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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
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 17, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Philadelphia defeated Milwaukee 123-120. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 9. Cleveland Cavaliers

Record: 35-23

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the best surprises of the season thus far. While some may have thought that their early-season success was a fluke, they have continued to assert themselves as a serious playoff threat. Their young core is one of the best in the business, and they even had two representatives in the All-Star Game this season.

Darius Garland has led the charge, but the dynamic frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley has become one of the most dominant defensive big men duos in the league. They’ve been great on that end, and some sneaky depth has helped them play well on offense, too. With the two-way play of Cedi Osman and the bench scoring of Kevin Love, the Cavs are set up for postseason success.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 8. Milwaukee Bucks

Record: 36-24

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing at an MVP level this season, but the Milwaukee Bucks have been hit hard by the injury bug. In addition to Brook Lopez, who’s been out for the majority of the season, both Pat Connaughton and George Hill are now out for the Bucks. That being said, all three of their stars are healthy right now.

The reigning champs have hovered around the top-five in the East lately after a rather slow start to the season. Again, most of that was due to injuries, though. With Antetokounmpo at the helm, and Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton alongside him, the Bucks will always be a threat. Now, it’s just about them staying/getting healthy for the rest of the year.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 7. Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 35-23

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the more intriguing teams in the NBA. Joel Embiid, by most people’s accounts, is the frontrunner for the MVP award right now. That’s how dominant he’s been. And now, they are going to have James Harden joining them very, very soon. With that in mind, they should be one of the most dominant teams in the league.

But there’s no guarantee that Embiid and Harden gel right away. It could take a few weeks for them to figure things out. Obviously, when a team has two stars as great as those two, they’re bound to be good. But getting to a championship-caliber level will undoubtedly take time. Plus, they’re going to have to adjust to being without Seth Curry and Andre Drummond. They are definitely a team to watch.