{"numbering":"desc","slides":[{"index":30,"title":"Houston Rockets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/JaeSean%20Tate%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619448522,"caption":"

Record: 15-46 (Last Five: 0-5)

O Rating: 106.3 (27th) | D Rating: 113.2 (25th) | Net Rating: -6.9 (27th)

The Rockets are 4-36 since their 11-10 start to the season, a stretch that's featured key injuries (Christian Wood), trades (PJ Tucker, Victor Oladipo) and a 20-game losing streak. On the bright side, they've hurdled to the top of the lottery standings.

"},{"index":29,"title":"Oklahoma City Thunder","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Alexander_gilgeous_shai_usati_0.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619451469,"caption":"

Record: 20-41 (Last Five: 0-5)

O Rating: 103.3 (30th) | D Rating: 112.9 (23rd) | Net Rating: -9.5 (30th)

The Thunder are 1-17 since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went down with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, and have lost 14 straight, overall. The tank train marches on, with the development track of their crop of young prospects the primary focus.

"},{"index":28,"title":"Orlando Magic","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Wendell%20Carter%20Magic.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619449418,"caption":"

Record: 18-43 (Last Five: 0-5)

O Rating: 105.1 (29th) | D Rating: 113.6 (26th) | Net Rating: -8.5 (29th)

Losers of 12 of their last 13 games -- with 11 of those defeats coming by double-figures -- the Magic's season has careened off the rails. Trading Nikola Vučević, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier at the deadline foreshadowed a rebuild, and they could tip it off with two top-10 picks if their (top-four protected) right to the Bulls' selection conveys.

"},{"index":27,"title":"Minnesota Timberwolves","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Karl-Anthony%20Towns%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619451073,"caption":"

Record: 18-44 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 108.0 (26th) | D Rating: 114.8 (28th) | Net Rating: -6.8 (26th)

The Timberwolves' dominance over the Jazz continues; on Monday, they defeated the team with the league's best record for the third time in three meetings on a last-second D'Angelo Russell layup. Russell's reinvention as a sixth-man (averaging 20 points and 5.3 assists with efficient shooting splits in 12 reserve appearances) has been a revelation, as has Karl-Anthony Towns' continued growth, but they, along with the Rockets, are one of two teams already eliminated from postseason contention.

"},{"index":26,"title":"Detroit Pistons","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Killian%20Hayes%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619449814,"caption":"

Record: 19-43 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 108.1 (25th) | D Rating: 111.9 (18th) | Net Rating: -3.8 (24th)

Clear the runway for the Pistons' intriguing crop of rookies: Isaiah Stewart (10.1 points, 9.4 rebounds per game in April), Saddiq Bey (13.4 points per game in April) and Killian Hayes, who returned from an extended injury absence earlier this month and has shown flashes of potential.

"},{"index":25,"title":"Cleveland Cavaliers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Darius%20Garland%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619452355,"caption":"

Record: 21-40 (Last Five: 1-4)

O Rating: 105.4 (28th) | D Rating: 112.3 (21st) | Net Rating: -6.9 (28th)

There is cause for optimism around the Cavaliers' young core, especially given the recent play of Darius Garland, who is averaging 21.4 points, 7.3 assists and shooting 43.6 percent from 3-point range in the month of April. But in the near-term, they've lost seven of their last nine games.

"},{"index":24,"title":"Sacramento Kings","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/Tyrese-Haliburton-Kings-Warriors-USATSI-15967510.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619501044,"caption":"

Record: 25-36 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 113.5 (11th) | D Rating: 117.7 (30th) | Net Rating: -4.2 (25th)

With De'Aaron Fox in the NBA's health and safety protocol for at least the next two weeks, the Kings appear destined for a bottom-four finish in the West. Tyrese Haliburton's already-stellar rookie season will have a chance to hit another gear with increased opportunity; he's averaged 19 points and nine assists in the first two games without Fox, both of which he started.

"},{"index":23,"title":"New Orleans Pelicans","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-04/app-210408-zion-williamson-point.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619501963,"caption":"

Record: 27-34 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 114.2 (8th) | D Rating: 114.1 (27th) | Net Rating: 0.0 (15th)

Even in a seven-game stretch in which the Pelicans have dropped five, they're making almost every outing competitive. The question now is, with 11 games left and trailing the Warriors by four games for the final play-in spot in the West: Would any last-gasp push be too little too late?

