{"numbering":"desc","slides":[{"index":30,"title":"Oklahoma City Thunder","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Alexander_gilgeous_shai_usati_0_0.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620133599,"caption":"

Record: 21-44 (Last Five: 1-4)

O Rating: 103.1 (30th) | D Rating: 113.1 (23rd) | Net Rating: -9.9 (30th)

Despite a recent win over the Celtics, Oklahoma City has lost 17 of its last 18 games -- including a record-setting 152-95 laugher at home to the Pacers -- and are now just one game out of the top three in the lottery standings. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still sidelined, that’s the only race to watch for them down the stretch.

"},{"index":29,"title":"Houston Rockets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Kevin%20Porter%20Jr%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620133795,"caption":"

Record: 16-49 (Last Five: 1-4)

O Rating: 106.2 (27th) | D Rating: 113.3 (26th) | Net Rating: -7.2 (27th)

How about Kevin Porter Jr.? With 50 points and 11 assists on April 29, the 20-year-old guard joined James Harden (eight times) as the only players in Rockets history to post 50-plus points and 10-plus assists in a game in a surprising win over the Bucks. Still, the Rockets’ fate -- a top lottery selection -- is all but decided for this season.

"},{"index":28,"title":"Detroit Pistons","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Saddiq%20Bey%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620133944,"caption":"

Record: 19-46 (Last Five: 1-4)

O Rating: 108.0 (26th) | D Rating: 112.0 (17th) | Net Rating: -4.1 (24th)

It’s a full-on youth movement down the stretch for the Pistons, who have now lost six of seven. Jerami Grant has appeared in just five of the team’s last 14 games, with their interesting crop of rookies in Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes and Isaiah Stewart stepping into the limelight. Bey's 26-point outing against the Magic on Monday marked his four straight double-figure outing to open May, while Stewart drew his third start in a row.

"},{"index":27,"title":"Cleveland Cavaliers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Darius%20Garland%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620134217,"caption":"

Record: 21-43 (Last Five: 0-5)

O Rating: 105.3 (28th) | D Rating: 112.6 (22nd) | Net Rating: -7.4 (28th)

The Cavaliers ride into Tuesday’s home matchup with the Suns losers of six straight and nine of their last 10. Worse, promising second-year guard Darius Garland went down with an ankle sprain last Friday. Garland had been a bright spot for Cleveland amid another lackluster year, averaging 19.8 points and 6.7 assists in 24 post-All-Star-break games before the one in which he was injured.

"},{"index":26,"title":"Orlando Magic","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Cole%20Anthony%20Magic%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620134285,"caption":"

Record: 21-44 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 104.8 (29th) | D Rating: 113.1 (24th) | Net Rating: -8.3 (29th)

The Magic are 6-15 since an active trade deadline that saw them ship out Nikola Vučević, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier in pursuit of prospects and draft picks (including this season’s Bulls selection if it falls outside of the top four). Many of those defeats fall under the category of lopsided, but they’re still finding ways to be fun.

Exhibit A: A last-second home victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday that featured another Cole Antony game-winner. B: Monday's win over the Pistons, which featured double-doubles from Mo Bamba (22 points, 15 rebounds) and RJ Hampton (16 points, 10 assists).

"},{"index":25,"title":"Minnesota Timberwolves","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/dangelo-russell-anthony-edwards-USATSI-15976423.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620134484,"caption":"

Record: 20-45 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 108.4 (25th) | D Rating: 114.6 (28th) | Net Rating: -6.2 (26th)

Don’t look now, but the Timberwolves have won four of their last five games and are 13-21 since hiring Chris Finch as head coach -- improvement from their 7-24 start to the season.

Anthony Edwards second-half development has been particularly tantalizing; the rookie has scored in double-figures in 33 straight games (out of 34 Finch has coached), and while his efficiency leaves something to be desired, the superheroic highlights and scoring outbursts leave reason for major intrigue moving forward.

"},{"index":24,"title":"Chicago Bulls","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-04/Zach-Lavine-Upset-USTA20210424.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620134561,"caption":"

Record: 26-39 (Last Five: 1-4)

O Rating: 110.2 (20th) | D Rating: 112.1 (18th) | Net Rating: -1.9 (22nd)

The Bulls traded for Nikola Vučević -- among a host of others -- at the trade deadline to improve their playoff standing this season and lay cultural groundwork for years to come. Six weeks later, they’re 7-15 since the move and stumbling toward another lottery finish with Vučević (hip soreness) sidelined and Zach LaVine due back soon after an 11-game COVID-19 protocol absence. With seven games remaining, they trail the Wizards by four for the East’s final play-in spot.

