2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Warriors Reign, Heat Rise In Week 17

Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 17 of NBA Power Rankings, the Golden State Warriors remain the undisputed No. 1, while the Miami Heat are back in playoff contention.

With less than a week left before the All-Star break and less than two weeks before the 2017 trade deadline, the NBA community is bracing for hectic couple of days that could see multiple teams jostling for playoff positioning.

Though the end result of this season — Cavaliers vs. Warriors Part 3 — seems as inevitable as ever, there are a couple of teams in each conference that hope to say otherwise once April and May roll around.

The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets don’t compare to the Golden State Warriors’ reign in the West, and the Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics are probably still a trade away from challenging the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East, but that hasn’t stopped this season from being incredibly interesting.

Kevin Durant‘s return to Oklahoma City was the main story this week, but the Miami Heat have improbably risen from Eastern cellar-dweller to possible playoff contender. The question is, what other storylines are worth covering as we likely head toward a predictable Finals rematch?

Here’s a look at our Week 17 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings.

Feb 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) goes up to block a shot by Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) during the second half at Barclays Center. Maimi won 108-99. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

9-45

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 30th

But hey, at least Brook Lopez got a little revenge by avoiding getting dunked on for like the 17th time this season.

Next: No. 29

Feb 11, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A dejected Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) sits on the bench watching play against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 133 to 102 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

17-38

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 29th

The Phoenix Suns may be without their No. 4 overall selection for the rest of the season, Devin Booker spouted off for the first time about Troy Daniels, Tyson Chandler is now dealing with a rolled ankle and the team gave up 133 points in regulation against Houston.

Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) and Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) gets in a argument as Orlando Magic guard C.J. Watson (32) and Orlando Magic center Stephen Zimmerman (33) hold them back during the second half at Amway Center. Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

20-36

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 28th

At this point, the only source of excitement comes from speculating what kind of return a Serge Ibaka trade will bring.

Feb 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Louis Williams (23) drives against New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

19-37

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 26th

In the meantime though, you have to wonder if the Lakers will explore trades to move Lou Williams or Nick Young approaching the trade deadline, since they’ve been this team’s most consistent performers in a season full of growing pains.

Feb 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) falls in front of Knicks executive chairman James Dolan during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

23-33

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 24th

The problem here is not Melo. The problem is not the Knicks fans chanting “Charles Oakley!” at MSG during Knicks AND Rangers games. The problem remains Dolan and Jackson, and not even a home win over the mighty Spurs could end this week on a positive note.

Next: No. 25

Feb 12, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) talks to guard Ricky Rubio (9) in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Target Center. The Timberwolves beat the Bulls 117-89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

21-34

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 27th

Though Anthony Davis won the battle of the former Kentucky bigs this week, the Minnesota Timberwolves got nice wins over the Raptors (thanks to a Tyus Jones game-winner) and Bulls (helping Tom Thibodeau beat his former team yet again). There could be worse ways to respond to such a depressing injury.

Next: No. 24

Feb 7, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) reacts after being injured during the first half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

24-30

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 22nd

One potential problem? Through five February games, first-time All-Star Kemba Walker is averaging just 13.2 points per game on 28.4 percent shooting from the field and 23.3 percent from three-point range.

Feb 12, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots the ball against Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

21-34

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 23rd

Though the Brow’s 42 points and 13 rebounds in a win over Minnesota outclassed Karl-Anthony Towns’ 36 points and eight boards, DeMarcus Cousins had the upper hand in Sacramento’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, putting up 28 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists to AD’s 32 and 10 stat line — all the while, dropping the Pellies to 3.5 games back of Denver for the West’s final playoff spot.

Next: No. 22

Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) celibates with guard Nik Stauskas (11) and forward Robert Covington (33) after he made a shot in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

20-34

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 25th

However, our attention turns to what’s about to happen with Jahlil Okafor, who is quite clearly on his way out via trade. The question is, where will he be dealt?

Next: No. 21

Feb 10, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

23-30

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 20th

With Khris Middleton still shaking the rust off, the Greek Freak posted a 22 and eight stat line against Miami, dropped a career-high 41 against the Lakers and finished the week with a 20-10-8 performance in a win over Indiana…which just so happened to feature the closest thing to a real life Space Jam dunk we’ll ever see.

Next: No. 20

Feb 9, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) reacts after fouling Boston Celtics in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

23-31

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 19th

Though the Blazers will miss Plumlee’s passing and even his rim protection, Rip City passed this deal with flying colors. Now the question is whether it will help them make up the one-game gap separating them from the eighth playoff spot in the West.

Next: No. 19

Feb 12, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) passes the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

23-32

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 21st

Though DeMarcus Cousins’ 16th technical foul of the season suspended him for a matchup against the Celtics, the Kings pulled out a double-digit win before proceeding to turn a 22-point deficit against Atlanta into a one-point victory and then outlasting the Pelicans for their third straight win. Oh, and Willie Cauley-Stein submitted a serious Dunk of the Year candidate:

Next: No. 18

Feb 9, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) reacts during the second half against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

22-32

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 18th

The catalyst behind the turnaround, however, has been getting a healthy Dirk Nowitzki back. Harrison Barnes‘ career year is the big story, but Dirk’s two clutch shots this week — one against Portland that was topped by McCollum’s game-winner, one being a late jumper to force overtime in a win over Utah — were prime examples of his importance to this team even at age 38.

Next: No. 17

Feb 10, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) with guard Jerian Grant (2) during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 115-97. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

26-29

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 12th

What WAS alarming, however, was losing to the lowly Suns by 18 with Butler and Wade back on the court, followed by a 27-point walloping at the hands of their old head coach, Tom Thibodeau. Even in a game without Butler, Wade and Nikola Mirotic, the Bulls should’ve been a heck of a lot more competitive against a Timberwolves side still reeling from Zach LaVine’s season-ending injury.