"},{"index":22,"title":"Toronto Raptors","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Pascal%20Siakam%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619501490,"caption":"

Record: 26-35 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 112.3 (13th) | D Rating: 111.4 (14th) | Net Rating: 0.9 (14th)

With wins in five of their last six games, the Raptors are quietly surging at the right time, though a knee injury for Chris Boucher will sideline him a while longer. As of Tuesday, Toronto sits in a tie with the Bulls for 11th in the East, one game behind the Wizards for the final play-in spot. With a roster more talented than its record, they're a threat down the stretch, even with the East's hardest remaining schedule.

"},{"index":21,"title":"Chicago Bulls","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Nikola%20Vucevic%20Bam%20Bulls%20Heat%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619501286,"caption":"

Record: 26-35 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 110.7 (17th) | D Rating: 112.1 (19th) | Net Rating: -1.4 (22nd)

All things considered, the Bulls have done well to tread water with Zach LaVine in the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocol; they have a 4-3 record since their leading scorer was sidelined, including an impressive, closely-contested road win over the Heat on Monday. Their destiny is out of their hands in the East play-in race, and nine of their next 11 games come against top-eight teams in the conference, but they're comfortably within striking distance of the Wizards for the 10th seed -- one game back and with the tiebreaker in hand.

"},{"index":20,"title":"Indiana Pacers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Caris%20LeVert%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619502800,"caption":"

Record: 29-31 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 111.3 (16th) | D Rating: 111.4 (13th) | Net Rating: -0.1 (17th)

With Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner out, the Pacers have had to patch together rotations of late. But they've turned a soft stretch of schedule -- featuring the Thunder, Pistons and Magic -- into a three-game winning streak.

"},{"index":19,"title":"Charlotte Hornets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Bridges_M_USATSI_13977072.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619503465,"caption":"

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

O Rating: 110.5 (18th) | D Rating: 111.7 (16th) | Net Rating: -1.2 (21st)

The Hornets have quieted a lull with LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward injured by winning two straight over the Cavaliers and Celtics. With just a one-game lead over the Pacers for the eighth seed, their grasp on a berth in the upper bracket of the play-in tournament is a tad tenuous. Getting Ball, Hayward and/or Malik Monk back would help massively.

"},{"index":18,"title":"Washington Wizards","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Westbrook_Russell_USATSI_15953105.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619502398,"caption":"

Record: 27-34 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 109.4 (23rd) | D Rating: 112.4 (22nd) | Net Rating: -3.0 (23rd)

The Wizards' winning streak stopped just short of a franchise-record-tying nine with Monday's overtime loss to the Spurs, but the point remains that they're playing their best basketball of the season. Washington has the NBA's eighth-rated defense in the month of April, are getting superstar contributions from Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, and have been invigorated by the addition of Daniel Gafford; the Wizards are now 10-2 in games Gafford, averaging 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, has played since the trade deadline.

"},{"index":17,"title":"San Antonio Spurs","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/DeRozan_D_Getty_1214525932_0.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1619507646,"caption":"

Record: 31-29 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 110.4 (19th) | D Rating: 110.6 (10th) | Net Rating: -0.2 (18th)

The Spurs have ripped off wins in five of their last six games at the perfect time to cement their play-in status. Now, it's a matter of placement between them, the Warriors (who they lead by half a game), Grizzlies (tied), Trail Blazers and Mavericks.

"},{"index":16,"title":"Portland Trail Blazers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Damian-Lillard-USA-15891714.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619507919,"caption":"

Record: 32-28 (Last Five: 0-5)

O Rating: 115.6 (6th) | D Rating: 116.1 (29th) | Net Rating: -0.5 (19th)

The Trail Blazers' funk has turned into a bit of an unraveling. Embedded in a stretch of losing nine of 11 games is a five-game losing streak that includes back-to-back losses to the Grizzlies, who have drawn to within one game of seventh in the West. Damian Lillard has come back to earth in April, averaging just 22.1 points on 37.4 percent shooting.

"},{"index":15,"title":"Miami Heat","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Butler_J_USATSI_15913519.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619508259,"caption":"

Record: 32-30 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 108.8 (24th) | D Rating: 109.8 (7th) | Net Rating: -1.0 (20th)

The Heat's disjointed season continued with a 110-102 loss to the Bulls on Monday, which marked a split in a two-game home-and-home series and cost them a chance to improve their Eastern Conference standing. In their final 10 games, they'll chase the Celtics, who currently own the sixth seed by half a game. In contests crucial to playoff positioning, those two teams play each other twice in a row, in Boston, on May 9 and 11.

