other updates: Avdija's back doesn't seem particularly bad. Scoot ramping up. Jrue and Jerami are back. |
| 19 |
Bulls |
+2 |
23-22 |
There is a cycle with this team. Play like a solid 5 seed > Somebody gets injured > 6-game losing streak > Player recovers from injury > Play like a solid 5 seed. I swear if these team doctors actually did their job we'd be 30-15 right now. Tre Jones is out, it's a huge loss to the team, and it's right after we started looking good again. I'm so tired. This happened with Jalen Smith, and Josh Giddey and Coby, and Zach Collins, and Ayo Dosunmu, and especially Noa Essengue (but he didn't even get any minutes anyways). If we power through the Tre Jones injury and remain uninjured for the rest of the season, I don't find it unreasonable to think the Bulls have a shot at a semi-deep playoff run. But then again, it is still the Chicago Bulls. |
| 20 |
Hawks |
-3 |
22-25 |
First of all, as an Atlantan I need to say fuck ice and fuck ICE. Anyways, the last two weeks of basketball have been interesting as the team settles into a post-Trae world. On one hand, the team massively struggled against LAL/POR/BOS, with none of those games ever really that close at any point. On the other, the team almost managed to overcome one of the worst shooting halves in league history against Milwaukee and squeezed out wins against Memphis and Phoenix. Looking back over this stretch of games, two players stand out. First, if Jalen is having a bad game this team is screwed. He was not his normal self against LAL/POR/BOS, and if he isn't going then the entire offense kinda just falls apart. He's since bounced back, but that's something to keep in mind as the season continues through the second half. The other player I want to mention is (surprisingly) Christian Koloko. I want to be clear, I'm not saying that Koloko is going to be the savior of Hawks' basketball this season. But having him on a two way means that this team can actually have more than one center in the rotation on a night to night basis. Onyeka has played well this season, but Dante's season ending injury and Porzingis' ongoing illness has meant that the team has been forced to overextend him. Okongwu is currently second in the league in minutes played among centers, and all of that wear and tear on him is starting to show. Koloko, even with his limitations, is critical to this roster just as a large body to throw out there and give you competent minutes at the center position. Atlanta is currently 10-8 when they have more than one center in the rotation and 12-18 when they only have one. That, combined with the third easiest remaining SOS, leaves me feeling cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the season |
| 21 |
Mavericks |
+3 |
19-27 |
Cooper Flagg had an ankle injury that held him out a couple games and Anthony Davis went down with a hand injury since the last update. The Mavs should be in sell mode at the deadline, due to their awkward position in the standings. This team's vision and outlook becomes much clearer by the next update. |
| 22 |
Hornets |
+1 |
18-28 |
LaMelo Ball detractors are the dumbest, most unimaginative people in sports. You should genuinely stop watching basketball if you want him traded or think he's a losing player. Re-think everything if you're still low on LaMelo. He's proving you all wrong in real time, as any true Hornets watcher who paid attention knew he would. On another note - stay safe out there. The administration is not helping you or your family, they do not view you as human but rather something far below. Resist whenever you can. Stand up for your community. |
| 23 |
Grizzlies |
-1 |
18-25 |
What a wild few weeks its been in Memphis. Ja is back, and look great! Oh no, he got hurt. Again. Whether or not the fanbase wants to admit, the tank is fully on and rightfully so. JJJ has had some resurgence but still doesn't look like his usual self. Zach Edey is still out, Ty Jerome still hasn't suited up, Scotty Pippen Jr still hasn't suited up, and Brandon Clarke has no time table insight. The best case scenario for this season is to fall into a top 5 pick and hope that we can soft reboot into a post Ja era. |
| 24 |
Bucks |
-4 |
18-26 |
This season is a mess. Fire Doc. Shoutout to the Pelicans for being bad enough we have the option to tank despite the swap rights. Pete Nance is pretty good for a two-way guy, someone should give him a real contract if we don't. |
| 25 |
Jazz |
+1 |
15-31 |
I met a guy at a work party from Bosnia, and the only thing I talked about with him was Jusuf Nurkic and him dropping 3 straight triple doubles. He seemed pretty excited to be able to talk about it, considering we are in Chicago, and Chicago has no ties to Nurkic. The Bosnian Beast really brings people together like nothing else. Ace Bailey dropped a new career high of 25 points, but has a pretty quiet rookie year. Coach Hardy is making featuring him on off-ball sets quite a lot, which I think is good for his growth. Taylor Hendricks is racking up DNP-CD game after game. I think that our front office has some tough decisions to make pretty soon regarding what young talent to keep, and what young talent to sell on, and I think Hendricks might be featured in the garage sale. |
| 26 |
Pelicans |
+3 |
12-36 |
The Pelicans are showing signs of hope? Your turn America. |
| 27 |
Pacers |
+1 |
11-35 |
ICE murdered Renee Good and Alex Pretti. They were painted as "domestic terrorists" by Kristi Noem and her gang of goons, but countless pieces of video evidence show they did nothing wrong. ICE agents continue to operate unchecked and unregulated by the law that is supposed to work in favor of the people they are intimidating and terrorizing. The people of Minneapolis deserve love, support, and praise for their continued defiance of a paramilitary organization that only knows hatred. |
| 28 |
Kings |
+2 |
12-35 |
|
| 29 |
Nets |
-4 |
12-32 |
MPJ's insanely elite scoring has fallen off a cliff as of late and with that, so have the Nets chances at being competitive in most games. It cannot be overstated how different this Nets team looks one month after having the league's best offense in December. The offense is a major problem but defensively, it seems they've forgotten completely how to play as a team. I get it though, we've been playing FOUR rookies extensive minutes and the NBA has shown that rookies very rarely impact winning. In the end, the Nets are watching college basketball and seeing more and more elite talent rise to the top of the class - they need to finish with a bottom 3 record to maximize their chances at getting one of these very elite prospects. Washington looks like they'll be tough to pass but with enough Cam Thomas minutes and the rookies being rookies, the Nets are looking to compete for that bottom spot in the league. |
| 30 |
Wizards |
-3 |
10-34 |
Despite contrary belief, if you do not have anything to do in one day, watching Washington Wizards basketball is something that one does -- maybe more than watch Inside the NBA in the past month. This is still an awful team but maybe better programming than a panel show that employs Draymond Green. The lack of a point guard has highlighted the continued concerns that Kyshawn George can not be a primary operator of the offense -- that existed before trading away CJ. Sarr continues to search for a consistent two-man game tango partner not named Khris Middleton -- that existed before trading away CJ. And Washington still remains one of the worst net rating teams in NBA history -- that existed before trading away CJ. Still, Washington is an incredibly likeable team -- thanks to some flamethrower performances from Tre Johson, Alex Sarr being the best player of the 2024 NBA draft and bench performances that always generate some intrigue until you realize they're on the bench for a reason. Another week, another step closer to the draft, probably not another step closer to playoff consideration in the next couple of years. |