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It’s time to cross T’s and dot some I’s as the season-that-almost-wasn’t comes to an end. We have a pretty good idea who will be headed to the playoffs but the fates of the Bucks, 76ers, Suns, and Jazz are still in the air. The ironically named Metta World Peace will have to wait and see what David Stern has planned for him, after a violent elbow dropped the Thunder’s James Harden to the court faster than a Derrick Rose drive to the rack. And speaking of D-Rose, are there enough bandages and braces to keep that guy healthy through the postseason’s first round? The Spurs are the league’s hottest team, but are they also the best? You’ve got questions; we’ve got answers in Complex’s latest edition of the NBA Power Rankings.
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30. Charlotte Bobcats
Record: 7 - 56
Last Week's Rank: 30
Last Week's Results: L vs. New Orleans 67-75, (Mon); L vs. Chicago 68-100, (Wed); L vs. Memphis 80-85, (Fri); L vs. Sacramento 88-114, (Sun)
This Week: @ Washington, Monday (4/23); @ Orlando, Wednesday (4/25); vs. New York, Thursday (4/26)
Three more games and the nightmare season is finally over! But first, the Bobcats have to take care of some very important business: winning a damn game in the month of April. At least they're not holding down the top spot when it comes to the worst record through 63 games. That "honor" goes to the '97-98 Nuggets and the '72-73 Sixers, who were both 5-58. —Jose Martinez
29. Washington Wizards
Record: 17 - 46
Last Week's Rank: 29
Last Week's Results: W @ Chicago 87-84, (Mon); W vs. Milwaukee 121-112, (Wed); W @ Miami 86-84, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Charlotte, Monday (4/23); @ Cleveland, Wednesday (4/25); vs. Miami, Thursday (4/26)
What's going on with these Wizards? They went 3-0 this week against three quality opponents in the Bulls, Bucks and Heat. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here when thinking about how good they're going to be next year. For the teams outside of the playoff race, it's all about finishing on a high note and Washington is doing just that. —Jose Martinez
28. New Orleans Hornets
Record: 20 - 44
Last Week's Rank: 28
Last Week's Results: W @ Charlotte 75-67, (Mon); L @ Memphis 91-103, (Wed); W vs. Houston 105-99, (Thu); L @ LA Clippers 98-107, (Sun)
This Week: @ Golden State, Tuesday (4/24); @ Houston, Thursday (4/26)
If the Hornets were a stock, they'd be in the process of a drastic market correction that will likely carry over in to next season. NOLA has every component needed to be a serviceable NBA team. They have a strong backcourt, a good coach, and stability in the front office. Providing substantial evidence to their turnaround, the Hornets are closing out the season like a team on the brink having won seven of their last ten. — Sean Evans
27. Sacramento Kings
Record: 21 - 43
Last Week's Rank: 27
Last Week's Results: L vs. San Antonio 102-127, (Wed); L vs. Oklahoma City 92-103, (Fri); W @ Charlotte 114-88, (Sun)
This Week: @ Oklahoma City, Tuesday (4/24); vs. LA Lakers, Thursday (4/26)
As bad as the Kings are, the Bobcats are still far worse. Sure, Sacramento got shellacked by San Antonio then lost to OKC but they still took some pride in beating the living hell out of Charlotte on Sunday. Good for them. Sidebar: We wonder how MJ will screw up his No. 1 pick this year. —Ralph Warner
26. Detroit Pistons
Record: 24 - 40
Last Week's Rank: 23
Last Week's Results: W vs. Cleveland 116-77, (Tue); L @ Atlanta 84-116, (Wed); L vs. Minnesota 80-91, (Thu); W vs. Toronto 76-73, Sunday (4/22)
This Week: @ Indiana, Monday (4/23); vs. Philadelphia, Thursday (4/26)
Somehow, the Pistons aren't going to finish in last place in the Central Division this season. It's not exactly a deep run in the playoffs. But, given the way they've played at times this season, that's something for Detroit fans to celebrate and hang their hats on as they start looking forward to next season. —Chris Yuscavage
25. New Jersey Nets
Record: 22 - 42
Last Week's Rank: 25
Last Week's Results: L vs. Miami 98-101, (Mon); L vs. New York 95-104, (Wed); L @ Milwaukee 95-106, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Philadelphia, Monday (4/23); @ Toronto, Thursday (4/26)
The Nets are on a four game losing streak and can't wait to start over in Brooklyn. This is offseason is going to be a very interesting one. LeBron dropped 17 straight on them in the fourth on Monday to erase a seven-point deficit, that's the Nets' season in a nutshell. For what its worth D-Will wasn't playing and probably won't wear a Nets uniform again. Let's see if Prokhorov can work his alleged magic. —Angel Diaz
