NBA Power Rankings: Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics Claim Top Two Spots at the End of Regular Season

• The Milwaukee Bucks nabbed the top spot after finishing with the NBA's best record
• The Boston Celtics claimed the second spot after winning five of their last six games
• Joel Embiid's great play helped the Sixers claim third in this week's power rankings

The long wait is finally over.

We are just a few hours away from the start of the Play-In tournament, and the race for the final playoff spots is heating up.

See where all 30 NBA teams rank as we head into the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

1. Milwaukee Bucks (58-24)

The Bucks secured home-court advantage throughout the rest of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, finishing the regular season with a 54-28 slate.

Giannis Antetokounmpo helped the Bucks grab the best record with another stellar campaign, averaging a double-double with 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, per NBA.com.

Kyrie Irving carries Mavs past Kings with superb 4th quarter display

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2. Boston Celtics (57-25)

The Celtics gave the Bucks a run for their money in the race for the top seed in the East. They won five of their last six games, including their last three outings, to finish with a 57-25 record.

Jayson Tatum made history this campaign, becoming the first Boston player to average at least 30 points per game in a season. He led the team in scoring (30.1 PPG) and rebounds (8.8 RPG).

3. Philadelphia 76ers (54-28)

Joel Embiid and James Harden made the Sixers a tough team to beat this season.

They made history in their first full season together, becoming the first teammates in the NBA to be the scoring champ and assists leader since George Gervin and Johnny Moore accomplished that feat with the San Antonio Spurs in the 1981-82 season.

4. Denver Nuggets (53-29)

The Nuggets stumbled in the closing stages of the regular season, losing five of their last seven games. However, Denver still nabbed the top spot in the Western Conference, finishing with a 53-29 record.

Warriors beat undermanned Kings, edge closer to clinching playoff spot

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Nikola Jokic powered the Nuggets’ rise this campaign, finishing decimal points away from averaging a triple-double.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31)

The young and talented Cavs secured their first playoff appearance without LeBron James since 1998, finishing the regular season with a 51-31 record. The trade for Donovan Mitchell worked wonders for the franchise.

He was the primary scoring threat for the Cavs, averaging 28.3 points per game this season. He scored at least 40 points 13 times in his first season with Cleveland, breaking the record by James.

6. Memphis Grizzlies (51-31)

Despite having a turbulent season, the Grizzlies managed to finish second in the West to secure homecourt advantage until the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Ja Morant showed why he is one of the best players in the NBA today, leading Memphis in points, rebounds, and steals.

Jaren Jackson Jr. cemented his status as one of the league’s best defenders, leading the NBA in blocks with three a game this season.

Mavericks, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving officially eliminated from playoff contention

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7. Sacramento Kings (48-34)

Playoff basketball has finally returned to Sacramento, with the Kings securing their first postseason appearance since 2006. They relied on their spectacular offense to get the job done in 2023.

The Kings led the league in scoring, averaging 120.7 points per game this season. Six players averaged in double figures in scoring for the team, demonstrating Sacramento’s balanced attack on the offensive end.

8. New York Knicks (47-35)

Many feared the worst for the Knicks when they started the season with a 10-13 slate. They managed to right the ship, winning 37 of their last 59 games to finish fifth in the East.

Jalen Brunson proved to be a shrewd signing for New York, averaging 24.0 points and 6.2 assists per game this season. Julius Randle also raised his game, leading the team in both points and rebounds.

9. Phoenix Suns (45-37)

Make it 11 in a row: A look at the Clippers’ remarkable winning streak against the Lakers

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The Suns are a different beast with Kevin Durant in their lineup. They were 8-0 this season with the two-time NBA champion.

Durant’s return late in the season helped Phoenix land in the top half of the Western Conference playoff standings. He averaged 29.1 points per game on a true shooting percentage of 67.7% this campaign.

10. Golden State Warriors (44-38)

The Warriors left it late, but the defending champions are back in the playoffs again. They won five of their last six games to finish sixth in the West.

They ended the regular season with a bang, scoring 157 points in their win against Portland. The Golden State scored 55 points in the first quarter of that contest to set a new NBA record.

Rankings of other NBA teams:

11. Los Angeles Clippers (44-38)

12. Los Angeles Lakers (43-39)

13. Brooklyn Nets (45-37)

14. Miami Heat (44-38)

LA Clippers close in on playoff spot with win over Portland Trail Blazers

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15. New Orleans Pelicans (42-40)

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (42-40)

17. Atlanta Hawks (41-41)

18. Toronto Raptors (41-41)

19. Oklahoma City Thunder (40-42)

20. Chicago Bulls (40-42)

21. Dallas Mavericks (38-44)

22. Utah Jazz (37-45)

23. Indiana Pacers (35-47)

24. Washington Wizards (35-47)

25. Orlando Magic (34-48)

26. Portland Trail Blazers (33-49)

27. Charlotte Hornets (27-55)

28. Houston Rockets (22-60)

29. San Antonio Spurs (22-60)

30. Detroit Pistons (17-65)

Tatum makes history

Sports Brief recently reported on Tatum achieving a historic milestone.

He averaged 30.1 points in 74 games for the Boston Celtics this season.

Tatum broke the record previously held by Larry Bird for many seasons.