[2023-24] NBA Power ranking

The easiest schedule does not mean as much when you consider that the 6th hardest schedule and the 4th easiest have a differential of like 0.25 difficulty.......

Or a difference of 0.39 difficulty which is really not that much.

If health is guaranteed, yes, that is a factor.

 

20. Houston Rockets
2023-24 record: 23-27

• Previous ranking: 19
  
• Next games: @ TOR (Feb. 9), @ ATL (Feb. 10), vs. NYK (Feb. 12)
  

No. 4 overall pick Amen Thompson -- the highest selection in the 2023 draft who didn't make the cut for the Rising Stars Game -- has been a significant contributor recently. Thompson, who missed an extended stretch with a sprained ankle, has averaged 9.9 points on 55% shooting, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 21.2 minutes in the past nine games. His teammate, No. 20 overall pick Cam Whitmore, can make a claim as the most glaring Rising Stars snub in the rookie class. He ranks sixth among rookies with 11.8 points per game on 59.1% true shooting. -- MacMahon

 

22.
Houston Rockets
2023-24 record: 24-29

• Previous ranking: 20
  
• Next games: @ MEM (Feb. 14), @ NO (Feb. 22), vs. PHX (Feb. 23), vs. OKC (Feb. 25), @ OKC (Feb. 27)
  

No. 4 overall pick Amen Thompson has averaged 10.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals in the past four games filling in as the starter for injured point guard Fred VanVleet. The 6-foot-7 Thompson had 8 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals in a huge win Monday over the Knicks. The last rookie to have at least that many rebounds, assists and steals in a game: Magic Johnson in March 1980. -- MacMahon