Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Power Rankings Week 20: Serious movement at the top

By Jack Simone

Feb 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 15
Next
NBA Power Rankings Week 20: Serious movement at the top
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Davion Mitchell #15 of the Sacramento Kings guards Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic in the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center on December 08, 2021 in Sacramento, California, NBA Power Rankings Week 20: Serious movement at the top. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Week 20 NBA Power Rankings: 28. Orlando Magic

Record: 15-48

Rank last week: 28

This seems like the sweet spot for the Orlando Magic this season. They seem to be a (very slight) step ahead of both the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons, but simultaneously a step behind some of the other lower-tier teams around the league. That’s not a bad thing, either, as they too are fighting for a top pick.

And that’s why this past week was probably bad for them, in an odd way, as they managed to go 2-1. Obviously, anytime a young, rebuilding team is able to sneak in a couple of wins it’s a good thing for them, but also not a great thing for their draft pick. But realistically speaking, the teams they beat weren’t that great, so they’ll be fine down the stretch in terms of tanking.

Week 20 NBA Power Rankings: 27. Sacramento Kings

Record: 23-41

Rank last week: 25

When the Sacramento Kings traded for Domantas Sabonis at the trade deadline, a lot of people were confused. Not because Sabonis is bad, but because they gave up Tyrese Haliburton in the trade. And while Sabonis has looked solid during his time in Sactown, it hasn’t quite translated to wins.

In the past week, the Kings have gone a measly 1-2. While that doesn’t seem too, too bad, for a team that made a deal at the deadline in hopes of competing for a play-in spot, that’s unacceptable. Right now, Sacramento is a full four games out of the play-in, and their chances of making it are decreasing by the day.