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 Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

16. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks continue to prove the doubters wrong and are still somehow hanging on to a top 8 spot in the Eastern Conference. They might not have the ability to beat the elite teams on a consistent basis, but this team works hard and has enough talent where they can make a true push for the playoffs in the second half of the season.

The Knicks still have some big questions to answer but this is a solid team that is going to work hard and make life difficult for any team that they potentially face in the playoffs (if they can get there).

15. Boston Celtics

it’s actually amazing how bad the Boston Celtics have been over the past couple of weeks with how much talent that they have on their roster. Maybe the return of Marcus Smart (from injury) will solve everything for this team, but I have my doubts.

The Celtics are 3-7in their last 10 games and are desperately in danger of missing the playoffs entirely in the Eastern Conference if they don’t right the ship.