Just some days ago, the NBA Trade Deadline not only altered some team rosters but the landscape of the League as we head into the All-Star Break. From Kevin Durant being traded to Phoenix, and Kyrie Irving joining Luka Doncic down in Dallas, a plethora of moves was made. Now, in the 18th week of the NBA 2022-23 season, the Top 5 teams continue to flourish. But with some of the new changes, things could take a turn after the break.
With the best record in the NBA, 41-16, the Boston Celtics continue to ride the top-seeded wave even with some key players out with illnesses and/or injuries. Despite Marcus Smart, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, and Robert Williams III missing due to injuries, the Celtics have managed to win four straight games, including wins over the Philadelphia Sixers, and Memphis Grizzlies.
Another big matchup for the Celtics is set against the Milwaukee Bucks this Tuesday, February 14th. Can they keep their current streak alive?
Out West, the Denver Nuggets hold the top spot but fall second to Boston in the overall rankings. At 39-18, the Nuggets have been carried by their star, Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets are statistically better with their 2x MVP on the floor (+32.9) compared to when he’s not (-27). The other beast out in the east, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Milwaukee Bucks are sitting in the third spot. Currently, the Bucks are on a 10-game winning streak, attributed to their defense that has only allowed 106.8 points per 100 possessions over the last ten games. They meet the Celtics tonight at 7:30 PM ET.
Sitting in 4th, with a 36-19 record is the Philadelphia 76ers, following two wins against the Brooklyn Nets. An impressive stat that has helped the Sixers, as of recently, is their 82.6%, or better, shooting from the free-throw line. Joel Embiid, alone, in their win against Brooklyn this past weekend, was 12-for-13 from the line, and has made 10 free per game – the seventh-highest average in NBA history!
Rounding out the Top 5 are the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In this month, alone, the Cavs are 6-0 and have held their opponents under a point per possession over a 5-in7 stretch. This marks the 13th time the franchise has reached this amazing feat, a league-high. What hasn’t propelled the Cavs higher up in the Top 5 is their inconsistent offense. They trail the Sixers by three games in the loss column. And have an opportunity to clinch a head-to-head tiebreaker if they can get a win in Philly this Wednesday, February 15th.
As Week 18 continues to play out, check out last week’s Top Plays.
