NBA Power Rankings: Teams That Will Be Impacted by Injuries Down the Stretch

In every sport, injuries have derailed seasons and crushed the dreams of fans everywhere. The 2012-13 NBA season has been no different, as every team from the contenders to the bottom-feeders has seen its fair share of ailments.

The question is, which teams will be impacted down the stretch as they make their push for the postseason?

Some teams have already seen their stars go down with a season-ending injury. Others could see their best player come back in the coming days or weeks.

One way or another, injuries will play their part.

30. Orlando Magic

W-L Record: 15-36

Scoring Offense: 94.4 (23rd)

Scoring Defense: 99.2 (19th)

Last 10 Games: 1-9

The Orlando Magic are 3-23 over their past 26 games. They've won one of their last 13.

Fortunately, that one win came in their most recent game. With a 110-104 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando may be ready to right the ship.

Or they may have just extended their collapse to the first-overall draft choice.

29. Charlotte Bobcats

W-L Record: 12-39

Scoring Offense: 94.1 (24th)

Scoring Defense: 102.7 (27th)

Last 10 Games: 2-8

On February 11, the Charlotte Bobcats managed to edge the Boston Celtics by a score of 94-91.

Unfortunately, that was their first win since January 26. They had lost their previous seven entering that game.

More of the same for the Bobcats.

Although Byron Mullens' return from injury and Kemba Walker's emergence as a rising star inspire hope, it's been a long season in Charlotte.

Fortunately, they've already won five more games in 2012-13 than they did in 2011-12.

More importantly, head coach Mike Dunlap has the Bobcats grinding out every game. It's this mentality that could lead to an eventual turnaround.

The future is bright, but the present day is not.

28. Phoenix Suns

W-L Record: 17-36

Scoring Offense: 94.7 (22nd)

Scoring Defense: 99.9 (22nd)

Last 10 Games: 2-8

The Phoenix Suns are 6-21 over their past 27 games. They've lost eight of their past 10.

Five of those losses have come by double-figures—four have come by at least 15 points and three by at least 20.

Phoenix is crashing. Hard.

Even with a seemingly solid roster, there has been massive overhaul and no signs of consistency.

Lindsey Hunter is the team's second coach of the season. The assistant coaching staff decided to leave the organization after Alvin Gentry's firing and the questionable hiring process.

Can it get any worse? At this point, it can't.

Phoenix is last in the Western Conference at 17-36.

27. Sacramento Kings

W-L Record: 19-34

Scoring Offense: 96.8 (16th)

Scoring Defense: 103.4 (30th)

Last 10 Games: 3-7

The Sacramento Kings have lost nine of their past 12 games. They've also posted the worst opponent-point-per-game average in the NBA for the season.

Not only does defense win championships, but a lack of it can bring down your entire season.

This has been the story of Sacramento's season, as they've struggled to find any form of consistency. A roster made up of youth and minimal veteran prowess will do that.

On a high note, Sacramento has won two of their past three games.

They've defeated the likes of the Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets. They also went to overtime with Utah on February 4 and lost by just seven to the Memphis Grizzlies on February 12.

It's the little things.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves

W-L Record: 19-30

Scoring Offense: 95.2 (20th)

Scoring Defense: 97.2 (15th)

Last 10 Games: 2-8

The Minnesota Timberwolves nearly came in at 25th after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 11. Unfortunately, Cleveland has an advantage over Minny.

They haven't gone 3-15 in their past 18 games—the Timberwolves have.

Minnesota was once 16-15. They had both Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio returning from injuries and appeared ready to turn a corner.

For the second consecutive season, injuries have struck and the T-Wolves have seen their postseason dreams go up in flames.

Love has broken his hand twice this season, with the most recent incident coming in early January (via ESPN).

With Rubio recently returning from a torn ACL, the T-Wolves have been unable to develop chemistry at any point this season.

No matter how competitive they may be, it's showing.

