NBA Power Rankings Update – February 4

After only slight movement for the last few weeks, we have finally seen some real shifts in the NBA futures odds. Bettors are finally starting to jump aboard the Phoenix Suns’ bandwagon, and people aren’t as confident in the Brooklyn Nets as they were just a couple weeks ago. The Los Angeles Lakers are now 18-1 to win the title with a 25-28 record, so both conferences are wide open more than halfway through the regular season.

1. Brooklyn Nets

This Week’s Odds: +340

Last Week’s Odds: +300

James Harden is dealing with tightness in his left hamstring, and that’s not good news for a Brooklyn team that has now lost six straight games. The Nets have fallen to 29-22 coming into Friday night’s road game with Utah, and Kevin Durant is still dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out since January 15. Durant isn’t expected to return until after the All-Star Break, so the Nets will be without their best player for another two weeks.

2. Golden State Warriors

This Week’s Odds: +375 (No Change)

Andrew Wiggins probably shouldn’t have been named a starter for the All-Star Game, but the former No. 1 overall pick has had the best season of his career. Wiggins is averaging 18.2 PPG while knocking down 48.6% of his field goals and 41.8% of his threes. Golden State is two games behind Phoenix for the top spot in the Western Conference though, as recent lottery picks James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga have not been able to really contribute.

3. Phoenix Suns

This Week’s Odds: +550
Last Week’s Odds: +700

It was a shame to see no Suns named as starters for the All-Star Game. Devin Booker and Chris Paul were both added as reserves, but they still aren’t getting the respect they deserve. Phoenix won 11 straight games before falling to Atlanta on Thursday night, and the Suns have been dominant for long stretches.

4. Milwaukee Bucks

This Week’s Odds: +700

Last Week’s Odds: +750

The Eastern Conference race is extremely crowded right now. Only 1.5 games separate the top five teams coming into Friday night, so the trade deadline will be huge for separation. Milwaukee is in need of a big man as Brook Lopez has only played in one game this season because of a back injury, and adding a solid center would be huge for Milwaukee’s chances to win the NBA title.

5. Utah Jazz

This Week’s Odds: +1200
Last Week’s Odds: +1100

Utah’s odds took a hit after last year’s runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year suffered a torn ACL. Joe Ingles is out for the rest of this season and will miss some of next year due to the injury, depriving the Jazz of one of their better perimeter shooters. That will put more pressure on Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley opposite Donovan Mitchell.

6. Miami Heat

This Week’s Odds: +1200 (No Change)

Everyone is expecting Miami to make some moves before the trade deadline. The Heat have a lot of depth and talent on the roster, but they are looking for another big man according to reports. Jimmy Butler is the second leading rebounder after Bam Adebayo, and the Heat want to free him up by adding a traditional power forward.

7. Philadelphia 76ers

This Week’s Odds: +1400
Last Week’s Odds: +1600

Daryl Morey wants to get the most value out of Ben Simmons, but he might have to deal the disgruntled star since the Sixers are legitimate contenders for the NBA championship this season. Joel Embiid is now the favorite to be named NBA MVP, and Philadelphia has looked very good recently.

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