NBA Power Rankings: Lakers’ stock is falling; Suns are rising quickly in the West

Phoenix Suns Chris Paul and Devin Booker (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
Phoenix Suns Chris Paul and Devin Booker (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA
NBA Houston Rockets Victor Oladipo (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

28. Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have lost 10 games in a row and are now more than five games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Even though their playoff hopes aren’t completely over, it’d be unlikely for this team to make a strong push for the playoffs during the second half of the season.

Even when Christian Wood returns to the lineup. Don’t be surprised if the Rockets end up taking trade calls on Victor Oladipo as their season has spiraled out of control.

27. Cleveland Cavaliers

It’s a shame that the Cleveland Cavaliers have fallen out of playoff contention in the Eastern Conference because it would’ve made for a fresh, interesting story. The Cavs are still perfectly fine in their development and could be an interesting team to get behind next season.

Cleveland is expected to be active in the trade market over the next couple of weeks and could make some big changes to this roster moving forward.