25. Cleveland Cavaliers

W-L Record: 16-36

Scoring Offense: 97.0 (15th)

Scoring Defense: 101.4 (26th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 6-4 during their past 10 games and 7-5 in their past 12.

That includes victories over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.

Kyrie Irving has this team on the rise. Unfortunately, it's quite likely to be too little too late when it comes to making a postseason push.

Injuries and youth are a major reason why.

11 players on the Cavaliers' roster are 25 or younger. Four of their consistent rotational options are 21 or younger.

It certainly doesn't help that 30-year-old rebounding machine Anderson Varejao is done for the season with a blood clot in his lower right lung (via ESPN).

Even still, Irving will make the Cavs one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. Unfortunately, exciting doesn't always lead to wins.

Going 7-5 in your past 12 games is a nice way to start, though.

24. Detroit Pistons

W-L Record: 20-33

Scoring Offense: 95.2 (19th)

Scoring Defense: 97.2 (14th)

Last 10 Games: 4-6

When the Detroit Pistons acquired point guard Jose Calderon, many labeled them as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference.

Unfortunately, rookie center Andre Drummond suffered a stress fracture in his back (via The New York Times). Detroit has missed him dearly.

The Pistons have lost eight of their past 12 games.

Even consecutive wins over the San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks led to nothing positive.

Detroit followed up those wins with a 105-86 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. Even with Calderon and Greg Monroe, Detroit is struggling to win games.

For what it's worth, they're still only 6.5 games out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

23. New Orleans Hornets

W-L Record: 18-34

Scoring Offense: 94.0 (25th)

Scoring Defense: 97.7 (16th)

Last 10 Games: 4-6

The New Orleans Hornets have won three of their past four and lost six of their past 10.

Their victories have come against the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons.

They've also dropped double-digit losses to the Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves in February.

As you can see, the Hornets are not very consistent. Nor are they very deserving of a ranking higher than this.

Eric Gordon has performed well, but he continues to battle minor injuries. Until that changes, the ceiling for this young franchise will be low.

The upside is there, but health remains an issue.

22. Washington Wizards

W-L Record: 15-35

Scoring Offense: 91.4 (30th)

Scoring Defense: 95.2 (6th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

What are the Washington Wizards doing this high?

Going 11-7 during their past 18 games. It's no coincidence that John Wall has played in 17 games this season.

Wall is proving time and time again why he's one of the premier point guards in the NBA. His ability to make this team competitive is a major reason why.

As for how competitive they are, Wall has the Wizards in the midst of a four-game winning streak.

These haven't been four easy wins, either. They've come against four playoff teams: the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks.

In that time, Wall is averaging 15.8 points and 9.0 assists per game. I guess he's the savior in Washington, after all.

No one wants to play the Wizards right now.

21. Portland Trail Blazers

W-L Record: 25-27

Scoring Offense: 97.3 (14th)

Scoring Defense: 99.7 (21st)

Last 10 Games: 4-6

The Portland Trail Blazers are currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak.

During that time, the Blazers have allowed an average of 112.5 points per game. A major reason for their struggles is their non-existent second unit.

Portland ranks dead last in bench scoring, efficiency and defensive efficiency.

The Trail Blazers' bench woes were never more evident than during their 117-104 loss to the Miami Heat on February 12.

Portland came back from 14 points down and blew a 14-point lead. Both of those deficiencies came as a result of the second unit's inability to provide any form of positive contributions.

Portland's reserves combined for 12 points.

Until the Blazers improve their second unit, fatigue will weigh this team down.

20. Philadelphia 76ers

W-L Record: 22-28

Scoring Offense: 92.3 (29th)

Scoring Defense: 95.4 (7th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

The Philadelphia 76ers have won four of their past six games. They've also gone 7-6 during their past 13.

Most encouraging of all, they're only three games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for eighth in the Eastern Conference.

With that being said, the Sixers have edged out some of the ugliest wins you'll see all season. That includes a 78-61 victory over the Orlando Magic on February 4.

