2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Rockets Take No. 1, Warriors Return In Week 22

Mar 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 22 of NBA Power Rankings, the Houston Rockets take the No. 1 spot, with the Golden State Warriors hot on their heels after a bounce-back week.

After a ho-hum week for the San Antonio Spurs, there's a new No. 1 in our Week 22 NBA Power Rankings.

With the third-best record in the league and perhaps the leading MVP candidate in the association, the Houston Rockets have quietly assembled a legitimate title contender.

They may not be favored in a head-to-head playoff series with teams like the Spurs, Golden State Warriors or Cleveland Cavaliers, but nobody should be sleeping on such a heavy three-point onslaught led by Harden's best NBA season yet.

Speaking of the Warriors, however, we'd be remiss in failing to mention that the Dubs have rediscovered their stride despite Kevin Durant still riding the bench. The Splash Brothers are back, Golden State has a firm grip on the No. 1 seed and the rest of the NBA should be worried again.

As teams at the bottom of the East and West duke it out for playoff positioning, where does the rest of the league lie? Here's a look at our Week 22 NBA Power Rankings.

Mar 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks to guard Jordan Clarkson (6) and guard D'Angelo Russell (1) in the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

20-51

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 30th

With the Phoenix Suns shutting down half their team, every loss is crucial for the Lakers to keep their top-three protected pick. And though Russell started the week with a five-point, six-foul, seven-turnover effort against Houston, he shook it off two games later for a career-high 40 points against the defending champs. There may be (distant) hope here yet.

Mar 17, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis (8) reacts on the court in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Magic won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

22-49

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 24th

T.J. Warren has quietly been playing well and Tyler Ulis has two double-doubles in his first four career starts, but the Suns' youth movement is going to experience some severe growing pains over the next month if losses to Sacramento, Orlando and Detroit are any indication.

Mar 14, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after an injuring against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

27-43

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 26th

On the bright side, Kristaps Porzingis' injury wasn't serious, and both Kyle O'Quinn and Willy Hernangomez are solid frontcourt pieces. Other than that, let's just sim to the end of the season.

Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel watches the action during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

26-45

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 28th

What is worth covering, however, are the inane "Doc Rivers to Orlando" rumors that seem to ignore the fact that the Magic already have a competent head coach, who has a proven track record when he's actually had talent to work with. Compare that to the Clippers' inability to make a single conference finals and their complete lack of young talent thanks to Doc the GM, and it's hard to understand why anyone would want to jump the gun there.

Mar 15, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Skal Labissiere (3) is congratulated by center Kosta Koufos (41) in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Sacramento Kings won 107 – 101. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

27-43

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 27th

WCS was one steal and one block away from a 5×5 against the Suns, while Skal exploded for a career-high 32 points and 11 rebounds (including 21 fourth quarter points) in the same game. He's scored in double figures off the bench in each of the last four games and if that weren't enough, even Georgios Papagiannis is starting to get some run.

Next: No. 25

Mar 21, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) shoots and makes the game winning buzzer beater over Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

14-56

Last week: 2-3Last rank: 25th

Even Archie Goodwin had a 10-point game, and we still have a Suns revenge game to look forward to Thursday. The highlight of the week, however, goes to a frontcourt player, where the long-suffering Brook Lopez hit a game-winner to stun the Pistons.

Next: No. 24

Mar 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown high fives forward Dario Saric (9) during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

26-44

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 29th

Even so, considering how shorthanded Philly is, a competitive loss at Oracle, a 42-point shellacking of the Mavs in Justin Anderson's revenge game and a narrow win over Boston should be applauded — even if they cost the 76ers precious ground in the 2017 Tank Race.

Mar 18, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (right) and Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) talk during a time out against the Utah Jazz during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

33-38

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 22nd

Seeing Nikola Mirotic, Bobby Portis and Denzel Valentine get more opportunities is great, but as the Bulls slip further and further away from the postseason, you can't help but wonder if a full-scale roster blow-up would've been the better course of action at the 2017 NBA Trade Deadline.

