The All-Star weekend is approaching, and the first half of the NBA has temporarily subsided. After a short break, the next two months will see the competition between the teams intensify. After all, who wouldn't want to get a ticket to the playoffs or challenge for greater glory?
Basketball expert Andy Bailey recently updated the league's power rankings, and the Rockets seem to be stuck in a bottleneck, still holding on to the 19th place. The Lakers, on the other hand, managed to climb to 14th place in the power rankings with their recent winning streak. It is worth mentioning that the Lakers' rivals in the same city, the Clippers, have been soaring all the way and are among the top three.
Looking back at the Rockets' recent performances, it is indeed a bit unsatisfactory. Including the away defeat to the Grizzlies, they have won just one of their last six games, including an embarrassing four-game losing streak. The Rockets are currently facing a number of problems, and injuries are certainly one thing, but the deeper reason is that the focus and energy of the players have declined. As the season progresses, the opponents begin to intensify their research and targeting them. Especially after the All-Star weekend, the Rockets will also face strong opponents such as the Pelicans, Suns and Thunder one after another. If the Rockets can't adjust their form in time, I'm afraid the ranking will continue to slide.
In contrast, the Lakers' performance in February can be described as a spring breeze. With the exception of a narrow defeat to defending champions the Nuggets, they have won all six of their other games. During this period, the Lakers also managed to overturn the Greens, Knicks, and Pelicans. Now, the Lakers sit in ninth place in the West and have a strong hope of making the playoffs. However, due to the deep digging in the early stage, it will be difficult for them to get a direct ticket to the playoffs as the top six. Unless the Lakers can continue to play well and hope that the teams in front of them will make mistakes in turn.
The Clippers have been much more consistent lately. In the course of the Northern Expedition, they have managed to climb to third place in the West, and even surpassed the Thunder and Cavaliers in the power rankings. Even with core player Kawhi Leonard out due to injury, the Clippers still showed a strong fight. The team's well-rounded line-up and strong players, combined with a wealth of game experience and reliable performances in key moments, have made them one of the favourites to win the title this season.
The Green Army has recently won six consecutive victories and is firmly at the top of the power rankings. They won big games against the Nets and are currently six wins ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are second in the East. And the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are first in the West, are also close behind, showing strong strength. The teams in the 4-10 are the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. These teams are all battling for a playoff ticket and a higher standings. February** Dynamic Incentive Program