Philly shot 3-of-20 from three during that game and lost their next outing by a score of 88-69.

This inconsistency has been holding the Sixers back all season. As Jrue Holiday performs at an unbelievable level, Andrew Bynum's injury has prevented a postseason push.

Until Bynum is healthy, the Sixers will continue with their current ways.

19. Milwaukee Bucks

W-L Record: 25-25

Scoring Offense: 97.5 (13th)

Scoring Defense: 98.6 (17th)

Last 10 Games: 3-7

It may be time to hit the panic meter in Milwaukee.

Entering the month of February, the Milwaukee Bucks were 24-20. They'd won eight of their past 12 games to reach that mark.

And then February came around.

Milwaukee has lost six of their past seven games. Their lone win came against the 15-36 Orlando Magic.

With just a three-game lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, the Bucks are headed in the wrong direction.

They better turn it around fast or suffer a fate far too familiar to Bucks fans—missing the playoffs.

18. Dallas Mavericks

W-L Record: 22-29

Scoring Offense: 100.9 (8th)

Scoring Defense: 102.8 (28th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

The Dallas Mavericks are 5-5 during their past 10 games and 9-6 during their past 15.

A major reason for this change of pace is the return of superstar forward Dirk Nowitzki.

Nowitzki has the Mavericks at 3-2 during their past five games. He's led the charge by drawing double-teams and allowing both O.J. Mayo and Shawn Marion to work in space.

Not only is this the presence that Dallas lacked early, but it's the type of legendary leadership that could bring them back into the playoffs.

As of February 13, Dallas is 5.5 games behind the Houston Rockets for the eighth and final seed. Expect this in-state rivalry to gain a full head of steam.

Can Dirk lead the charge to push on through?

17. Toronto Raptors

W-L Record: 20-32

Scoring Offense: 97.8 (12th)

Scoring Defense: 99.3 (20th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

Since Rudy Gay joined the Toronto Raptors, they are 4-2. That includes victories over the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers.

Suddenly, sitting six games behind the Milwaukee Bucks doesn't appear to be such an insurmountable deficit.

Since Gay arrived, Toronto is holding opponents to an average of 94.5 points per game. They've allowed just two of six teams to score at least 100 points.

One of their two losses came by a margin of just four points against the Boston Celtics.

Whether or not the Raptors can make a push for the postseason is unclear. What is apparent, however, is that this team has new life.

You can thank Gay and his clutch shooting for that.

16. Los Angeles Lakers

W-L Record: 25-28

Scoring Offense: 101.6 (6th)

Scoring Defense: 100.5 (23rd)

Last 10 Games: 7-3

The Los Angeles Lakers have won eight of their past 11 games. That includes a seven-game road trip in which they went 4-3.

L.A. is now just 3.5 games behind the Houston Rockets for eighth in the Western Conference. They're four games behind the Utah Jazz for seventh.

The question is, can they survive Pau Gasol's torn plantar fascia?

The Lakers are sixth in the NBA in scoring and third in rebounding. Gasol contributed to both of those numbers, but not as much as one might assume.

With Mike D'Antoni's floor-spacing system, the Lakers may actually be better off with a combination of Antawn Jamison and Earl Clark—for now.

The Lakers are heating up at the right time. Can they keep it up?

15. Brooklyn Nets

W-L Record: 30-22

Scoring Offense: 94.7

Scoring Defense: 94.4 (5th)

Last 10 Games: 4-6

The Brooklyn Nets appear to have hit another dry spell.

They're 4-6 during their past 10 games and have been dominated by the teams that they are supposed to be on the same level as.

They've lost 101-77 to the Memphis Grizzlies, 119-106 to the Houston Rockets, 105-85 to the Miami Heat and 111-86 to the San Antonio Spurs.

An 89-74 loss to the Washington Wizards certainly doesn't help their cause, either.

Are we going to hear another "fire the coach" request? I joke, but at the same time, this has to be a cause for concern.

