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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
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 18: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers warms up before the 2022 Clorox Rising Stars at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio, 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 27. Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 18-40

The Oklahoma City Thunder round out the bottom four teams in the league, all of which are in a fairly similar spot as an organization. Going into the season, no one had any expectations for the Thunder, and that’s exactly how the season has played out. The Thunder are well on their way to a lottery pick this offseason.

The big difference between the Thunder and the teams below them is that they, arguably, have shown more flashes. Over the past couple of months, they have had one of the best defenses in the league. They are a well-coached, team-oriented squad led by some very talented guards.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 26. Indiana Pacers

Record: 20-40

Despite their wildly successful trade deadline, the Indiana Pacers are still one of the worst teams in the league. Tyrese Haliburton should be able to turn things around in Indiana, but that won’t happen overnight. It’s going to be a long, drawn-out rebuild process, but having Haliburton in town will certainly help with that process.

They’ve also managed to find some diamonds in the rough. Players such as Terry Taylor, Keifer Sykes, and Jalen Smith all have the potential to be real impact players moving forward (even though Sykes is on the older side). Plus, they are still waiting on some key pieces to return from injury. Watch out for the Pacers moving forward, but right now, they’re heading for a top-five pick.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 25. Sacramento Kings

Record: 22-38

Ironically enough, the two teams that made one of the biggest trades of the deadline are right next to each other in the NBA power rankings. Despite acquiring Domantas Sabonis, the Sacramento Kings are still on track to be a lottery team. They’ll likely fight to get into the play-in tournament, but it will be an uphill battle, to say the least.

But just like the Pacers, it will take time for the current team in Sactown to gel together. They have a much better “win-now” roster, but that won’t happen overnight. Once De’Aaron Fox and Sabonis learn to play together effectively, as well as with the rest of their new roster, they should be able to fight for the playoffs. This season, though, getting into that play-in will be tough.