Lottery Rankings

March Madness has arrived, and though conventional wisdom says it’s time to take a few weeks off from following the NBA, that’d be a big mistake this year.

The Lottery rankings will run weekly until the end of the season, and focus on the various teams that have already locked their spots in the lottery, the ones still flirting between the lottery and playoffs, and the ones who, barring a meltdown, will finish the season as a playoff team. They’re power rankings, in a twisted way, since being at the top means being at the bottom of the standings.

Lotto Locks

1. 76ers (9-57)

Nerlens Noel will look much better the rest of the way now that he and Jahlil Okafor (sadly) aren’t sharing the court anymore this season.

2. Lakers (14-53)

D’Angelo Russell has broken out of his—err Byron Scott’s—shell.

3. Suns (17-49)

For those who care, Brandon Knight is back.

Nets (18-47)

Sean Kilpatrick steady killin’ it.

4. Timberwolves (21-45)

Karl-Anthony Towns could be a top-10 player in the league as early as next year.

5. Pelicans (24-41)

Alas, a solid draft pick awaits.

6. Kings (25-40)

Oh, Sacramento.

7. Knicks (27-40)

Caution. Sasha Vujacic is starting these days.

8. Bucks (28-38)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is absolutely amazing.

9. Magic (28-37)

Orlando may have traded Tobias Harris for cap relief or two guys that won’t be on the roster a couple years from now depending on how you want to look at it, but it’s going to mean more minutes for Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja in both the short and long term.

10. Nuggets (28-38)

Denver has won four straight, but nine of the next 11 games are on the road. This team is a lot of fun though, and there has been measurable growth under coach Mike Malone.

Long(er)shots

11. Wizards (30-35)

Washington has lost five in a row, and it’s hard to imagine a turn-around. Still, when John Wall is running the show, anything is possible.

12. Bulls (32-32)

Without Jimmy Butler the Bulls aren’t going to make the playoffs, plain and simple. He can’t afford to miss much more time, but in the grand scheme of things it’s short-sighted to rush him back when this Chicago squad is not a true contender even at full strength. Shoutout to barely discussed trade deadline acquisition Justin Holiday, who has been playing well lately.

13. Jazz (31-35)

Among these three teams, the Jazz might have the best shot at sneaking into the playoffs. It’s probably a toss-up between Utah and Chicago for most likely outsider to upset the current order.

Playoff Picture

14. Mavericks (33-33)

Dallas has road rumbles at Charlotte and Cleveland before taking on the Warriors and Blazers twice each in the next four contests. Having already lost five in a row, the next 10 days could make or break the Mavs.

15. Rockets (33-33)

Houston has two bouts with the Thunder, home games against the Grizzlies, Clippers, Jazz, Raptors, and Bulls, and road romps versus the Hawks, Pacers, Cavs, and Mavs. The Rockets are in a good position, but remaining in the playoffs will require the team to come together and improve its chemistry.

16. Pistons (34-32)

Detroit has won seven of its last 10, and I would not bet against the Pistons earning a spot in the playoffs unless Jimmy Butler goes MJ on everyone and averages 50 points per game the rest of the way.

17. Trail Blazers (35-32)

Having finally simmered, Portland is 5-5 in the last 10. Still, the Trail Blazers hold a 3.5 game lead over the ninth-seeded Jazz. Crazier things have happened, but I’m done doubting Damian Lillard and company—at least in terms of making the postseason. That being said, this upcoming six-game stretch features contests versus the Thunder, Spurs, and Clippers, plus two matchups with the eighth-seeded Mavericks. There’s also another war with Golden State looming on the second night of a back-to-back to start April.

18. Pacers (35-31)

Indiana is sputtering to the finish line, but as long as Paul George has a pulse expect the Pacers to proceed into the Promised Land that is the playoffs. Indy’s schedule also includes two meetings with the 76ers, Nets, and Knicks, so there is no shortage of cupcakes upcoming.

19. Grizzlies (39-27)

Memphis is making the playoffs thanks to guys like JaMychal Green, Briante Weber, Lance Stephenson, and Matt Barnes. The Grizzlies refuse to die, but with only six of their opponents being lotto-locks, it’s still somewhat conceivable to imagine them missing the playoffs. Nevertheless, I’d expect them to clinch a spot when all is said and done.