Don't forget, P.J. Carlesimo is, technically, the interim coach.

Fortunately, the Nets bounced back with an 89-84 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers on February 11.

14. Utah Jazz

W-L Record: 29-24

Scoring Offense: 98.3 (11th)

Scoring Defense: 98.7 (18th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

The Utah Jazz are 6-4 during their past 10 games and 4-3 during the month of February.

Most recently, Utah blew out the Oklahoma City Thunder by a score of 109-94. Their home-court dominance continues.

For the season, the Jazz are 20-6 in Utah.

Unfortunately, they're also 9-18 on the road. That's the type of number that prevents a team from cracking the Top 10.

If they played every game at home, though, Utah could take down any foe.

Will they improve upon their road woes after the All-Star break?

13. Atlanta Hawks

W-L Record: 28-22

Scoring Offense: 96.7 (17th)

Scoring Defense: 96.6 (11th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

The Atlanta Hawks have gone 6-4 during their past 10 games and are now 28-22 for the season.

With that being said, they've gone just 3-4 during their past seven games. Trouble in Hotlanta?

With Josh Smith constantly involved in trade rumors, it's not hard to imagine that there are distractions within the organization.

Until the trade deadline passes, there is a good chance that we continue to see the Hawks struggle to handle the potential for roster shake-ups.

If Atlanta plans on holding on to their playoff spot, they better fix their issues soon. On February 23, they will begin a six-game road trip.

This may be a common theme, but the pressure is on in Atlanta.

12. Golden State Warriors

W-L Record: 30-22

Scoring Offense: 101.0 (7th)

Scoring Defense: 101.2 (25th)

Last 10 Games: 4-6

The Golden State Warriors have lost five consecutive games. In that time, the Warriors have been consistently blown out of the building.

Their average margin of defeat is 18.4 points per game.

That includes a 140-109 loss to the Houston Rockets on February 5, a 119-98 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 6 and a 116-91 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on February 9.

Rough.

It gets no easier for Golden State, as they travel to play the Utah Jazz, New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers before month's end. They also host the San Antonio Spurs.

Fortunately, they'll have the All-Star Break to think about these games and build upon their earlier success.

11. Houston Rockets

W-L Record: 29-25

Scoring Offense: 106.3 (1st)

Scoring Defense: 103.2 (29th)

Last 10 Games: 7-3

The Houston Rockets are 8-4 during their past 12 games. They're 7-3 during their past 10 and 4-2 during the month of February.

Over the past week, they've played the Golden State Warriors twice and defeated them both times. They outscored them by a margin of 256-216.

Dominance.

They may be defensively inept, but they're also playing as well as any other team in basketball. They're defeating quality opponents and winning both at home and away.

That includes a 125-80 win at the Utah Jazz. Utah is 20-6 at home.

Once again, dominance.

There is a good chance that Houston cools down and drops down these power rankings a bit. Until that happens, however, they deserve this ranking.

Just watch the games.

10. Boston Celtics

W-L Record: 27-24

Scoring Offense: 96.3 (18th)

Scoring Defense: 96.3 (10th)

Last 10 Games: 7-3

The Boston Celtics may be hot, but how many injuries could they possibly sustain before falling apart?

Rajon Rondo is out with a torn ACL (via CSN New England). Jared Sullinger is done for the season after receiving back surgery (via ESPN Boston).

Now, Leandro Barbosa has been reported to have suffered a torn ACL (via The Boston Globe). Barbosa will miss the rest of the season.

Rondo, meanwhile, has a partial tear and may return sooner than expected—just don't hold your breath.

Until we actually see Boston crumble, their ranking remains respectable. After all, they remain four games ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers—a team who has battled injuries of their own.

If there's anything we've learned through the years, it's that you never underestimate Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge.

9. Memphis Grizzlies

W-L Record: 33-18

Scoring Offense: 93.7 (26th)

Scoring Defense: 90.2 (2nd)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

The Memphis Grizzlies are winners of three straight and have gone 9-5 during their past 14 games.

