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NBA Power Rankings Week 19: Celtics surge, Warriors falter

By Jack Simone

Dec 17, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) after their game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) after their game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Power Rankings Week 19: Celtics surge, Warriors falter
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 08: Saddiq Bey #41 of the Detroit Pistons, Mo Bamba #5 and Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic go for a loose ball during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on January 08, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan, NBA Power Rankings Week 19: Celtics surge, Warriors falter. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Although the All-Star break is often seen as the halfway point of the season, there are actually only around 22-25 games left. So technically, it’s more like the season is three-quarters of the way over.

Hoops Habit missed a few weeks of NBA Power Rankings, but it’s time to get back on track and take a look at the general scope of the league. So without further adieu, here are the current NBA Power Rankings.

*All stats as of 12:00 p.m. February 24, when this article was written

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 30. Detroit Pistons

Record: 13-45

It’s very clear that the Detroit Pistons are a rebuilding team. That’s why it was so weird that they chose to keep hold of Jerami Grant at the trade deadline. They have a solid young core with Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, and Isaiah Stewart, as well as some wily veterans. But that doesn’t equate to wins, and that’s what we’ve seen so far this season.

With only 13 wins on the season, any hopes for the playoffs have gone out the window, and in reality, there was never much hope for Detroit to make the postseason this year. They’ll be in the lottery this summer in hopes of landing another potential superstar to pair alongside Cunningham.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 29. Houston Rockets

Record: 15-43

After a horrific start to the season, the Houston Rockets went on an odd winning streak, but that has since cooled off. Similar to the Pistons with Grant, many believed the Rockets could choose to trade some of their veterans. And while they did get off of Daniel Theis’ contract, it was in exchange for another veteran in Dennis Schroder, who now projects to finish the season in Houston.

That being said, Houston still has a great young core to work with moving forward. Jalen Green is the name most people know, but guys like Alperen Sengun, Kevin Poreter Jr., and Josh Christopher cannot be forgotten either. Plus, they’ll also be adding another top lottery talent this offseason.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 28. Orlando Magic

Record: 13-47

The Orlando Magic are very similar to the two other teams below them in the rankings. They have a nice young core of promising talent, but not enough proven talent to compete in the league just yet. Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner are three great young players who can help carry the organization into the future.

But there’s still some intrigue to watch out for with the Magic. Two of their core players – Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac – have yet to return from injury. Once they return, the Magic will have some interesting decisions to make, so keep an eye on Orlando moving forward this season and into the offseason.