24. Toronto Raptors
Record: 22 - 42
Last Week's Rank: 24
Last Week's Results: L vs. Atlanta 87-109, (Mon); L @ Miami 72-96, (Wed); L @ Detroit 76-73, (Sun)
This Week: @ Milwaukee, Monday (4/23); vs. New Jersey, Thursday (4/26)
Toronto is on a three game losing streak right after they had a two game winning streak where they beat Boston and Atlanta. That's how this team has been playing all season. The Raptors have a chance to put an end to the Bucks' playoff quest tonight. This Toronto team more than likely won't be the same next year. Jose Calderon and Bargnani can help some contenders around the league. —Angel Diaz
23. Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 21 - 42
Last Week's Rank: 26
Last Week's Results: L @ Detroit 77-116, (Tue); L vs. Philadelphia 87-103, (Wed); W vs. New York 98-90, (Fri); L @ San Antonio 114-98, Sunday (4/22)
This Week: @ Memphis, Monday (4/23); vs. Washington, Wednesday (4/25); @ Chicago, Thursday (4/26)
Cavaliers coach Byron Scott ranked third in a recent Sports Illustrated poll of NBA players to find out which NBA coaches they'd least like to play for right now. But, we don't know if that's an indictment of Scott—or further proof that Cleveland isn't the ideal landing spot for NBA players these days. Either way, the Cavs are limping to the finish line this season after starting strong and making Cleveland look a whole lot less appealing for any potential free agents out there. We can't emphasize this enough, guys: You're playing for nothing right now, but you have to finish strong. #cmonson —Chris Yuscavage
22. Golden State Warriors
Record: 23 - 41
Last Week's Rank: 22
Last Week's Results: L vs. San Antonio 99-120, (Mon); L vs. LA Lakers 87-99, (Wed); L @ Dallas 94-104, (Fri); L @ Houston 96-99, (Sat); W @ Minnesota 93-88, (Sun)
This Week: vs. New Orleans, Tuesday (4/24); vs. San Antonio, Thursday (4/26)
The good news for Warriors fans? This season is almost over. The bad? Golden State looks like they're planning on going out with a bang. Not the good kind, either. The Warriors have lost 15 of their last 18 games and are challenging the Kings for that 14th seed in the West. And by "challenging" we mean they're taking for a higher draft pick. Steph Curry and Andrew Bogut are both going to have ankle surgery. It's sad but at this point the 2012 NBA Draft in June is seriously looking like the highlight of the season for Warriors fans. —Ralph Warner
21. Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 26 - 39
Last Week's Rank: 20
Last Week's Results: L @ Indiana 88-111, (Mon); L vs. Memphis 84-91, (Tue); W @ Detroit 91-80, (Thu); L vs. Golden State 93-88, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Denver, Thursday (4/26)
We're not even going to blame this disappointing season on the actual play of the team, this year was all about injuries. A healthy Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love and you're looking at a squad that could be a contender in the West. Instead, you're looking at a squad that's sadly living up to its rep as one of the saddest franchises in recent NBA history. —Ralph Warner
20. Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 28 - 36
Last Week's Rank: 21
Last Week's Results: L @ Phoenix 107-125, (Mon); L vs. Utah 91-112, (Wed); L @ Memphis 89-93, (Sat)
This Week: @ San Antonio, Monday (4/23); @ Utah, Thursday (4/26)
Remember when the Blazers were actually looking competitive back in January?! Well, that's why you play 82, er, we mean, 66 games, son! The pretenders always get exposed eventually no matter if it's a regular or shortened season. Time to look forward to the 2012 NBA Draft. Or based on their history, that'll probably end terribly too. —Ralph Warner
19. Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 30 - 33
Last Week's Rank: 19
Last Week's Results: L @ Washington 112-121, (Wed); L @ Indiana 109-118, (Thu); W vs. New Jersey 106-95, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Toronto, Monday (4/23); vs. Philadelphia, Wednesday (4/25); @ Boston, Thursday (4/26)
The freefall that has become the Bucks 2011-12 season continued last week when they lost a pair of games to the Wizards and Pacers and knocked themselves back further in the playoff race. But, that wasn't the worst L they took last week. During the game at Indy, Bucks forward Larry Sanders completely lost his cool and tried to fight all five Pacers on the floor at the end of the game. We're glad to see that the Bucks don't want to go down without a fight. That's just not the kind of fight we're talking about.—Chris Yuscavage