"},{"index":14,"title":"Memphis Grizzlies","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/morant-ja-USATSI-15766260.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619525169,"caption":"

Record: 31-29 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 111.7 (14th) | D Rating: 110.5 (9th) | Net Rating: 1.2 (13th)

A tough stretch of schedule has bit the Grizzlies back -- those three losses feature two against the Nuggets and one against the Clippers -- of late, but they've put themselves in prime play-in position with a softer span ahead (their next six are Portland, Orlando, Orlando, New York, Minnesota, Detroit). Memphis has already beaten the Trail Blazers twice in the past week to pull within one game of them for seventh in the West. As added boosts: Jaren Jackson Jr. is three games returned from an extended injury absence, averaging 16 points, six rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 21.1 minutes per game so far; and Ja Morant is shooting 41.4 percent from 3-point range in April. Watch out, world.

"},{"index":13,"title":"Golden State Warriors","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/steph-curry-draymond-green-USATSI-15967444.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619508914,"caption":"

Record: 31-30 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 109.7 (22nd) | D Rating: 109.7 (6th) | Net Rating: 0.0 (16th)

Steph Curry is averaging 38.1 points and 6.5 made 3s per game (shooting 47.2 percent from deep) in the month of April, and the Warriors have won seven of nine, overall, tightening their grip on the last play-in spot. As inconsistent as they've been, no one wants to see Golden State early in the playoffs -- their 30-23 record in games Curry has played would have them on pace for sixth in the West.

"},{"index":12,"title":"Boston Celtics","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-04/App-Kemba-Walker-Getty.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1619524786,"caption":"

Record: 32-29 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 112.9 (12th) | D Rating: 111.3 (12th) | Net Rating: 1.5 (12th)

Just as the Celtics appeared to be finding their footing in the form of a six-game winning streak, they've now dropped three of their last four, including losses to the Bulls and Hornets. Though Jayson Tatum has cooled off after a torrid scoring stretch, a bright side is that the much-maligned Kemba Walker has scored 20 points or more in four of his last five outings.

"},{"index":11,"title":"Atlanta Hawks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-04/App-Trae-Young-USATSI.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619527027,"caption":"

Record: 34-28 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 114.0 (9th) | D Rating: 111.9 (17th) | Net Rating: 2.0 (10th)

The Hawks are 20-8 with top-10 offensive and defensive ratings since letting Lloyd Pierce go and elevating Nate McMillan to interim head coach. Though improved health has been crucial to that stretch, an ankle sprain for Trae Young has kept him out of the last three games, and could cause him to miss more time down the stretch. Solace: They're two games above the play-in fray and fifth in the East as of Tuesday.

"},{"index":10,"title":"Dallas Mavericks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-04/app-210427-steph-curry-luka-doncic.jpg","credit":"","published":1619525790,"caption":"

Record: 33-27 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 113.8 (10th) | D Rating: 112.2 (20th) | Net Rating: 1.6 (11th)

The Mavericks currently lead the pack in a crowded race for sixth place in the West -- a coveted position, given that it grants a bye past the play-in tournament and into the playoffs. A marquee matchup with the Warriors looms on Tuesday with significant implications at play; not only do 2.5 games separate them, the winner will clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker.

"},{"index":9,"title":"New York Knicks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-03/app-210323-rui-hachimura-julius-randle.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619527392,"caption":"

Record: 34-28 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 110.2 (20th) | D Rating: 108.1 (4th) | Net Rating: 2.1 (9th)

The hottest team in the NBA finally hit a snag with a close loss to the Suns on Monday. But fresh off their longest winning streak since 2013 (nine thrilling games), the Knicks have won nine of their last 10 and firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the East. In those ten contests, Julius Randle (28.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, six assists per game), Derrick Rose (17.1 points per game off the bench), RJ Barrett (17.6 points per game, 40.3 percent from 3), Reggie Bullock (43.6 percent from 3), Nerlens Noel (2.7 blocks per game), Immanuel Quickley and many others have taken turns playing hero. With a top-four defensive rating on the season (they're first in net rating in April) and inspired buy-in up and down the roster, Tom Thibodeau's imprint on this group stands out.

"},{"index":8,"title":"Los Angeles Lakers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/James_L_Davis_A_Schroeder_D_USA.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619526248,"caption":"

Record: 36-25 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 109.9 (21st) | D Rating: 106.3 (1st) | Net Rating: 3.6 (8th)

The Lakers did a fine enough job treading water while Anthony Davis was injured, going 14-16 and maintaining the league's top-rated defense in the 30 games he was sidelined with calf and achilles ailments. Since his return, they're 1-2, though Davis is clearly still finding his footing -- playing 17, 28 and 31 minutes in those three contests, respectively -- and the team remains without LeBron James, who went out with an ankle sprain on March 20 (they're 7-12 since). While the Lakers' hold on the fifth seed is still relatively secure, and no one doubts their playoff acumen, they'll need Davis and James 100 percent for any hope of repeating as champions.

