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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
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 30: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after forcing a turnover by Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on January 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 18. Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 27-31

The Los Angeles Lakers are in shambles, and they have been for the majority of the season. Now that Anthony Davis is set to miss at least four weeks, their season is in even more jeopardy than it already was. As of now, they’re fighting to stay in the play-in, and while it would take a lot to bounce them out, it’s still not an ideal position to be in. Especially for a team led by LeBron James.

It was particularly surprising to see the Lakers make no moves at the trade deadline. Now, they’ll have to spend the rest of the season figuring things out with the guys they have on the roster. There could still be some roster changes based on the buyout market, but none of the available buyout players would seriously improve the ceiling of the Lakers. Barring a miraculous turnaround, their season might be lost

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 17. Atlanta Hawks

Record: 28-30

After an amazing run to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Atlanta Hawks have not had that same success this season. Despite the absolutely incredible season Trae Young is having, they just can’t seem to keep their head above water. They didn’t end up making any moves at the deadline (though they did trade Cam Reddish earlier in the year), but there were a ton of rumors that they could look to trade John Collins.

Young is talented enough to drag the Hawks to a play-in spot, but there should be some concern that the team has struggled this much after such a great season last year. They need to take a serious look at their roster this summer and make the necessary changes. But this year, it’s looking like they’ll simply be stuck in the play-in.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 16. Brooklyn Nets

Record: 31-28

This ranking is very much a product of injuries and absences. The Brooklyn Nets are 31-28 on the season, but 2-8 in their last ten games. At one point, they had lost 11 games in a row. Again, this is mainly due to the fact that guys such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Joe Harris have missed a ton of games, but it affects their ranking nonetheless.

Brooklyn made by far the biggest trade of the year at the deadline by shipping James Harden to Philadelphia. However, that move should, in theory, help them out down the line. They now have a defensive-minded, DPOY-caliber player in Ben Simmons, and more importantly, they got rid of a guy who clearly didn’t want to be there anymore. Now, it’s all about getting healthy and getting back on track.