The trade deadline is looming(Thursday 3pm ET deadline), and several teams are looking to add pieces before the playoff run.

We’ve already seen the significant impact of several midseason blockbuster trades on our Power Rankings.

For instance, OG Anunoby’s trade from the Toronto Raptors to the New York Knicks in late December has ignited a surge in the Knicks’ performance, making them one of the league’s top-performing teams.

Similarly, Pascal Siakam’s move from the Raptors to the Indiana Pacers in mid-January has propelled the Pacers back into contention for the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are facing scrutiny as Joel Embiid’s absence due to a knee injury leaves them in need of a backup center. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the 76ers are actively searching for a solution ahead of the deadline.

With just one day remaining before the deadline, speculation looms over potential blockbuster trades that could further alter the league landscape and our Power Rankings. Will the Los Angeles Lakers or the Golden State Warriors take action to salvage their seasons? Additionally, the futures of players like Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine are generating intrigue amidst the evolving trade landscape.

1. Boston Celtics
2023-24 record: 38-12

• Next games: vs. ATL (Feb. 7), vs. WAS (Feb. 9), @ MIA (Feb. 11), @ BKN (Feb. 13)

Given the NBA’s top record and their constrained trade options, it appears Boston’s trade deadline week will likely be uneventful. However, the Celtics do possess a $6.2 million trade exception, offering them the opportunity to enhance their roster in the coming days. This move could bolster their lineup as they aim to overcome obstacles and achieve success this spring.

2. LA Clippers
2023-24 record: 34-15

• Next games: vs. NO (Feb. 7), vs. DET (Feb. 10), vs. MIN (Feb. 12)

Even a demanding trip, comprising seven games in 11 days, fails to impede the league’s most formidable team. The Clippers conquered their final Grammy trip ahead of their transition to the Intuit Dome next season, securing a 6-1 record during the stretch, with their only defeat coming against the surging Cavaliers.

Their standout performance included a commanding 19-point victory over the Celtics, marking just the second loss for the Celtics at TD Garden at that time. While the Clippers traditionally make adjustments before the trade deadline, they currently reap the rewards of the James Harden trade. The Clippers boast the best win percentage, joining a four-way tie atop the Western Conference standings.

3. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 record: 35-16

• Next games: @ LAL (Feb. 8), @ SAC (Feb. 9), @ MIL (Feb. 12)

While Jamal Murray’s aspirations for an All-Star selection went unmet, he has showcased his elite prowess when it counts the most. Alongside Nikola Jokic, Denver’s sole All-Star representative, Murray’s focus lies beyond the present moment, prioritizing success in June. However, as the trade deadline looms, Denver remains vigilant in evaluating potential acquisitions to enhance their second unit.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder
2023-24 record: 36-16

• Next games: @ DAL (Feb. 10), vs. SAC (Feb. 11), @ ORL (Feb. 13)

In Sunday’s double-overtime win against the Raptors, the Thunder made a record-breaking 63 attempts from beyond the arc, marking the highest in the NBA this season and tying for the third-highest in league history.

This notable feat surpassed any previous performance in franchise history by a margin of nine attempts. Typically ranking 17th in the league with an average of 33.8 3-point attempts per game, the Thunder, boast the fifth-ranked offense, with efficiency from long range, holding the third position in 3-point percentage at 38.9%.

Unfortunately, Jalen Williams (45.6%) and Isaiah Joe (42.4%), the top 3-point shooters for Oklahoma City among league qualifiers, were sidelined with injuries during the comeback win over the Raptors.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 record: 32-16

• Next games: @ WAS (Feb. 7), @ BKN (Feb. 8), @ TOR (Feb. 10), vs. PHI (Feb. 12)

How impressive has Cleveland’s recent performance been? According to research conducted by ESPN Stats & Information, the Cavs’ record of 14-1 over their last 15 games stands as the best in franchise history over a 15-game span without LeBron James on the roster.

While their depth contributes significantly to their success, Donovan Mitchell emerges as the clear MVP of the team. Mitchell has spearheaded their offensive efforts, leading the team in scoring for eight consecutive games and in assists for seven of those outings.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 record: 35-16

• Next games: @ MIL (Feb. 8), @ LAC (Feb. 12), @ POR (Feb. 13)

Although the Timberwolves are off to their best 50-game start in franchise history, they are tied with the Thunder for first place in the Western Conference in what has become a four-team race for the top slot.

The Wolves were dominant in their wins last week against Houston and Dallas, but they gave up an eight-point fourth-quarter lead in a two-point loss to the Magic. As Minnesota looks to keep pace in the West, it’ll continue to lean on its championship-level defense, which leads the league with a 108.2 defensive rating, but more importantly, it must find ways to improve its 19th-ranked offense quickly!

7. New York Knicks
2023-24 record: 33-18

• Next games: vs. DAL (Feb. 8), vs. IND (Feb. 10), @ HOU (Feb. 12)

As the trade deadline draws near, the primary concern for the Knicks revolves around Evan Fournier’s future with the team beyond 3 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Fournier has found himself outside of Tom Thibodeau’s rotation for over a year now, and with the Knicks holding a $19M team option for next season, he presents an appealing asset for teams seeking to alleviate financial burdens. A potential trade could provide the Knicks, currently contending with multiple injuries, the opportunity to bolster their roster for the playoff push.

8. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 record: 33-18

• Next games: vs. MIN (Feb. 8), vs. CHA (Feb. 9), vs. DEN (Feb. 12), vs. MIA (Feb. 13)

Milwaukee has lost its hold on the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed following a 1-4 record during its first road trip under the helm of head coach Doc Rivers. Emphasizing patience since his appointment, Rivers acknowledged the daunting tasks ahead, particularly considering the Bucks’ status with the toughest remaining strength of schedule in the NBA.

The team faces a tough four-game homestand leading up to the All-Star break, featuring challenging matchups against the Wolves, Nuggets, and Heat.

9. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 record: 30-21

• Next games: vs. UTA (Feb. 8), @ GS (Feb. 10), vs. SAC (Feb. 13)

The Suns’ big three experienced a week of vindication. In Brooklyn, Kevin Durant delivered a stellar performance, scoring 33 points in a victory against his former team. In Washington, Bradley Beal showcased his prowess with a 43-point performance against his former team. Finally, in a matchup against the Bucks at home, Devin Booker scored 32 points against the team that defeated them in the 2021 Finals.

Following a Christmas Day loss that pushed them below .500, the Suns have surged, boasting a 16-6 record since then. Most recently, they won against the Bucks in their first home game after a rigorous seven-game road trip.

10. Sacramento Kings
2023-24 record: 29-20

• Next games: vs. DET (Feb. 7), vs. DEN (Feb. 9), @ OKC (Feb. 11), @ PHX (Feb. 13)

This might come as a surprise, but Sacramento’s defense (10th) is ranked higher than its offense (11th), something that must have Mike Brown elated. As long as the Kings keep that up, and maintain their offense fueled by De’Aaron Foxand Domantas Sabonis, they should be able to solidify themselves in the middle of the playoff rankings.

Do you agree with this top 10? Follow us on X @vinquezada1 and @welikesportzpc for all the latest NBA news and of course to give us your thoughts!

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By: Vincent Quezada

Stats Courtesy of ESPN

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated

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