NBA Power Rankings Week 17: Celtics and Nuggets Rise as Trade Deadline Shakes Up the League**
The 2025 NBA trade deadline has come and gone, leaving teams with new-look rosters and fresh dynamics as the season heats up. With just nine weeks remaining in the regular season, every game counts, and the race for playoff positioning is tighter than ever. Let’s dive into the latest NBA Power Rankings and see how the league’s top teams are shaping up.
### **Top Storylines from Week 17**
1. **Boston Celtics Make a Statement**: The Celtics secured two crucial road wins against the Cavaliers and Knicks, solidifying their position as a top contender in the East. Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard led the charge, showcasing Boston’s depth and versatility.
2. **Oklahoma City Thunder Dominate**: Despite Chet Holmgren’s limited minutes, the Thunder continue to dominate the West. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performances have kept OKC at the top of the standings.
3. **Denver Nuggets on a Roll**: Winners of six straight, the Nuggets are climbing the ranks thanks to Nikola Jokić’s MVP-caliber play and Michael Porter Jr.’s red-hot shooting.
### **Key Takeaways from the Trade Deadline**
The 2025 trade deadline was one of the most active in recent memory, with nearly every team making moves. However, the impact of these trades remains to be seen:
– **Cleveland Cavaliers**: Acquired De’Andre Hunter from Atlanta, hoping to bolster their wing depth.
– **Boston Celtics**: Focused on shedding salary, positioning themselves for future flexibility.
– **Oklahoma City Thunder**: Stayed relatively quiet, adding only a second-round pick while maintaining their core.
### **Week 17 Standouts**
– **Team of the Week**: Los Angeles Lakers (3-0) – The Lakers are heating up at the right time, with their new additions starting to gel.
– **Player of the Week**: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) – A plus-109 in four games, SGA continues to prove he’s one of the league’s elite.
– **Team to Watch**: Los Angeles Lakers – With two games against the Jazz this week, the Lakers have a chance to build momentum heading into the All-Star break.
### **Power Rankings: Top 5 Teams**
1. **Oklahoma City Thunder (42-9)**: The Thunder remain the league’s best team, with a dominant offense and stifling defense.
2. **Boston Celtics (37-16)**: Boston’s balanced attack and strong defense make them a serious threat in the East.
3. **Cleveland Cavaliers (42-10)**: Despite a tough loss to the Celtics, the Cavs’ high-powered offense keeps them in the mix.
4. **Denver Nuggets (34-19)**: Riding a six-game winning streak, the Nuggets are hitting their stride at the perfect time.
5. **New York Knicks (34-18)**: The Knicks have struggled against top-tier teams but remain a formidable opponent in the East.
### **Looking Ahead**
With the All-Star break approaching, teams are jockeying for position in the standings. The next few weeks will be critical as contenders fine-tune their rosters and prepare for the playoff push. Keep an eye on the Lakers, Nuggets, and Celtics as they look to solidify their spots among the league’s elite.
**Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll continue breaking down the rankings and analyzing how the league’s teams are shaping up for the final stretch of the season!**