Overview
- USA TODAY slots Detroit first at 45-14, with Oklahoma City second at 47-15 and San Antonio third at 43-17, reinforcing a clear top tier.
- The Timberwolves rise four spots to No. 6 after a nine-point win over the Nuggets that pushed them to fourth in the West.
- Charlotte’s resurgence continues, ranking No. 17 with the league’s best net rating over the last five games.
- Atlanta has won four straight since the deadline, with newcomer Jonathan Kuminga averaging 21.3 points on 67.7% shooting.
- USA TODAY flags slippage for Cleveland, Houston, Denver and the Lakers after questionable losses, while Milwaukee targets a play-in push with Giannis Antetokounmpo set to return March 2.