NBA: Power Rankings 4.0

1. Los Angeles Lakers (18-6, 98, +1): Los Angeles is riding a 4-game winning steak since losing to the Pistons in late January as they've compiled victories over the Celtics, Hawks, and Nuggets. LeBron James dropped 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in the win over Denver as LA outscored their opponent 68-35 in the second half. According to Team Rankings, the Lakers have the second best defensive ranking in the league as they allow just 104.6 points per game.

2. Utah Jazz (19-5, 97, +1): The Utah Jazz have won 15 of their last 16 outings, enough to place them at the top of the Western Conference. Their only blemish during this run was a second matchup with the Denver Nuggets, which always seems to be an intriguing matchup. Donovan Mitchell and his team will look to keep the dominance going as they face a couple other top teams this week: Boston on Tuesday and Milwaukee on Friday.

3. Philadelphia 76ers (17-7, 94, +1): Following a 3-game skid in early January, Philadelphia has turned things around with wins over the Celtics twice, Lakers, Pacers, Hornets, and Nets. Joel Embiid is thriving in the revamped offense more focused around him, averaging nearly 34 points a game in his last five contests since our last edition. This week, the Eastern Conference-leading 76ers will find Sacramento, Portland, and a rolling Suns team on the slate.

4. Los Angeles Clippers (17-8, 94, -3): The Clippers fall a few spots after spending one week at the top spot following back to back losses to the Celtics and Kings. Even more importantly, according to Clutch Points, Los Angeles expects Paul George to miss extended time with bone edema in his right toe. Kawhi Leonard, who is 26.0 points and 5.1 assists per game, will have to take on even more of the load as the team faces Minnesota, Chicago, and Cleveland this week.

5. Milwaukee Bucks (15-8, 92, +2): Milwaukee seems like they're starting to form into regular season shape as they've ran off four wins in a row against Portland, Indiana, and Cleveland twice. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is putting up 27.1 points and 11.2 rebounds a game, led the team in scoring in three of the four victories last week. Milwaukee averages 121.5 points, which ranks second in the league, and they'll play Denver, Phoenix, and Utah in the coming days.

Other Playoff Teams:

6. Suns (13-9, 88, +6)

7. Nets (14-11, 85, -2)

8. Nuggets (12-10, 84, +1)

9. Trail Blazers (12-10, 84, -1)

10. Celtics (12-10, 84, -4)

11. Spurs (13-10, 83, +6)

12. Warriors (12-11, 78, +2)

13. Hawks (11-12, 73, +2)

14. Pacers (12-12, 73, -4)

15. Hornets (11-13, 71, +8)

16. Raptors (10-13, 69, +3)

Rest of the League:

17. Kings (12-11, 69, +9)

18. Rockets (11-11, 68, +4)

19. Grizzlies (9-9, 64, -8)

20. Knicks (11-14, 61, -4)

21. Mavericks (10-14, 59, -3)

22. Thunder (10-12, 58, +3)

23. Pelicans (10-12, 57, +4)

24. Cavaliers (10-14, 56, -11)

25. Heat (9-14, 54, -1)

26. Bulls (9-13, 50, -6)

27. Magic (9-15, 48, -6)

28. Wizards (5-15, 46, +1)

29. Timberwolves (6-17, 44, -1)

30. Pistons (5-18, 42, +0)

MVP Rankings:

1. Joel Embiid (76ers, +0)

2. LeBron James (Lakers, +1)

3. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets, -1)

Rookie of the Year:

1. LaMelo Ball (Hornets, +1)

2. Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves, -1)

3. Tyrese Haliburton (Kings, +3)

Defensive Player of the Year:

1. Myles Turner (Pacers, +0)

2. Anthony Davis (Lakers, +1)

3. Ben Simmons (76ers, +1)

Most Improved Player:

1. Julius Randle (Knicks, +0)

2. Jerami Grant (Pistons, +0)

3. Christian Wood (Rockets, +1)

Sixth Man of the Year:

1. Jordan Clarkson (Jazz, +0)

2. Montrezl Harrell (Lakers, +0)

3. Terrence Ross (Magic, +0)

Photo Credit: SB Nation.