NBA Power Rankings 18: A new top team as the playoffs approach

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers walks in reverse to the bench during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images ) /

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team. 170. . 29-30. Previous: 18th. Charlotte Hornets. 19

Last Week: Beat Portland Trail Blazers 109-101, Lost to New York Knicks 109-97, Lost to Chicago Bulls 108-91, Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 108-102

This Week: 4/25 vs. Boston Celtics, 4/27 vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 4/28 at Boston Celtics, 5/1 vs. Detroit Pistons

The Charlotte Hornets continue to tread water, remaining somewhere in the play-in tournament mix since the injuries to LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward. With the news that Ball will be returning to the lineup sooner rather than later, the push for the play-in is likely to get even more exciting.

There are rumors that Ball could return in the middle of this week, possibly securing his position as the Rookie of the Year award as he did not miss too many games. He has been the clear best rookie this season. While many want to make points about the winning impact of Tyrese Haliburton, Ball is part of the team with a (close to) winning record making the postseason.

Focusing back in on the Hornets that played this week, Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington performed admirably. All three averaged at least 18.0 points per game, hit at least 46.0 percent of their shots and 38.0 percent of their attempts from distance. Bridges is quietly a strong rebounder (8.5 a game this week) for his size. Rozier is a stone-cold closer. There is a notable buzz in Buzz City for a team that seems to be a year away from putting everything together. Taking the step of making it to the play-in this year is a good start.