NBA Power Rankings Week 19: Celtics surge, Warriors falter

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 15: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 15, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 21. New Orleans Pelicans

Record: 23-36

By adding CJ McCollum, the New Orleans Pelicans have indicated that they are about winning right now. However, there might not be enough time to climb their way back into the play-in this year. But that won’t stop them from trying. They now have a solid roster full of smart veterans and young, quality players, who can help them both now and in the future.

While they may not be in a position to reach the play-in this year, it’s all about the upcoming seasons for the Pelicans. The addition of McCollum is an attempt to put the best possible team around Zion Williamson. And despite the drama of the two not talking for a while (which was probably not as big of a deal as most people made it out to be), New Orleans should be in a good spot moving forward. Just not this year.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 20. Portland Trail Blazers

Record: 25-34

When the Portland Trail Blazers made their moves at the trade deadline, most people expected them to lose a bunch of games, and therefore plummet down the NBA power rankings. But instead, they’ve won four games in a row and are playing some of the best basketball they’ve played this season. Their new additions are really gelling well, and it makes you wonder – should they just trade Damian Lillard and build around this young core?

While that’s highly unlikely to happen given Lillard’s continuous loyalty to Portland, it’s something to consider. But looking at things from the perspective of this season alone, the Blazers have a good shot at making the play-in. With Anfernee Simons and Josh Hart playing as well as they are, Portland is quietly looking good.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 19. Charlotte Hornets

Record: 29-31

Before the All-Star break hit, the Charlotte Hornets were free-falling. They are 1-9 in their last ten games and now sitting two games under .500. After spending most of the season fighting for a top-six seed, they now find themselves in a spot where they are in danger of falling out of the play-in altogether. While that’s highly unlikely, it’s not a possibility.

Oddly enough, they’ve been losing by way of their offense, instead of their usually-poor defense. Simply put, Charlotte just hasn’t been making their shots lately. With LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges at the helm, they’ll be fine for the future, but this year, their season is in serious jeopardy if they don’t turn things around soon.