NBA Power Rankings Week 17: A new number one and a lot of injuries

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 14: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on April 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Previous: 14th. Charlotte Hornets. 18. team. 170. . 27-28

Last Week: Lost to Atlanta Hawks 105-101, Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 101-93, Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 103-90, Lost to Brooklyn Nets 130-115

This Week: 4/18 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 4/20 at New York Knicks, 4/22 at Chicago Bulls, 4/23 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Losers of four in a row, this week was not kind to the Charlotte Hornets. They did not suffer any new injuries over the last week; rather, this week felt like the other foot finally dropping after dealing with injuries to LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward. Eventually, the Hornets were going to have to deal with their absences and that came this week.

Rebounding remains an issue for the Hornets, something that was not typically needed from the two missing pieces. Miles Bridges led the team in rebounds per game over the last week at 7.5. Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo combined to average just 11.6 rebounds per game. This is the type of lacking post presence that causes issues for the team.

Of note, Vernon Carey Jr. may be coming for their spots. He has played in just 11 games this season to date but got his first start against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday and took advantage of his opportunity. The 32nd pick in this year’s draft posted a line of 21 points and six rebounds. The Hornets outscored the Nets by 14 when he was on the court in a game they lost by 15. It is worth taking an extended look at Carey down the stretch as the time for the other two centers is coming to a clear end.