Feb 8, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-109. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

32-23

Last week: 0-2Last rank: 13th

With the 2017 NBA Trade Deadline approaching, now is probably the time to fire up the old Trade Machine and start brainstorming some trade ideas for a game-changing piece.

Feb 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Denver Nuggets power forward Nikola Jokic (15) moves against New York Knicks center Kyle O’Quinn (9) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

24-30

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 15th

Nikola Jokic‘s 40-point demolition at Madison Square Garden was the highlight of the week, but having Plumlee around as a backup rim protector and frontcourt facilitator only makes the NBA’s eighth-ranked defense that much more potent. Here’s hoping he and Jokic fare better tougher than the Joker and Jusuf Nurkic did.

Next: No. 14

Feb 10, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) grabs a lose ball during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

26-29

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 16th

So far in seven February games, Jackson has taken only 9.4 field goal attempts per game — way down from the 16.2 per game he took in January. With the Pistons going 5-2 during that seven-game stretch, is it too soon to start connecting the dots? Because after Detroit overcame a 16-point deficit with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Tobias Harris taking most of the shots (and Jackson only taking five in 17 minutes), it doesn’t feel like it.

Feb 11, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the Milwaukee Bucks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Milwaukee defeats Indiana 116-100. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

29-25

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 9th

The Pacers aren’t in any immediate danger as far as losing their standing at No. 6 in the East, but they also lost some ground on the Hawks and Raptors for the No. 5 and No. 4 spots. As the trade deadline approaches, it will be interesting to see what Larry Bird does to try and elevate his team’s ceiling.

Feb 11, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; LA Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) reacts to a big dunk by forward Blake Griffin (32) in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

33-21

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 17th

But the timing couldn’t have been better, since Utah’s recent troubles helped pull the Clippers within half a game of the fourth seed in the West. Blake Griffin is not leading this shorthanded Clippers team quite like Chris Paul does, but watching him rise up like he’s back in his rookie season is always a welcome sight.

Next: No. 11

Feb 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) unsuccessfully attempts to keep the ball in bounds during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 117-109. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

24-31

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 14th

They remain two games out of a playoff spot, but they’re also only 4.5 games ahead of the Magic for the second-worst record in the East. With Miami reportedly interested in trading for Serge Ibaka, it seems like Pat Riley is hoping to ride this momentum back to the playoffs. And you know what? After that 13-game win streak, it’s hard to blame him.

Feb 8, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer talks with forward Paul Millsap (4) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) and guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) and center Dwight Howard (8) during a time out in the fourth quarter of their game game against the Denver Nuggets at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

31-22

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 11th

On the one hand, the Hawks very well could re-sign the 32-year-old Millsap over the summer and keep a perennial playoff team together. On the other hand, this team isn’t getting by Cleveland, Washington or Boston in the East, so at what point does just making the playoffs get old? A rebuild starts with a Millsap trade, so it will be interesting to see how the next two weeks play out.

Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) have to be separated and are both called for technical fouls during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

31-24

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 10th

Russell Westbrook may have dropped a 47-11-8 stat line, the fans may have serenaded him all night with “cupcake” chants all night, and watching both Russ and Andre Roberson tangle with KD may have been fun, but at the end of the day, the Warriors had the last laugh with yet another double-digit victory over Durant’s former team.

Next: No. 8

Feb 6, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) reacts during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs 89-74. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

33-23

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 8th

Well, now that they got another double-digit loss to the Warriors out of the way, that is.

Feb 11, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball after being fouled during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Boston won 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

34-21

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 7th

The Jazz are clinging to that No. 4 spot in the West for dear life, and with the Clippers in town Monday night, a victory may wind up being the difference between gaining a tighter grip on home-court advantage or letting it slip through their fingers before the All-Star break.

Feb 11, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and teammates celebrate against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 133 to 102 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

40-17

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 6th

In doing so, they joined the Warriors and Spurs as the only teams to reach the 40-win mark so far this season, further strengthening James Harden‘s MVP case as much as Saturday’s 40-point performance (in only three quarters) did.

Feb 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) and center Marcin Gortat (13) celebrate against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

32-21

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 5th

The Wizards are still scorching hot despite needing overtime to outlast the Nets, and we hate to be THAT media outlet, but we have to ask: Is Washington peaking just a teeny bit too early? Or is this newfound rhythm sustainable for another couple of months?

Feb 11, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

35-19

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 4th

Now that we’ve got logistics out of the way, we’ve got a question to ask: With Isaiah Thomas taking over the fourth quarter (as he’s done all season) in a win against Damian Lillard and the Blazers, is it safe to say he’s earned the right to do the watch-checking celebration that once belonged to Lillard Time?

Feb 11, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 125-109. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

37-16

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 3rd

Getting outworked by the Thunder showed that this team has not rounded into championship form yet, but with a 2.5-game lead for the East’s No. 1 seed, they may be able to cruise until after the All-Star break anyway.

Next: No. 2

Feb 10, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon (3) high fives forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

41-13

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 2nd

With Dewayne Dedmon filling in admirably for the injured Pau Gasol and Kawhi Leonard being the league’s most overlooked MVP candidate, we shouldn’t really be surprised the Spurs are as predictable/boring/efficient as ever.

Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) fights for position with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

46-8

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 1st

The headliner, however, was Kevin Durant’s successful return to OKC in which he overcame hostile boos, cupcake chants and scuffles with Westbrook and Roberson to drop 34 points in a 16-point win over his former team. Hopefully this was just the first step in the healing process for OKC fans, who will eventually need to one day honor the greatest player in their franchise’s history.

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 17 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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