Just like that, the All-Star break is over and our focus shifts to the stretch run of the 2021-22 NBA season.While the Suns have been the league’s most dominant team by far, there’s been something of a power struggle elsewhere, as hot and cold streaks have completely altered the standings in each conference.MORE: Did win streaks from the Celtics and Raptors impact their place in the power rankings more or le s than the Nets’ recent skid? What about a recent stretch of impre sive play from the Max Pircher Jersey Mavericks? Our latest power rankings mirror the ongoing jostling for position in the standings.As a reminder, these rankings are a reflection of where teams stand up to this point in the season and not a projection of where they could land later in the season.Got it? Cool, let’s get into the rankings.NBA LEAGUE PASS: Sign up to unlock live out-of-market games (7-day free trial)1. Suns (Getty Images) Previous Rank: 1Record: 48-10The Suns have been nothing short of dominant all season, as evidenced by their historic pace to start the season. Chris Pauls impending absence of six-to-eight weeks will be a test of how good this team really is.MORE:2. HeatPrevious Rank: 5Record: Brian Allen Jersey 38-21The Heat have it all and somehow remained atop the East standings despite extended absences of Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry this season. To think Miami is 38-21 without fully clicking just yet is a scary prospect.3. BullsPrevious Rank:8Record: 38-21The Bulls have also been dealt with a number of injury blows. DeMar DeRozans play has allowed Chicago to thrive despite long-term absences of Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams and, to a le ser extent, .4. WarriorsPrevious Rank: 3Record: 42-17Maybe Stephen Currys 50-point outburst in the All-Star Game is just what he needed to permanently emerge from a shooting slump. With Curry being Curry and Klay Thompson getting his legs under him, Draymond Greens return is now the biggest key for the Warriors.MORE:5. GrizzliesPrevious Rank: 4Record:41-19The Grizzlies are no longer an up-and-comer theyve arrived. Its no coincidence that Ja Morants third season will be Memphis’ third consecutive year in the postseason (second in the playoffs). Le sons from the last two years will go a long way during the stretch run.6. Bucks nba getty Previous Rank: 2Record: 36-24As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing at an MVP level, the defending champs have a chance. Well see if the deadline addition of Serge Ibaka pays off in the long run.MORE: 7. 76ersPrevious Rank: 7Record:35-23Speaking of MVPs, Joel Embiids case is as strong as he is dominant. Great as Embiids been, he now gets to play alongside James Harden. The best is yet to come for Philly.8. Celtics Getty Images Previous Rank: 15Record:34-26A flukey lo s to the Pistons kept the Celtics from taking a 10-game win streak into the All-Star break, but Bostons defensive dominance suggests its recent succe s is Travin Howard Jersey sustainable.MORE: 9. MavericksPrevious Rank: 12Record:35-24Luka Doncic has been on an absolute tear and the Mavs have one of the leagues best defenses. Watch out, because Dallas is on the verge of snagging a top-four spot in the West.10. Cavaliers Previous Rank: 10Record:35-23With two young All-Stars and the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, the Cavs have proven to be legit for now and the future. The addition of Caris LeVert only adds to their playoff push.11. JazzPrevious Rank: 9Record:36-22Utah has dealt with its fair share of injuries but as of late looks to be like the Jazz of old whether thats a good or a bad thing remains to be seen.12. NuggetsPrevious Rank: 13Record:33-25Nikola Jokic is the definition of an MVP. Hes winning without his two main sidekicks in Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., but they could be back soon. That bodes very well for Denver.13. RaptorsPrevious Rank: 14Record:32-25Fred VanVleets an All-Star, Pascal Siakams playing at an All-NBA level and the Raptors entered the break winning eight of Buddy Howell Jersey 10. This battle-tested team will be a pain to deal with.MORE:14. Nets (Getty Images) Previous Rank: 6Record:31-28After losing 11 straight, the Nets returned to the winners’ circle thanks to Seth Curry and Cam Thomas. Now, they await the return of Kevin Durant and the debut of Ben Simmons.MORE: 15. TimberwolvesPrevious Rank:17Record: 31-28The Wolves deserve more credit for the season theyre having. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards is one heck of a pair, and the team keeps quietly finding ways to win.16. ClippersPrevious Rank: 18Record:30-31How about the job Tyronn Lue is doing? No Paul George or Kawhi Leonard, and the Clippers are right around .500. If those stars were to return, LAs a team no one wants to see.MORE:17. HawksPrevious Rank: 21Record:28-30Its been a weird season in Atlanta but Trae Youngs play has kept the team afloat. These Hawks are no stranger to late-season runs, so another could be in store here. Theyll need it.18. Lakers (Getty Images) Previous Rank: 16Record:27-31LeBron James is amazing but the Lakers cant put it together. Couple Ru sell Westbrooks struggles with , and this team might not make it out of the Play-In. Isaac Bruce Jersey MORE:19. HornetsPrevious Rank: 11Record:29-31Things could be better in Buzz City. Charlotte has lost nine of its last 10 games, including two down the stretch in OT. The Hornets need a surge to counter their latest skid.MORE:20. Trail BlazersPrevious Rank: 22Record: 25-34Tank? Not on Anfernee Simons watch. Simons averaged 30.3 points over Portlands four-game win streak before the break. If Damian Lillard comes back? Tanks done.Learning from the best. | Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) 21. SpursPrevious Rank: 25Record:23-36Led by All-Star Dejounte Murray, the young, rebuilding Spurs are motivated to get Gregg Popovich the three wins he needs to become the NBAs all-time leader.22. WizardsPrevious Rank: 20Record: 27-31With