"},{"index":7,"title":"Denver Nuggets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Michael%20Porter%20Jr.%20USAT.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619527777,"caption":"

Record: 40-21 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 116.7 (3rd) | D Rating: 111.5 (15th) | Net Rating: 5.3 (5th)

While most expect Jamal Murray's absence will eventually catch up to them, it doesn't appear anyone has told the Nuggets they're supposed to be struggling with their dynamic starting point guard out for the season. Denver is 6-1 since Murray went down, and Michael Porter Jr. has taken his game up a level, averaging 25.7 points and shooting 54.4 percent from 3-point range (59.1 percent from the field) in that span. He followed up a career-high 39 points against the Rockets on Saturday with 31 against the Grizzlies on Monday.

"},{"index":6,"title":"Milwaukee Bucks","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-04/app-210422-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Mike-Scott.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619528249,"caption":"

Record: 37-23 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 116.2 (4th) | D Rating: 109.8 (8th) | Net Rating: 6.4 (2nd)

Even with the best point-differential in the East, and trailing the second-seeded 76ers by just 2.5 games (with tiebreaker in hand), it still doesn't feel as if the Bucks have put it all the way together yet. Their big three of Giannis Antetokounmpo (25.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists per game; 56.4/39.4/75.6 shooting splits), Khris Middleton (19.7 points per game, 44.2 percent from 3) and Jrue Holiday (17.8 points, 4.9 assists, 1.8 steals per game), at least, have been on point in April. And they get the top-seeded Nets twice down the stretch.

"},{"index":5,"title":"Philadelphia 76ers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Joel-Embiid-Philadelphia-76ers-NBA-Playoffs.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619528711,"caption":"

Record: 40-21 (Last Five: 1-4)

O Rating: 111.6 (15th) | D Rating: 107.2 (2nd) | Net Rating: 4.4 (6th)

A recent four-game losing streak that featured defeats at the hands of the Bucks (twice), Suns and Warriors was played without Ben Simmons, who just returned from a non-COVID-19 related illness. Joel Embiid, too, missed a lopsided, 132-94 loss to the Bucks on Saturday. The Nets have pulled past them for the No. 1 seed in the East amid that flux, but the 76ers should have some easy ones down the stretch as they look to scrap back.

"},{"index":4,"title":"Los Angeles Clippers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-04/App-210421-paul-george.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619529407,"caption":"

Record: 43-20 (Last Five: 4-1)

O Rating: 117.0 (2nd) | D Rating: 110.7 (11th) | Net Rating: 6.4 (3rd)

Perhaps these Clippers' excellence goes understated because of their checkered postseason history. But they're 11-3 in April, shooting a scorching 41.8 percent from 3-point range, and have cemented their place among elite company. With Kawhi Leonard in and out of the lineup of late, Paul George (27.7 points per game) has consistently led the charge this month.

"},{"index":3,"title":"Phoenix Suns","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Booker_D_Paul_C_USA.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619529780,"caption":"

Record: 43-18 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 115.3 (7th) | D Rating: 109.3 (5th) | Net Rating: 6.0 (4th)

With recent wins over the Knicks, Bucks and 76ers, and losses to the Nets and Celtics, the Suns have gotten understandably mixed results in a tough schedule stretch. Another measuring stick contest -- against the Clippers -- looms Wednesday night, a showdown of Western Conference powerhouses.

"},{"index":2,"title":"Brooklyn Nets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Durant_K_Irving_K_USATSI_15513254.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619530011,"caption":"

Record: 41-20 (Last Five: 3-2)

O Rating: 117.2 (1st) | D Rating: 113.1 (24th) | Net Rating: 4.1 (7th)

Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving have played just 186 minutes together across seven games this season, yet Brooklyn chugs along. They've supplanted the 76ers for the No. 1 seed in the East, and notched a signature win over the Suns their last time out -- a contest in which Durant notched 33 points in his first action since April 18. More than even their defense, the biggest question down the stretch for this group: With Harden still out with a nagging hamstring ailment, when will they get whole?

"},{"index":1,"title":"Utah Jazz","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Mitchell_D_Gobert_R_USA.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1619530341,"caption":"

Record: 44-17 (Last Five: 2-3)

O Rating: 116.1 (5th) | D Rating: 107.3 (3rd) | Net Rating: 8.8 (1st)

A 2-3 stretch without Donovan Mitchell (who is out with a sprained ankle) has allowed the Suns to pull within one game of the Jazz in the standings. But in a topsy-turvy season, the full-strength Jazz have been the league's most consistently dominant force. As the first team in the association to officially clinch their berth, their focus is on tuning -- and resting -- up for the postseason.

"}]}

NBA Power Rankings: Stretch run standings for all 30 teams