"},{"index":23,"title":"Sacramento Kings","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/Tyrese-Haliburton-USATSI-15423366.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620134657,"caption":"

Record: 27-37 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 113.3 (11th) | D Rating: 117.9 (30th) | Net Rating: -4.6 (25th)

The Kings have won three of their last four games, sandwiching a resounding 49-point defeat at the hands of the Jazz with two wins over the Mavericks and one over the Lakers. It would have been a stretch to feel good about on the whole, except for the fact that sensational rookie Tyrese Haliburton left Sunday’s 111-99 victory over Dallas with a knee injury. The public awaits results from an MRI conducted Monday.

"},{"index":22,"title":"Toronto Raptors","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Lowry_K_USATSI_15745740.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620134714,"caption":"

Record: 27-38 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 112.2 (13th) | D Rating: 111.7 (14th) | Net Rating: 0.5 (15th)

From relocating from Toronto to Tampa, to myriad injuries and COVID-19-related obstacles, this has been a season from the hot place for the Raptors, who boast a more talented group than their record indicates. It would take a small miracle for them to catch with the scalding Wizards for the final spot in the play-in tournament -- they trail by three games with seven to play in the regular season.

"},{"index":21,"title":"New Orleans Pelicans","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-04/app-210408-zion-williamson-point.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620134805,"caption":"

Record: 29-36 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 113.8 (19th) | D Rating: 113.5 (27th) | Net Rating: 0.3 (16th)

The Pelicans flipped an ill-timed lull into a two-game winning streak with recent victories over the Thunder and Timberwolves. But a convincing loss to the Warriors Monday night is a knife in their play-in hopes. A season that began with high promise has produced a breakout from Zion Williamson, but New Orleans sits 2.5 back of the 10th-seeded Spurs with seven to play. Two more matchups with the Warriors -- who they now trail by four games -- await down the stretch.

"},{"index":20,"title":"Charlotte Hornets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/App-210113-LaMelo-Ball_0.jpg","credit":"","published":1620134877,"caption":"

Record: 31-33 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 110.5 (19th) | D Rating: 111.8 (15th) | Net Rating: -1.3 (21st)

Rejoice! LaMelo Ball is a back and hurling looping, 60-foot, underhand dimes like it’s nothing. With Ball returned, and Gordon Hayward out of the walking boot necessitated by his sprained right foot, the Hornets will look to wrap their closing run strong. Those injuries led to a bit of a malaise -- they’re currently 6-10 without Hayward -- but with eight games to go they sit a half-game up on the Pacers, and 1.5 on the Wizards, for eighth in the East.

"},{"index":19,"title":"Indiana Pacers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Sabonis_USATSI_15726937.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135041,"caption":"

Record: 30-34 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 111.6 (15th) | D Rating: 111.4 (13th) | Net Rating: 0.1 (17th)

The Pacers righted a two-game slide by shattering the Thunder in 47-point fashion, instantly cementing a front-runner for most hilarious box score of the season. On Tuesday, a second straight matchup with the rapidly-ascending Wizards, to whom they fell 154-141 on Monday, awaits.

"},{"index":18,"title":"San Antonio Spurs","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/derozan_d_usatsi_1577815.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135122,"caption":"

Record: 31-33 (Last Five: 1-4)

O Rating: 110.7 (17th) | D Rating: 111.0 (11th) | Net Rating: -0.3 (19th)

After Monday’s loss to the Jazz, who they see again Wednesday night, the Spurs have dropped four straight to fall within striking distance of the Pelicans for the final play-in spot in the West. Five of San Antonio's remaining eight regular-season games are on the road, with the three home games coming against the Bucks and Suns (twice, back-to-back, to end the season).

"},{"index":17,"title":"Washington Wizards","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Westbrook_Russell_USATSI_16001427.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135201,"caption":"

Record: 30-35 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 109.9 (21st) | D Rating: 112.1 (20th) | Net Rating: -2.3 (23rd)

The Wizards will enter Tuesday's matchup with the Pacers 11-2 in their last 13 contests, and 15-8 since the trade deadline. Russell Westbrook is on an epic tear to lead the charge. After posting 14 points, 21 rebounds and 24 assists Monday’s win, he is averaging 21.8 points, 13.6 rebounds and 13.1 assists in 16 games since April 7, in which the Wizards are 13-3. In that span, he’s tallied 13 triple-doubles, clinching a triple-double average over a full season for the fourth time in his NBA career.

"},{"index":16,"title":"Memphis Grizzlies","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Morant_J_USA.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135341,"caption":"

Record: 32-32 (Last Five: 1-4)

O Rating: 111.3 (16th) | D Rating: 110.2 (9th) | Net Rating: 1.1 (12th)

The Grizzlies traded a mini-spurt that sprung them to the top of the play-in bracket for a four-losses-in-five-game stretch that has featured defeats to the Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Magic and Knicks. They’ve now fallen below the Warriors, and into ninth in the West, but have some winnable games on the schedule ahead.

