NBA Power Rankings: Surprise Teams Climbing Back into Contention

The All-Star break is just around the corner and a number of teams are making midseason pushes to bring themselves back into the postseason discussion and possibly contending for a Finals appearance.

Here’s a look at three teams that have done work as of late, and should they continue on this track, will easily be in the playoffs and making some noise.

No. 6—San Antonio Spurs (17-9)

The Spurs have won their last five games and should have Manu Ginobili back within the next week, according to Sekou Smith of NBA.com

Ginobili made his second All-Star appearance last season and helped lead San Antonio to the best record in the Western Conference.

If he can remain healthy for the rest of the season and Tony Parker and Tim Duncan continue to play at a high level, you have to believe this team will be gearing up for another deep postseason run after last year’s disappointing first-round exit.

No. 11—Boston Celtics (13-10)

Boston was in full-blown panic mode up until the middle of January, but has managed to win eight of their last nine, with the lone loss coming by one point to Cleveland.

Their defense has really stepped up, allowing just 86.7 points per game and Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce are passing extremely well, which is why the team is fifth in the league with 22.3 assists per game.

With Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Pierce and Rondo, this team is always dangerous and should be ready to roll through the Eastern Conference this spring.

No. 17—Minnesota Timberwolves (12-12)

Kevin Love just received a two-game suspension from the NBA, but luckily the surging T-Wolves host the Sacramento Kings and travel to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies for that short stretch.

If the playoffs were to start today, Minnesota would be just outside the three teams that are currently 14-11.

Fortunately, there is a lot of basketball left to go and the Timberwolves’ young, fresh legs are going to help grind the rest of the season out.

It’s a long shot, but if Love and Ricky Rubio continue their stellar campaigns, we could see playoff ball in Minny. 

Alex Kay's NBA Power Rankings
1. Chicago Bulls
2. Miami Heat
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
4. Philadelphia 76ers
5. Indiana Pacers
6. San Antonio Spurs
7. Los Angeles Clippers
8. Atlanta Hawks
9. Los Angeles Lakers
10. Denver Nuggets
11. Boston Celtics
12. Orlando Magic
13. Portland Trail Blazers
14. Dallas Mavericks
15. Utah Jazz
16. Houston Rockets
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
18. Memphis Grizzlies
19. New York Knicks
20. Milwaukee Bucks
21. Cleveland Cavaliers
22. Phoenix Suns
23. Golden State Warriors
24. Sacramento Kings
25. New Jersey Nets
26. Toronto Raptors
27. Detroit Pistons
28. Washington Wizards
29. New Orleans Hornets
30. Charlotte Bobcats