18. Houston Rockets
Record: 33 - 32
Last Week's Rank: 15
Last Week's Results: L vs. Denver 102-105, (Mon); L @ Dallas 110-117, (Wed); L @ New Orleans 99-105, (Thu); W vs. Golden State 99-96, (Sat); L @ Miami 97-88, (Sun)
This Week: vs. New Orleans, Thursday (4/26)
The Rockets season was an impressive blast off, smooth flight, and ultimately, a Con Air-like crash landing on the Vegas strip. Houston looked poise to glide in to the playoffs all year long, but after losing six straight games (including a devastating loss to New Orleans), they've been eliminated from playoff contention. Perhaps the league's most surprising team saved their biggest reveal for last, completely collapsing down the home stretch of this compressed season. —Sean Evans
17. Phoenix Suns
Record: 33 - 31
Last Week's Rank: 18
Last Week's Results: W vs. Portland 125-107, (Mon); L vs. Oklahoma City 97-109, (Wed); W vs. LA Clippers 93-90, (Thu); L vs. Denver 107-118, (Sat)
This Week: @ Utah, Tuesday (4/24); vs. San Antonio, Wednesday (4/25)
The Suns were looking like they had a real nice shot at capturing the 8th seed in the West until they lost to Denver on Saturday. Phoenix still has a chance to make the playoffs but they'll need to beat the Jazz (who they're currently trailing by one game in the West) and they'll need to beat the Spurs too in order to assure themselves a playoff spot. If the Suns end up tied with Utah they'll take the tiebreaker as they currently lead the season series 2-0. Who knew the old men out West could last so long? #viagrasteez? #pause —Ralph Warner
16. Utah Jazz
Record: 34 - 30
Last Week's Rank: 17
Last Week's Results: W vs. Dallas 123-121, (Mon); W @ Portland 112-91, (Wed); W vs. Orlando 117-107, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Phoenix, Tuesday (4/24); vs. Portland, Thursday (4/26)
Well, look who's making a serious push for the playoffs now. By going 3-0 last week, Utah has put themselves in a position where they can control their own destiny. With a one-game lead over the Phoenix, it's quite simple: Beat the Suns on Tuesday and they're in. Lose and they'll have to beat Portland and they'll need some help from the Spurs (playing Phoenix in the season finale). #doordietime —Ralph Warner
15. Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 33 - 30
Last Week's Rank: 13
Last Week's Results: L @ Orlando 100-113, (Mon); L vs. Indiana 97-102, (Tue); W @ Cleveland 103-87, (Wed); W @ Indiana 109-106, (Sat)
This Week: @ New Jersey, Monday (4/23); @ Milwaukee, Wednesday (4/25); @ Detroit, Thursday (4/26)
Philly dropped from the fourth seed to the eighth. The way this team was playing early on, we never thought they would be fighting for their playoff lives. They should still make it in, though, and should be a tough out for anybody. Lou Williams came through in the clutch against the Pacers by hitting two threes in OT. They have a big game vs. Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Sixers currently hold a three game lead over the Bucks and both teams have three games left. —Angel Diaz
14. Denver Nuggets
Record: 36 - 28
Last Week's Rank: 14
Last Week's Results: W @ Houston 105-102, (Mon); L vs. LA Clippers 98-104, (Wed); W @ Phoenix 118-107, (Sat); W vs. Orlando 101-74, (Sun)
This Week: @ Oklahoma City, Wednesday (4/25); @ Minnesota, Thursday (4/26)
Denver has their spot in the playoffs locked up but that doesn't mean these last few games don't matter. A difference between the 6th and 7th seed could be the difference between playing either the Lakers, Clippers, or OKC. In other words, they're trying to figure out who they'll be losing to in the first round. Yeah, we said it. —Ralph Warner
13. Orlando Magic
Record: 36 - 28
Last Week's Rank: 6
Last Week's Results: W vs. Philadelphia 113-100, (Mon); L @ Boston 98-102, (Wed); L @ Utah 107-117, (Sat); L @ Denver 74-101, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Charlotte, Wednesday (4/25); @ Memphis, Thursday (4/26)
Orlando is only going as far as Dwight Howard can take them and since the All-Star center is out for the rest of the season, so is this team's chances of hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy this year. #sadbuttrue —Jose Martinez
12. New York Knicks
Record: 34 - 30
Last Week's Rank: 16
Last Week's Results: W vs. Boston 118-110, (Tue); W @ New Jersey 104-95, (Wed); L @ Cleveland 90-98, (Fri); L @ Atlanta 113-112, (Sun)
This Week: vs. LA Clippers, Wednesday (4/25); @ Charlotte, Thursday (4/26)