"},{"index":15,"title":"Golden State Warriors","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Steph-Curry-US-16008370.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135390,"caption":"

Record: 33-32 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 109.5 (24th) | D Rating: 109.8 (6th) | Net Rating: -0.2 (18th)

Their victory over the Pelicans, paired with a Grizzlies loss, valued the Dubs into the eighth seed in the West, and, for now, the upper echelon of the play-in tournament. With 30-point outings in five of his last six games, Steph Curry is hardly slowing down, and barrelling full-bore toward the second scoring title of his career.

"},{"index":14,"title":"Boston Celtics","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Tatum-Jayson-USATODAY-16005359.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135477,"caption":"

Record: 34-31 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 113.1 (12th) | D Rating: 111.8 (16th) | Net Rating: 1.3 (11th)

Losses to the Hornets, Thunder and Trail Blazers in their last five have derailed a stretch where it appeared the Celtics had found their footing. As a result, they’ve fallen into the seventh seed and a spot in the play-in tournament. Two games against the Heat (who lead them by one game for sixth) remain on the schedule, but they’re still awaiting word on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s statuses after they collided and appeared to sustain leg injuries at the end of the Portland game Sunday night.

"},{"index":13,"title":"Miami Heat","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Butler_J_USATSI_15913519.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135537,"caption":"

Record: 35-30 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 109.5 (23rd) | D Rating: 110.0 (8th) | Net Rating: -0.4 (20th)

The Heat have won three straight and seven of their last nine games to thrust into the top six of the East and out of the play-in picture for now, though it projects to be a neck-and-neck race with Boston from here. Miami's seven-game stretch-run slate features one against the Mavericks, one against the Bucks, one against the Sixers and two against the Celtics.

"},{"index":12,"title":"Portland Trail Blazers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/headline/hero/Lillard_D_USATSI_16005014.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135646,"caption":"

Record: 36-29 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 116.3 (5th) | D Rating: 115.6 (29th) | Net Rating: 0.7 (14th)

Have the Trail Blazers righted the ship? Before faltering to a good Hawks team on the second night of a back-to-back, they’d won four straight, and against the Celtics, Nets, Grizzlies and Pacers to boot. Averaging 28.5 points and shooting 45.2 percent from 3-point range in that span, Damian Lillard appears to have found his way after an uncharacteristic lull.

"},{"index":11,"title":"Atlanta Hawks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/app-050121-Trae-Young.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135592,"caption":"

Record: 36-30 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 113.4 (10th) | D Rating: 112.4 (21st) | Net Rating: 1.1 (13th)

The Hawks are off a mini three-game schneid with back-to-back wins over the Bulls and Trail Blazers, moving their record under interim coach Nate McMillan to 22-10. Current owners of the fifth seed in the East by a half-game, the focus will be keeping out of the play-in and possibly getting back De’Andre Hunter, who’s been sidelined since late January.

"},{"index":10,"title":"Los Angeles Lakers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Anthony%20Davis%20Lakers%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135697,"caption":"

Record: 37-28 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 109.8 (22nd) | D Rating: 106.7 (1st) | Net Rating: 3.1 (8th)

The Lakers got the definition of a much-needed win Monday with a 93-89 victory over the red-hot Denver Nuggets. Playing without LeBron James, the result snaps a three-game losing streak and, they hope, awakes them from a six-losses-in-seven-games slump.

Anthony Davis (25 points, seven rebounds, three blocks) posted his best performance since returning from injury as he and James look to re-find their form and keep LA above the play-in fray. They lead seventh-place Portland by one game entering Tuesday's slate, but are set to be without the COVID-19 protocol enlisted Dennis Schröder for at least 10-to-14 days.

"},{"index":9,"title":"Dallas Mavericks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Luka-Doncic-USA-15942722.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135849,"caption":"

Record: 36-28 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 114.1 (8th) | D Rating: 112.1 (19th) | Net Rating: 1.9 (10th)

Where once three teams were knotted square, the 36-28 Mavericks now find themselves sandwiched between the fifth-seeded Lakers and seventh-seeded Trail Blazers, with a half-game separating them in each direction. Despite some persistent, head-scratching losses -- including three to the Kings in the last three weeks -- Dallas has won six of eight, with Luka Dončić averaging 28.9 points, 10.3 assists and 8.4 rebounds in that span.

