NBA standings based on post-trade deadline records: The Lakers are rising

Only one week stays within the NBA’s common season, and lots of groups are nonetheless making an attempt to safe a spot within the postseason. Most groups have fewer than 5 video games remaining and a few might want to win out and hope different groups slip up. To this point, solely seven groups have clinched a spot in the playoffs, with 17 remaining within the hunt.

It is a results of the addition of the play-in match, which has given extra groups the chance to make the playoffs. In consequence, a number of groups had been patrons on the commerce deadline, however how have they faired since then? Let’s check out the NBA standings based on the post-trade deadline NBA standings.

NBA Japanese Convention standings:

1. Milwaukee Bucks-18-5
2. Philadelphia 76ers-17-7
3. New York Knicks-15-7
4. Boston Celtics-15-8
5. Cleveland Cavaliers-13-8
6. Toronto Raptors-12-9
7. Charlotte Hornets-11-11
8. Orlando Magic-11-11
9. Atlanta Hawks
10. Miami Warmth-11-12
11. Chicago Bulls-11-12
12. Brooklyn Nets-10-13
13. Indian Pacers -9-13
14. Washington Wizards-9-14
15. Detroit Pistons-2-19

The Bucks at the moment have the perfect file within the NBA, they usually’ve managed to enhance upon their success for the reason that commerce deadline. They’re a league-best 18-5, profitable a terrific 78% of their video games, and have surpassed the Celtics, who’ve slowed down after beginning the season 26-10. Even then, the Celtics recently beat the Bucks down, which might be a preview of the Japanese Convention Finals.

The Raptors, regardless of hypothesis on the contrary, determined to try to enhance their roster somewhat than tear it down. It has labored reasonably properly; they’re above.500 and seem prone to make the play-in match since buying Jakob Poeltl.

Nonetheless, whereas each Poeltl and the Raptors have performed properly, they gave up loads to be on this place. It may in the end show to be a mistake in the event that they don’t make noise within the playoffs and determine to alter course within the offseason.

The Nets made a pair of massive in-season offers, buying and selling away all-stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Even then, they’re solely 3 video games under .500. All issues thought-about, they’ve performed comparatively properly, significantly Mikal Bridges, who appears to be like like he’s the Nets’ next superstar.

Regardless of having the fourth-worst file within the NBA this season, the Hornets are a good 11-11 for the reason that commerce deadline. Most of their wins have come since All-Star LaMelo Ball was dominated out for the season with an ankle damage.

Moreover, their two wins towards the Mavericks possible knocked one in every of final yr’s Western Convention Finalists out of the playoffs. It’s an encouraging finish to a irritating season for the Hornets.

NBA Western Convention standings:

1. Sacramento Kings-16-7
2. Memphis Grizzlies-16-7
3. Los Angeles Lakers-14-8
4. Denver Nuggets-13-9
5. Phoenix Suns-12-9
6. Golden State Warriors-13-10
7. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder-12-12
8. New Orleans Pelicans-11-11
9. Los Angeles Clippers-10-11
10. Minnesota Timberwolves-11th of September
11. Utah Jazz-9-12
12. Dallas Mavericks-7-15
13. Houston Rockets-6-17
14. San Antonio Spurs-5-17
15. Portland Path Blazers-5-17

The Kings have confirmed that their shocking success isn’t a fluke by managing to enhance upon their already sturdy play for the reason that commerce deadline. They’re on tempo to complete with the perfect offensive rating in the NBA hisory, which may translate to postseason success.

The Grizzlies have weathered a rocky stretch, together with shedding Brandon Clarke for the season and having Ja Morant step away from the team for nine games. Thankfully, they’ve truly gained floor for the reason that commerce deadline, partly due to an underrated trade that’s paying massive dividends.

The Lakers have been clear winners after making a number of offers to enhance their crew. They’ve gone 14-8 within the 23 video games for the reason that February ninth deadline, and whereas they’re at the moment eighth within the West, they may get as excessive as fifth. In the meantime, Dallas’ aforementioned losses to the Hornets took them from being a seeming lock to make the postseason to being on the skin wanting in.

Now, after losses to the 76ers and Warmth, they are all but eliminated from making the playoffs, particularly with the Pelicans and Thunder holding tiebreakers over the Mavericks. Talking of the Pelicans and the Thunder, they’re each .500 for the reason that deadline, making up floor after it appeared that each would fall simply in need of making the play-in. Brandon Ingram’s scorching streak has helped elevate the Pelicans, they usually may quickly get Zion Williamson again earlier than the playoffs.

It’s exhausting to consider that the Path Blazers have the second-worst file within the NBA for the reason that commerce deadline. In spite of everything, celebrity Damian Lillard has averaged 35.9 factors in that span, however it’s did not translate into wins. In consequence, the Blazers opted to close Lillard down and tank the remainder of the season to enhance their choose. It’s the appropriate transfer, however it’s not likely to make Lillard happy forward of a pivotal offseason for Portland.

All in all, the NBA standings are very a lot in flux as we enter the ultimate week of the season. Greater than a dozen groups stay within the hunt however a number of groups have improved their probabilities of making the playoffs by making offers on the commerce deadline.