NBA standings 2019-20 ; NBA standings today 22nd January ; Lakers , Bucks standing ; NBA 2020

NBA standings 2019-20 ; NBA standings today 22nd January ; Lakers , Bucks standing NBA Power Rankings: Rockets Tumble Down Western Conference Standings The Rockets dropped all the way to sixth place in the West. While the Lakers and Bucks continue to dominate in the latest NBA power rankings. Russell Westbrook and the Rockets aren’t close to panicking after losing four of their last five, but concerns are certainly evident in Houston. The Rockets have a negative net-rating since Jan. 1. Their defensive effort has waned over the last week, and their three-point shooting has taken a serious dip. The slide has knocked Houston to No. 6 in the Western Conference, entering Monday at 26–15. The Finals are still in play, though not at the team’s current pace. With a rough schedule looming before the All-Star break, the Rockets could limp into the trade deadline seeking major upgrades. It’s unclear whether they can overcome their roster’s shortcomings in a stacked Western Conference. Houston’s pair of MVPs will certainly have to play like it in the second half of 2019-20. As we cross the season’s midway point, let’s dive into The Crossover’s power rankings with notes on all 30 teams. 30. Hawks – Trae Young received some help last week as Jeff Teague returned to Atlanta, though Teague’s arrival may not be the assistance Young was looking for. The Hawks are dreadful defensively, and they have a glaring weakness in the frontcourt. Teague is a familiar face and a fan favorite. He won’t help stabilize the Hawks anytime soon. 29. Warriors – More power to Steph Curry if he wants to return to the floor in March, though he may be inclined to sit out late in the year as the lottery odds finalize. A top-five pick could land Golden State a quality youngster, but more importantly, it may be the key to bringing another established star to the Bay. Poaching All-Star talent is a lot easier with a top-three pick rather than perhaps pick No. 7. Curry’s return may complicate the process. 28. Knicks – The Knicks crunch-time woes emerged in a major way at MSG on Saturday, giving up a three to Tobias Harris before Julius Randle fumbled the ball out of bounds with 7.4 seconds remaining. New York has avoided embarrassment in Mike Miller’s short stint as head coach, but harder times may be on the way after the trade deadline. As quality bodies are shipped, the tankathon will ensue. Not exactly a winning environment for R.J. Barrett. 27. Cavaliers – No Cleveland rotation player has a positive net-rating, though Cedi Osman would likely be a winning player in a more stable situation. The 6’7” forward is a solid shooter and sneaky off the bounce, and he plays with the requisite effort for a playoff team. Perhaps this version of Osman could have helped LeBron James in his final years in Cleveland. Let’s hope Osman finds a winning team at some point in his career. 26. Hornets – The Hornets are scuffling this season after Kemba Walker’s departure, but their guards have continued Charlotte’s predilection for clutch performances. Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier both rank in the top 10 in the NBA in clutch points, with the duo combining to make a solid 21-48 threes in clutch situations. Charlotte’s exciting backcourt has kept the franchise relevant despite a 34-win pace. 25. Wizards – Washington’s Davis Bertans conundrum will be interesting in the coming weeks. The former Spurs forward is in the final year of his contract, and he’s canning 42.8% of triples on 8.7 attempts per game. Perhaps Washington will look to pay up this summer, but in a weak free-agency class, keeping Bertans may be increasingly difficult. Bertans could quickly be shipped if a team coughs up a first rounder. 24. Timberwolves – The Timberwolves are, of course, better with Karl-Anthony Towns on the floor, but one stat from his time off is jarring. Minnesota ranked No. 2 in defensive rating in Towns’ 15-game absence. It then gave up 116 and 122 points in Towns’ first two games back. The small sample size is of course miniscule, but it continues a trend that’s plagued Minnesota for the last half decade. Towns’ defensive deficiencies are a major impediment to winning. Without a crop of plus defenders around him, it’s hard to see Towns winning playoff games anytime soon. 23. Kings – The Kings pulled off a trade with the Blazers on Saturday, though it didn’t totally qualify as a Woj Bomb. Sacramento added Anthony Tolliver and Kent Bazemore from Portland in exchange for Trevor Ariza, Wenyen Gabriel and Caleb Swannigan. The Kings got the best player in the deal (Bazemore) but will it really move the needle in a crowded Western Conference? I remain unconvinced. 22. Bulls – You take the good and the bad with Zach LaVine, and Saturday’s win over Cleveland showed just how impressive the UCLA product can be. LaVine poured in 41 points on 19-31 shooting, sealing the victory with this impressive reverse.