"},{"index":8,"title":"New York Knicks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/gallery/hero/RANDLE-J-USATSI_15923532.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135905,"caption":"

Record: 37-28 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 110.6 (18th) | D Rating: 107.8 (4th) | Net Rating: 2.8 (9th)

The Knicks have lost one game since April 7, a close defeat to the Suns sandwiched by nine- and three-game winning streaks. That 12-1 stretch has catapulted them into the top four of the East and Julius Randle to Most Improved Player frontrunner status, with co-conspirators galore flanking him. Derrick Rose scored 25 points and canned three 3-pointers in Monday’s win over the Grizzlies, which moved the Knicks to 21-8 when he is in the lineup.

"},{"index":7,"title":"Los Angeles Clippers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Kawhi-Leonard-NBA-Free-Agency-2021.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620135971,"caption":"

Record: 43-22 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 117.0 (2nd) | D Rating: 111.0 (10th) | Net Rating: 6.0 (4th)

The Clippers spent most of April scorching hot, ultimately riding torrid shooting to an 11-4 record for the month. But from late April through their first game of May, they’ve dropped three straight, ceding the No. 3 seed in the West to the Nuggets for now.

"},{"index":6,"title":"Denver Nuggets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Jokic_N_USA_15549117_0_0.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620136016,"caption":"

Record: 43-22 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 116.7 (3rd) | D Rating: 111.4 (12th) | Net Rating: 5.3 (5th)

The Nuggets are 17-4 since swinging a deal for Aaron Gordon at the March 25 trade deadline, and, somehow, 9-2 since starting point guard Jamal Murray unfortunately tore his ACL in mid-April. That’s with injuries to Will Barton and Monte Morris too. Thank in part MVP-frontrunner Nikola Jokić and a star leap from Michael Porter Jr., who is averaging 25.6 points and shooting 57.2 percent since Murray went down.

"},{"index":5,"title":"Milwaukee Bucks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Bucks-Sixers-USA-Today-Sports-Images.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620136080,"caption":"

Record: 40-24 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 116.1 (6th) | D Rating: 109.8 (7th) | Net Rating: 6.3 (2nd)

Giannis Antetokounmpo (49 points, four 3-pointers, three blocks) and the Bucks won an absolute duel with Kevin Durant (42 points, 10 rebounds, seven 3-pointers) and the Nets sans James Harden on Sunday, and are set for a rematch Tuesday night. The Bucks, who own the best point differential in the East, are snapping at the heels of Philadelphia (3.5 games up) and Brooklyn (2.5 games up) with the season winding down.

"},{"index":4,"title":"Brooklyn Nets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Durant_K_Irving_K_USATSI_15513254.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620136150,"caption":"

Record: 43-22 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 117.1 (1st) | D Rating: 113.2 (25th) | Net Rating: 4.0 (7th)

The Nets unquestionably possess the most talented roster in the league, but have yet to be fully whole for an extended stretch; since trading for Harden, Brooklyn’s three stars have shared the floor for just 186 minutes over the course of seven games. With seven games left in the regular season, Harden remains out with a hamstring injury. Still, they’re as dangerous a threat come postseason time as anyone, and could very well wind up the top seed in the East with a bit of maneuvering down the stretch.

"},{"index":3,"title":"Philadelphia 76ers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-05/App-5-3-2021-Joel-Embiid_0.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620136292,"caption":"

Record: 44-21 (Last Five: 5-0)

O Rating: 112.1 (14th) | D Rating: 106.9 (2nd) | Net Rating: 5.2 (6th)

On the strength of a five-game winning streak, extended Monday night with a convincing road win over the Bulls, the 76ers control their own destiny in the race for the East's top seed with seven games to play. Joel Embiid (29 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and 1.4 blocks per game) may have lost ground in the MVP race, but best guess is he'd settle for the top spot in his conference.

"},{"index":2,"title":"Utah Jazz","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Mitchell_D_Gobert_R_USA.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620136459,"caption":"

Record: 47-18 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 116.4 (4th) | D Rating: 107.5 (3rd) | Net Rating: 8.9 (1st)

The Jazz have reigned over the league all season, and still own its best point differential by a wide margin. But the Suns have caught them in the now-hotly contested race for the top seed in the West and Donovan Mitchell remains out with an ankle sprain. Getting Mitchell, who’s missed eight straight games, back is the factor on which their postseason plans hinge.

"},{"index":1,"title":"Phoenix Suns","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Booker_D_Paul_C_USA.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1620136608,"caption":"

Record: 46-18 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 115.7 (7th) | D Rating: 109.4 (5th) | Net Rating: 6.3 (3rd)

For a moment, the Suns dethroned the Jazz as owners of the league’s best record, a feat made even more resonant by a 21-point victory over Utah to cap off the month of April. Chris Paul and Devin Booker continue to establish themselves as All-NBA caliber as they chase the association’s best record in their final eight games; though the Suns currently trail the Jazz by a half-game, they own the head-to-head tiebreaker, with three wins over them in three tries this season.

"}]}

NBA Power Rankings: Standings with playoffs approaching