Mar 21, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry (30) sits on the bench during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. The Warriors defeat the Mavericks 112-87. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

30-40

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 20th

The good news is J.J. Barea is back, and his 20 points off the bench helped the Mavs bounce back (kind of) with a seven-point win over Brooklyn before Golden State came to town and predictably rolled them over.

Mar 21, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22), Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and guard Ricky Rubio (9) in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Target Center. The San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

28-42

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 17th

That being said, it's been nice to see Ricky Rubio's strong play over the last few weeks after all that trade deadline chatter, not to mention Shabazz Muhammad looking like a more consistent bench contributor by dropping 21, 15, 20 and 18 points in his last four games.

Mar 21, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) reacts after being called for a technical foul during the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

34-37

Last week: 1-4Last rank: 14th

First the Pistons came out completely flat in a 32-point loss to Cleveland. Then they followed that embarrassment up with double-digit losses to Utah and Toronto. Then, against a Suns starting lineup of Tyler Ulis, Derrick Jones Jr., T.J. Warren, Marquese Chriss and Alex Len, they trailed for most of the game before finally waking up and outscoring Phoenix by 15 in the final frame. Finally, they got beat on a buzzer-beater by the Nets. Not exactly playoff-caliber stuff here.

Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

31-39

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 23rd

As much as Kemba Walker runs the show and Nicolas Batum fills his role as a perennial jack of all trades, the Hornets went 28-22 with Zeller on the floor this season…compared to 3-17 without him.

Mar 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) reacts to making a basket to give the Pacers a lead of 105-100 with 19 seconds to go in the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Utah 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

36-34

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 18th

In the last week alone, they've lost to the train wreck that is the New York Knicks, pummeled the Charlotte Hornets thanks to Paul George's 39-point night, got flambéed by the shorthanded Raptors and somehow bested the fourth best team in the West. It's hard to tell which team is going to show up in the playoffs, but I wouldn't put any money on the Pacers for a first round upset.

Next: No. 17

Mar 20, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) talks with head coach Mike Budenholzer during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

37-33

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 11th

Not having Paul Millsap for a few games obviously hurts, but thanks to an 0-3 week — with all three losses coming by double-digits — the Hawks saw the gap behind Toronto for the No. 4 seed balloon to 4.5 four games.

Mar 18, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Pepsi Center. The Rockets won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

33-37

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 10th

With only one game separating Denver and Portland in the standings, plus a brutal remaining schedule for the Nuggets that includes seven games against teams in contention for a playoff spot, it's time to see what Nikola Jokic and company are really made of.

Mar 21, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) high fives forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) during the second half of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Grizzlies 95-82. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

30-41

Last week: 4-1Last rank: 21st

Jordan Crawford, who was quickly signed to a two-year deal, has been a catalyst off the bench while Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and Cousins do the heavy lifting — oh, and Solomon Hill, who randomly chipped in a career-high 30 points in that unexpected win over Houston.

Next: No. 14

Mar 15, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) is greeted by his teammates after making a three-point basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. The Grizzlies won 98-91. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

40-31

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 19th

Since the Grizz have likely lost Chandler Parsons for the season, this was a welcome sight for fans of the Grit-N-Grind. However, thanks to that Pelicans loss, if the Grizz are unable to move past OKC for the West's sixth seed, a daunting first round rematch with the mighty Spurs could be waiting for them in the 2 vs. 7 matchup.

Mar 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and guard Jamal Crawford (11) react during a NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Cavaliers 108-78. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

43-29

Last week: 3-2Last rank: 12th

With Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and J.J. Redick all hitting free agency this summer, comments like these are damning. Only 2.5 games separate the Clippers from the seventh seed, and without a deep playoff run, this star-studded core could be on the verge of a major schism.

Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) brings the ball up the court in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Trail Blazers won 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

32-38

Last week: 3-2Last rank: 15th

The best part is Damian Lillard went full Post-All-Star Snub mode, dropping 36 on San Antonio, a 29-5-5 line on Atlanta and a season-high 49 points (with a career-high nine three-pointers) on Miami. Between him, C.J. McCollum and the best basketball of Jusuf Nurkic's career, the Warriors should probably be hoping Denver hangs on for the No. 8 playoff spot over Rip City.

