NBA POWER RANKINGS

It’s the NBA Playoffs. The games have higher stakes. Every single win or loss for the remaining teams will impact their odds of competing for a title and have a chance to land big free agents. This is the time of year where nerves are at an all-time high.

And just like in the regular season, there is still a power rankings system in the playoffs. So, let’s talk about some of the top teams, shall we?

Phoenix Suns

This should come as absolutely no surprise to anybody reading this. Phoenix is the only team to punch their ticket to the conference finals, doing so by sweeping Denver. No other series will go fewer than six games, and some game 7’s might be taking place. So, that is how good the Suns are.

Chris Paul put on a series for the ages, showing that he is still young at heart, not as old as he actually is. Devin Booker was hitting big shots at every turn. And all three members of the starting frontcourt were terrific on the defensive end in each contest.

Though the bench rotation is pretty slim, Cam Johnson and Cam Payne do a very good job of leading at their positions. They can each hit shots and make good plays on both ends of the floor.

No team is better than the Suns right now, and they may well be title favorites.

Milwaukee Bucks

The #2 spot in the rankings is very tricky to figure out. The Clippers would be a candidate, had they not a record of 6-5 to this point. Milwaukee is hot right now, having tied the series with the Nets. They own the second-longest win streak in the postseason at two games, tied with L.A.

All of their stars have been looking good, and they may well be able to come out of the East after all. Joel Embiid’s health has thrown a fork into the 76ers plans, as they try and hold off the Hawks in that one. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton are all extremely locked in right now.

The team has been able to take advantage defensively against the Nets, some poor shooting efforts playing a big part in the reason for success. Dead in the water just last week, the team has new life.

Los Angeles Clippers

Down 0-2 in round one, L.A. ran the gauntlet and knocked out the Mavericks. And now, down 0-2 to Utah, the Clippers have won two games in a row. They have made some key rotational changes to help contribute to their cause. And their two superstars are both living up to the hype.

It is no secret the L.A. is a choke town for Clippers nation. 50+ years and not a single conference finals appearance to show for it. This series with Utah has a lot riding on it, but could finally be the one where they get it out of the mud.

They match up well at all five positions, plus Mike Conley Jr. is still yet to play. If he doesn’t come back, the Clips could stake a claim in the final matchup in the West against the pesky Suns.

Don't forget to check out Dunkel Index NBA rankings!