This year’s NBA standings are still bouncing around, as the season finishes up in mid-May. A bunch of teams are hoping to get healthy and build chemistry with the playoffs approaching.
Nets look dominant, bench playing lights out with James Harden injured: The Brooklyn Nets look extremely hard to beat, even without a full roster. New bench players Alize Johnson & Mike James are playing solid, proving just how deep this Nets club really is.
76ers easy remaining schedule, Joel Embiid continues stellar season: Besides a matchup vs Miami, the Sixers don’t have any games left against over .500 teams. All Star Joel Embiid has put up career highs in multiple categories this season.
Bucks confidence on defense will be key, Giannis sprains ankle: Milwaukee let up 143 points to Houston on Thursday, being reminded that defense needs to be a major focus. Giannis Antetokounmpo recently sprained his ankle, but won’t be out long.
Knicks go on 9-game win streak, RJ Barrett shooting improvements: New York responded to a season defining 15 game month of April by going 11-4. RJ Barrett’s improved shooting numbers have contributed to some big wins.
Hawks hoping for health as season finishes up, Cam Reddish ruled out: Atlanta’s roster can cause problems for teams when at full strength. Cam Reddish is currently dealing with an achilles injury that will keep him sidelined.
Tatum erupts for 60 points, rookie Aaron Nesmith making progress: Jayson Tatum tied Larry Bird’s Celtics record with 60 points on Friday. First-round pick Aaron Nesmith has looked versatile as of late.
Heat dealing with Herro & Oladipo injuries, players have stepped up: Tyler Herro & Victor Oladipo will continue to miss time. Goran Dragic, Kendrick Nunn, Trevor Ariza & Dewayne Dedmon have all contributed in their absence.
Pacers & Hornets falling in standings, injury-filled month of April: Both of these clubs are still taking games very seriously, but are lacking key guys. Notable names like Sabonis, Brogdon, Turner, Hayward, Ball & Monk have all dealt with the injury bug.
Wizards looking to secure play-in spot, Deni Avdija leaves floor in wheelchair: Washington is getting all-around efforts from every member of their club at the right time. Wizards lottery pick Deni Avdija’s rookie year has ended, as he works back from a hairline fracture of his right ankle.
Bulls inconsistency, lose LaVine at worst possible time: Chicago’s chances of making the play-in tournament are getting smaller by the day. The Bulls have gone 4-5 since Zach LaVine entered health & safety protocols.
Toronto’s Malachi Flynn developing nicely, Boucher sprains left MCL: Raptors rookie Malachi Flynn has played well in big minutes with Kyle Lowry missing action. Chris Boucher’s breakout season could possibly be over, as he suffered an MCL injury.
Cleveland piling up the losses, Garland, Nance Jr. & Prince go down: The Cavs are currently on a 5-game losing streak and have a difficult remaining schedule. Recently lost valuable players in Darius Garland, Larry Nance Jr. & Taurean Prince to injuries.
Cole Anthony returns, Orlando youth showing potential: Cole Anthony has averaged 14.1 PPG/5.3 APG/4.8 RPG since being back. Magic youngsters like Anthony, Carter, Okeke, Bamba & Hampton have bright futures ahead.
Pistons seeing quality play despite losing, Killian Hayes finally back: Although Detroit will finish as a bottom East team, individual production from vets to young players has been a positive. Rookie Killian Hayes is passing the ball well in his return.
Suns move up to 1st place, Chris Paul’s winning mentality has made huge impact: Phoenix looked at every game this season with a must win attitude and it’s paying off. Much of that success has come from Chris Paul’s strong attention to detail.
Questions still remain for Jazz after winning season, Mitchell injury: Utah still has to prove themselves in the playoffs after losing in the first round last season. Donovan Mitchell is currently unavailable and will be re-evaluated in one week.
Paul George scoring at high rate for Clippers, Kawhi misses time with sore right foot: Paul George’s efficient season on offense continues, as he’s averaging 29.7 PPG in his last ten games. LA is hoping to get a playoff ready Kawhi Leonard when he returns on May 1st.
Denver’s Murray, Barton & Morris remain sidelined, Jokic making MVP push: Role players like Facundo Campazzo, PJ Dozier & JaMychal Green have stepped up. MVP candidate Nikola Jokic has given the Nuggets a chance at passing the Clippers for the 3rd seed.
Lakers hoping to find an end of the year rhythm, LeBron & AD make returns: The Lakers chemistry certainly didn’t look intact in last night’s loss to Sacramento. Adjusting to playing with some of their new additions and getting healthy will be critical for James & Davis.
Dallas giving great overall effort as a team, Porzingis leaves game with knee issue: Dallas has received balanced production from other players besides Luka all season, as Tim Hardaway Jr. went for 42 points on Thursday. Although, Kristaps Porzingis left the game with right knee soreness.
Portland defensive issues, go on win streak after lackluster stretch: The Trail Blazers went the entire year letting up many points on defense while trying to make up for it on offense. Luckily the club has found a groove again, winning their last 3 games.
Taylor Jenkins making positive impact on Grizzlies culture, Jaren Jackson back: Head coach Taylor Jenkins has given every single one of his players the confidence to be themselves, as underrated guys like Grayson Allen & De’Anthony Melton have made solid impacts. Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson returned for Memphis in April.
Derrick White out for season, tough games ahead: After averaging a career high in PPG this season, Derrick White goes down with an ankle sprain. San Antonio’s remaining schedule includes matchups vs. Phoenix (twice), Utah (twice), Brooklyn & Philly.
Warriors & Pelicans set to battle for play-in spot, square off 3 more times this season: The Warriors currently sit 3 games ahead of New Orleans for the last play-in spot. Both clubs have three very important matchups against each other in May.
De’Aaron Fox in health & safety protocols, Haliburton & Holmes production: De’Aaron Fox’s spectacular season is put on hold at the moment, due to health & safety protocols. Tyrese Haliburton & Richaun Holmes played super consistent all season for Sacramento.
OKC 14-game losing streak, Pokusevski sets blocks record while Dort goes for 42: The young Thunder went through a long 14-game losing streak before eventually beating Boston. Aleksej Pokusevski set OKC’s rookie blocks record with 6 and Lu Dort went for 42 points during the month of April.
T-Wolves still playing hard to win, D’Angelo Russell looks electric in bench role: Minnesota is currently on a 4-game winning streak, playing team basketball on both ends. D’Angelo Russell is displaying his offensive ability in a new role, scoring the ball like few can off the bench in this league.
John Wall out for Houston, Porter Jr. scores 50 points vs Bucks: John Wall is listed as out indefinitely for Houston, averaging over 20 PPG in his first action back since 2018. The Rockets got an absolute steal in their January trade with Cleveland, as Kevin Porter Jr. recently went for 50 points.
