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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20-36. Previous: 26th. Cleveland Cavaliers. 26. team. 156.

Last Week: Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 116-109, Beat Charlotte Hornets 103-90, Lost to Golden Warriors 119-101, Lost to Chicago Bulls 106-96

This Week: 4/19 at Detroit Pistons, 4/21 vs. Chicago Bulls, 4/23 at Charlotte Hornets

Whether by choice or general lack of talent, the Cleveland Cavaliers are on the path to another top pick. Wins are increasingly hard to come by. No matter how strong fans feel about the potential future of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, there is clearly not enough to compete with.

The guards were quite good this week for their part. In two games, Sexton averaged 26.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Garland added in 19.7 points, 8.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. They remain the most important building blocks on the roster but need another infusion of talent (probably from the draft) to get there.

Jarrett Allen has remained solid (14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds per game this week) since coming over via trade. Isaac Okoro is making slow (painfully slow) progress as an offensive player. Kevin Love is still kicking around (and not improving his trade value). This week will provide a chance for the Cavaliers to nab a couple of wins if that is still the goal this year. Despite all of the negativity, there are only three games separating the Cavaliers from the last play-in spot. If only this week had not gone so poorly and that dream may have been more feasible.