The Knicks were controllers of their own destiny until they shot themselves in the foot and didn't show up against the Cavs. The good news is, Amar'e is looking healthy. The bad news is, he still refuses to play defense. With some luck they can still sneak into the sixth seed, but Orlando plays the Bobcats on Wednesday, so that's unlikely. New York plays the Clippers on Wednesday in what should be an exciting game between two teams fighting for playoff positioning. The Knicks and the Heat is a first round match-up everyone wants to see. —Angel Diaz
11. Dallas Mavericks
Record: 36 - 29
Last Week's Rank: 12
Last Week's Results: L @ Utah 121-123, (Mon); W vs. Houston 117-110, (Wed); W vs. Golden State 104-94, (Fri); L @ Chicago 83-93, (Sat)
This Week: @ Atlanta, Thursday (4/26)
Whether it's because of age or a lack of hunger, Dallas' season has been a bipolar mix of greatness and tragedy. If the playoffs started today, Dirk and Co. would be the Western Conference's seven seed. If the Mavs' goal (as they claim) was to make the playoffs regardless of seed, then this season has been a success. But a first-round matchup with the Thunder almost assures the ancient squad out of Dallas won't repeat as champs. —Sean Evans
10. Atlanta Hawks
Record: 38 - 26
Last Week's Rank: 11
Last Week's Results: W @ Toronto 109-87, (Mon); W vs. Detroit 116-84, (Wed); W vs. Boston 97-92, (Fri); L vs. New York 112-113, (Sun)
This Week: vs. LA Clippers, Tuesday (4/24); vs. Dallas, Thursday (4/26)
All it took was one play and the Hawks would've been a perfect 4-0 this week. With one quality win over the Celtics, the same sentiment needs to be repeated: The teams they are beating aren't playoff-bound squads. The ones they tend to lose to are making it into the postseason. Yeah, they beat the C's on Friday, but overall, they were 1-2 against them throughout the season. Maybe they can turn that all around when they face them in the first round. Survey says: Probably not. —Jose Martinez
9. Boston Celtics
Record: 37 - 27
Last Week's Rank: 5
Last Week's Results: L @ New York 110-118, (Tue); W vs. Orlando 102-98, (Wed); L @ Atlanta 92-97, (Fri)
This Week: vs. Miami, Tuesday (4/24); vs. Milwaukee, Thursday (4/26)
Boston is locked into the fourth seed, so no worries on their part. The old vets showed these young boys how to do it once again. And to think the Big Four was almost disbanded. Good thing Danny Ainge didn't pull the trigger. This squad might have another run in them and should be able to beat Atlanta in the first round. They play Miami on Tuesday in what could be a preview of a late playoff matchup, but everyone might be resting. So don't put too much stock into it. —Angel Diaz
8. Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 39 - 25
Last Week's Rank: 10
Last Week's Results: W @ Minnesota 91-84, (Tue); W vs. New Orleans 103-91, (Wed); W @ Charlotte 85-80, (Fri); W vs. Portland 93-89, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Cleveland, Monday (4/23); vs. Orlando, Thursday (4/26)
If the Grizz win their final two games (Cleveland and Orlando) they could potentially be the West's four-seed and have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. One of the league's hottest teams has finished out the season 12-4, quietly snaked its way up the standings and, at full health, could be the NBA's postseason dark horse. Zach Randolph's been a beast off the bench, but we'll see if he gets the starting nod when the playoffs begin. Nobody wants to play Memphis in the postseason and we don't blame them. —Sean Evans
7. Indiana Pacers
Record: 41 - 23
Last Week's Rank: 9
Last Week's Results: W vs. Minnesota 111-88, (Mon); W @ Philadelphia 102-97, (Tue); W vs. Milwaukee 118-109, (Thu); L vs. Philadelphia 106-109, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Detroit, Monday (4/23); vs. Chicago, Wednesday (4/25)
The Pacers have spent the last week complaining about how they get no respect. They're currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference. But, all anyone wants to talk about is the Bulls, Heat, Celtics, and Knicks. Well, you're about to get your chance to earn some respect, fellas. You ready for it? —Chris Yuscavage
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 40 - 24
Last Week's Rank: 8
Last Week's Results: W vs. Oklahoma City 92-77, (Mon); W @ Denver 104-98, (Wed); L @ Phoenix 90-93, (Thu); W vs. New Orleans 98-107, (Sun)
This Week: @ Atlanta, Tuesday (4/24); @ New York, Wednesday (4/25)
With only two games left on their schedule, the Clippers are still in the hunt for the Pacific Division crown. They trail the Lakers by a half game and have matchups against the Hawks and Knicks this week to close out the regular season. The Lakers only have one game left against the Kings. Since the Lake Show won the season series, the Clippers will have to win both of their games and have the Kings beat the Lakers in order to take the division crown. C'mon, Sac-Town! #wishfulthinking —Ralph Warner
5. Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 41 - 24
Last Week's Rank: 7
Last Week's Results: L vs. San Antonio 91-112, (Tue); W @ Golden State 99-87, (Wed); L @ San Antonio 97-112, (Fri); W vs. Oklahoma City 106-114, (Sun)
This Week: @ Sacramento, Thursday (4/26)
What a game. Sure, the Lake Show got blown out by the Spurs twice this week and they were able to pick up an expected W against the Warriors but their week (and probably their entire season) culminated with a crazy win over OKC on Sunday. Metta World Peace officially became Ron Artest again when he threw an elbow that was just as forceful as those thrown by Jon Jones at UFC 145. Then Kobe once again reminded his fans and haters that he's still the most clutch player in the NBA no matter how bad of a start he has. World Peace will most likely be suspended for at least the first few playoff games and it is weird that Andrew Bynum was benched for the fourth quarter and both overtimes but this kind of drama is expected in L.A. —Ralph Warner
4. Miami Heat
Record: 46 - 18
Last Week's Rank: 4
Last Week's Results: W @ New Jersey 101-98, (Mon); W vs. Toronto 96-72, (Wed); W vs. Chicago 83-72, (Thu); L vs. Washington 84-76, (Sat); W vs. Houston 97-88, (Sun)
This Week: @ Boston, Tuesday (4/24); @ Washington, Thursday (4/26)
Ignore that loss to the Wizards. Don't even look at the final score or anything like that. On Thursday, the Heat will get their revenge and end the regular season on the right note when they defeat the Wizards. Besides that loss, Miami looked really good this past week and seem ready for whichever team they encounter in the first round...that is, until they play away from home. Never forget. —Jose Martinez
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 46 - 18
Last Week's Rank: 1
Last Week's Results: L @ LA Clippers 77-92, (Mon); W @ Phoenix 109-97, (Wed); W @ Sacramento 103-92, (Fri); L @ LA Lakers 106-114, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Sacramento, Tuesday (4/24); vs. Denver, Wednesday (4/25)
Uh-oh, is OKC showing some of that inconsistency that could haunt them in the playoffs? Over the last few weeks they've lost lost their lead in the West and suffered a few uncharacteristic losses to contenders like the Clippers in Lakers. After being routed by the Lob City Crew earlier in the week, they surrendered a 17-point fourth quarter lead and went onto lose in double OT against the Lakers on Sunday. On top of that, the Thunder may not have their Sixth Man of the Year candidate, James Harden, for a while after he suffered a concussion courtesy of Ron Artest's vicious elbow. There's no telling how long he'll be out but something tells us the outcome would've been different had he been around on Sunday. #justsayin' —Ralph Warner
2. Chicago Bulls
Record: 48 - 16
Last Week's Rank: 2
Last Week's Results: L vs. Washington 84-87, (Mon); W @ Charlotte 100-68, (Wed); L @ Miami 72-83, (Thu); W vs. Dallas 93-83, (Sat)
This Week: @ Indiana, Wednesday (4/25); vs. Cleveland, Thursday (4/26)
The Bulls might be the best team in the Eastern Conference right now, but there are still a lot of questions swirling around in Chicago. Will Derrick Rose be able to stay healthy throughout the playoffs? Is Luol Deng's wrist injury going to be a problem? Can the Bulls hold off the Heat with home-court advantage on their side? All those questions are obviously TBD. But, we do have to admit that it's a little bit weird to see a championship-caliber squad entering the playoffs with this many questions surrounding them. So, we've got one, too: Did we celebrate the Bulls too soon this season —Chris Yuscavage
1. San Antonio Spurs
Record: 47 - 16
Last Week's Rank: 3
Last Week's Results: W @ Golden State 120-99, (Mon); W @ LA Lakers 112-91, (Tue); W @ Sacramento 127-102, (Wed); W vs. LA Lakers 121-97, (Fri); W vs. Cleveland 114-98, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Portland, Monday (4/23); @ Phoenix, Wednesday (4/25); @ Golden State, Thursday (4/26)
The NBA's hottest team has saved its best ball for the end of the season going 18-2 over their last twenty games. The oldest, least hyped elite squad is healthy, rested, and will thankfully avoid a first round matchup against the Grizzlies. The Spurs three remaining games are very winnable matchups against Portland, Phoenix, and Golden State, so San Antonio has the potential to glide in to the playoffs on a ten game win streak. —Sean Evans