March 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15), guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) and guard Khris Middleton (22) celebrate the 97-96 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

35-35

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 16th

The only real negative here is that if the Bucks keep their hold on that 7-seed (or possibly surpass Indiana for the 6-seed), we'll be missing out on a saliva-inducing matchup between Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James in the first round.

Next: No. 10

Mar 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) discusses a play with forward PJ Tucker (2) during a break in the action against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

42-29

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 13th

Dwane Casey may have been embarrassed by that 21-point loss to the Thunder, but thanks to DeMar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka, P.J. Tucker, Norman Powell and the re-emergence of Cory Joseph, the Raptors should be able to hang on to that No. 4 seed in the East now that they have a 4.5-game cushion over Atlanta at No. 5. In fact, No. 3 could still be in play, since the Wizards' recent skid only has them 0.5 games up in the standings.

Mar 16, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) blocks a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

43-28

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 4th

This week was no different, with the West's No. 4 seed losing single-digit contests to the Cavaliers, Bulls and Pacers. A loss to Cleveland on the second night of a back-to-back? Sure. But even if those Chicago and Indiana losses came on the final games of a road trip, those disappointing performances overshadowed Rudy Gobert's strong week, including a career-high eight blocks against the Pacers.

Mar 20, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA;Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots the ball over Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

40-30

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 9th

But are we sure we'd actually get anything good there? Because after watching the Dubs dismantle OKC for the fourth straight time this season (this time without Kevin Durant), even Russ' MVP play shrinks away from that Golden State matchup where the average point differential has been -19.8. Let's just hope the Thunder climb to No. 5 or even No. 4 in the standings to bolster Westbrook's MVP case.

Next: No. 7

Mar 20, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

42-28

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 3rd

With four of their five games resulting in losses, it could just be a minor bump in the road. But as the 2-seed slips further and further out of reach, this week's head-to-head loss against Boston — the team they'd likely face in the second round — wasn't very reassuring.

Mar 20, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

45-26

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 8th

We're still not sure there's enough here to seriously threaten Cleveland in a seven-game series, but at the very least, Brad Stevens seems on his way to his first playoff series victory.

Mar 17, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (left) celebrates with Heat guard Rodney McGruder (middle) and Heat guard Wayne Ellington (right) during a timeout against the Minnesota Timberwolves the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 123-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

35-36

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 5th

Still, the Heat are one of the hottest teams in basketball, and when Goran Dragic heard MVP chants during his 33-point burst against New Orleans, it was hard not to think back to the last time he heard MVP chants — in Phoenix in 2013-14, during a 40-point performance against those same Pelicans. Higher-seeded teams in the East should be rooting for Miami to remain on the outside of that top eight.

Next: No. 4

Mar 19, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) looks for an outlet pass after a rebound during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

54-16

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 1st

The Spurs could still very well snag the No. 1 spot if they beat the Warriors head-to-head again next week, but that 2.5-game gap beneath Golden State opened up rather quickly right when it seemed like they had the No. 1 seed in the bag.

Next: No. 3

March 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots ahead of Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

46-23

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 6th

Rather than participate in yet another mindlessly repetitive debate about star players resting, we'll focus instead on LeBron James' 10th triple-double of the season, Cleveland's two-game lead for the No. 1 seed and Kevin Love putting up 21 and 15 in just his second game back.

March 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts in front of forward Draymond Green (23) and center JaVale McGee (1) against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

57-14

Last week: 5-0Last rank: 7th

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are three-point assassins again, Draymond Green's 20-8-8-6-4 stat line against Philly was the first of its kind since Chris Webber in 2000, Andre Iguodala has been tremendous off the bench and the scoring outside of the Splash Brothers is as balanced as it's been all season. Add a healthy Kevin Durant back into that equation and the rest of the league should be very worried.

Next: No. 1

Mar 18, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) with the ball against Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Rockets won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

49-22

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 2nd

Throw in a 39-11-7 stat line and a game-winner in the Houston Rockets' second win over the Nuggets, and it's hard to deny the Beard's MVP candidacy.

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 22 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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