NBA Power Rankings Week 16: Rise of the Phoenix Suns

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Almost every team will hit the three-quarter point over the next week, which is a perfect benchmark for fans of the league to reassess expectations. Where does each team in the league stand as they reach under 20 games left to play?

For the purposes of projecting the final quarter of the season, we will focus on one player from each team as the x-factor to watch as the season winds its way to the end. Sometimes this will be a superstar, pushing his team to the absolute heights that they are capable of. In other instances, we will focus on a role player or young guy as they take the next steps on their journey.

The NBA’s home stretch is in sight. As we enter the fourth quarter of the season where does every team rank and who are the x-factors.

This season is the hardest in recent memory to project where every team stands, even with so much of the season completed. We know who the teams are who are competing more for ping pong balls than wins. We (mostly) know who will be in the playoffs or play-in game. But the seeding is almost completely up in the air due to the abundance of injuries and parity in the league.

More than ever, one good or bad week can be the difference between homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs and playing in the play-in game. These last 20 or so games will be crucial.

Now, let’s start the Week 16 Power Rankings.