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

By Corey Rausch

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)
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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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

69. . 25-31. Previous: 20th. New Orleans Pelicans. 23. team

Last Week: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 116-109, Beat Sacramento Kings 117-110, Lost to New York Knicks 116-106, Lost/OT to Washington Wizards 117-115

This Week: 4/18 at New York Knicks, 4/20 vs. Brooklyn Nets, 4/22 at Orlando Magic, 4/24 vs. San Antonio Spurs

The availability of key role players, or lack thereof, made the week for the New Orleans Pelicans more complicated than they would likely as they continue to make their push for the play-in tournament. Lonzo Ball missed three of the four games, resulting in far too much Eric Bledsoe for any team hoping to win games in 2021. The loss of Josh Hart further complicates issues, resulting in the offense being even more focused on the top two players.

For their part, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram were special as always. Ingram led the way this week, averaging 30.8 points, 6.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game on shooting splits of .471/.414/.969. He picked up some of the playmaking duties as Ball was out of the lineup, doing what he can to make his teammates better.

Williamson was similarly stunning, averaging 28.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. He hit 60.0 percent of his 20.0 field goal attempts per game. The two stars are a dominant offensive force, but as their coach has made clear, the issues on defense and taking care of the ball will continue to limit the ceiling for the team, especially when the floor spacing of Ball is off the court.