NBA: Power Rankings 14.0

The opening round of the NBA playoffs is underway and there's already been a handful of thrilling performances including Trae Young's game-winning floater at Madison Square Garden, Khris Middleton's fallaway in OT to beat the Heat, and Luka Dončić's 31-point triple-double in a road win over the Clippers. The biggest risers in our latest power rankings include the Grizzlies (+4), Bucks (+2), Hawks (+2), and Mavericks (+2). Check out our full breakdown below!

1. Utah Jazz (53-21, +0): The Jazz lost their series opener against the red hot Grizzlies but recovered for a 141-129 win in Game 2 in Salt Lake City. Donovan Mitchell (26.4 points, 5.2 assists per game) scored 25 points and two rebounds after missing the last 18 games. According to Sports Illustrated, Mitchell was angry with the team after being held out of Game 1. There's no doubt the Jazz have to take this Grizzlies team seriously as they travel to Memphis for Game 3.

2. Phoenix Suns (52-22, +0): Phoenix looked like a potential title contender in a 99-90 victory over the Lakers on Sunday evening but they weren’t able to replicate that performance in Game 2. Unfortunately, Chris Paul (16.4 points, 8.9 assists per game) left the game with a shoulder contusion and only managed to play 23 minutes on Tuesday. According to CBS Sports, Paul hasn't been ruled out for Game 3 yet. The Suns need their point guard to be healthy in order to continue competing.

3. Brooklyn Nets (50-24, +1): The Nets have looked like favorites in two postseason outings, beating Boston by a combined 33 points. Brooklyn’s offensive flow and sharp ball movement helped create an early double digit lead in Game 2 and they never looked back in a 130-108 blowout. Kevin Durant (26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds per game) scored a team-high 26 points on 75% shooting from the field. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, May 28 at 8:30 PM in TD Garden.

4. Philadelphia 76ers (51-23, -1): Philadelphia dropped a spot despite holding a 2-0 lead over the Wizards. Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris were ready to go in the opener, each scoring 30+ points and six rebounds in the victory. Ben Simmons (14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds per game) wasn't nearly aggressive enough in that game but rebounded for 22 points and eight assists last night. This team is so difficult to keep up with when Simmons is driving downhill and constantly pushing the rock.

5. Milwaukee Bucks (48-26, +2): The Bucks came out scorching in a 132-98 blowout win over the Heat on Monday. Milwaukee knocked down an eye-opening 10 3-pointers in the first quarter as Bryn Forbes (10.0 points, 45.2% 3PFG) scored eight straight immediately after checking in. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton were dominant with both games as well, combining for 48 points and 15 rebounds. Game 3 is set for Thursday, May 27 at American Airlines Arena in Miami.

Other playoff teams:

6. Nuggets (48-26, -1)

7. Mavericks (44-30, +2)

8. Trail Blazers (43-31, +0)

9. Clippers (47-27, -3)

10. Lakers (44-31, +0)

11. Hawks (42-32, +2)

12. Knicks (42-32, -1)

13. Grizzlies (41-35, +4)

14. Heat (40-34, +0)

15. Celtics (37-38, +1)

16. Wizards (35-41, -1)

Rest of the league:

17. Warriors (39-35, -5)

18. Pacers (35-39, +0)

19. Spurs (33-40, +1)

20. Hornets (33-40, -1)

21. Kings (31-41, +1)

22. Bulls (31-41, +2)

23. Pelicans (31-41, -2)

24. Timberwolves (23-49, +4)

25. Raptors (27-45, -2)

26. Thunder (22-50, +0)

27. Cavaliers (22-50, -2)

28. Magic (21-51, -1)

29. Pistons (20-52, +0)

30. Rockets (17-55, +0)

Biggest questions:

- Are Lakers healthy enough to repeat?

- Can anyone in the East beat Brooklyn?

- Will Clippers come back down 0-2?

Dark horse contenders:

- Atlanta Hawks (1-1 vs. Knicks)

- Dallas Mavericks (2-0 vs. Clippers)

- Denver Nuggets (1-1 vs. Blazers)

Must-see series:

- Clippers vs. Mavericks

- Knicks vs. Hawks

- Suns vs. Lakers

Most likely Game 7:

- Knicks vs. Hawks (1-1)

- Nuggets vs. Blazers (1-1)

- Suns vs. Lakers (1-1)

Playoff MVP:

- Damian Lillard (38.0 PPG, 11.5 APG)

- Luka Dončić (35.0 PPG, 9.0 APG)

- Nikola Jokić (36.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG)

Vegas Insider title odds:

1. Nets (+200)

2. Lakers (+450)

3. Bucks (+550)

4. 76ers (+650)

5. Jazz (+700)

Photo Credit: USA Today.