In that time, they've defeated the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.

With their defense remaining elite, Memphis appears to be doing just fine without Rudy Gay. The question that will inevitably be asked, however, is who will step up in the clutch?

So far, Mike Conley has done just fine.

The Grizzlies maintain one of the deeper rosters in the NBA. The addition of rebounding machine Ed Davis and former NBA champion Tayshaun Prince simply solidifies their status as a force to be reckoned with.

It will be interesting to see how Memphis fares moving forward without a go-to perimeter scorer.

8. Chicago Bulls

W-L Record: 30-21

Scoring Offense: 93.6 (27th)

Scoring Defense: 91.9 (3rd)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

Since starting off at 16-13, the Chicago Bulls are 15-8. They've done all of this without Derrick Rose.

They've also done this with Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah and Kirk Hinrich battling injuries.

As of late, it appears as if fatigue has caught up with the Chi-Town ballers. They've lost three of five and have dropped to fourth in the Eastern Conference.

With that being said, their two wins came on the road against the Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz—two teams who combine for a 37-15 record at home.

The Bulls will improve their dismal play when Rose returns from injury. The question is, when will that be?

According to Rose, it could be sometime soon or a date in the distant future (via USA Today).

Only time will tell.

7. Indiana Pacers

W-L Record: 31-21

Scoring Offense: 92.7 (28th)

Scoring Defense: 90.1 (1st)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

The Indiana Pacers are just 5-5 during their past 10 games. With that being said, they've won five of their past seven.

Teams they've defeated include the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks.

Although their offense may be putrid, Indiana's defense remains the best in the NBA at 90.1 points allowed per game. When need be, however, the Pacers have proven capable of putting up points.

They dropped 114 on Atlanta and 111 on Chicago.

Their past two losses have both come in overtime, which gives them a bit of forgiveness in the rankings.

Besides, who wants to play this team? More specifically, who would want to play them once Danny Granger returns?

Indiana is legitimate.

6. Denver Nuggets

W-L Record: 33-20

Scoring Offense: 105.0 (3rd)

Scoring Defense: 101.2 (24th)

Last 10 Games: 8-2

The Denver Nuggets have lost two consecutive games. One came in overtime and the other was a 109-108 loss to the Toronto Raptors in which Rudy Gay hit a game-winner.

Prior to that, the Nuggets had won nine consecutive games.

Denver's slow start continues to hinder them in the standings, but that's likely to be offset after the All-Star break. Offsetting has been a common theme in Denver.

Their non-existent halfcourt offense has been neutralized by their transition brilliance. Their poor defense has been cancelled out by a dominant offense.

One way or another, Denver is finding a way to get it done.

Can they finally make that the case come the postseason?

5. New York Knicks

W-L Record: 32-17

Scoring Offense: 100.6 (9th)

Scoring Defense: 95.8 (9th)

Last 10 Games: 7-3

The New York Knicks are 7-3 in their past 10 games and 9-4 during their past 13.

Unfortunately, they've also lost two of their past three. That includes a 106-96 loss to the Washington Wizards and a 102-88 drubbing against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The L.A. loss came at home.

Even still, the Knicks have been on a recent tear. They're 8-4 since Iman Shumpert returned from injury.

Chances are, they'll continue that success.

The Knicks rank in the top 10 in both scoring offense and scoring defense. Assuming Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace make full recoveries from injury, the latter could improve.

If not, the Knicks have a lethal team as is.

4. Los Angeles Clippers

W-L Record: 37-17

Scoring Offense: 99.9 (10th)

Scoring Defense: 93.5 (4th)

Last 10 Games: 5-5

The Los Angeles Clippers are tied with the Houston Rockets for the most games played entering the All-Star Break.

They're also 5-5 during their past 10 games. Just don't let that number deceive you. L.A. has won three of four, securing double-digit margins of victory in each of those wins. Not too bad for a team that just got healthy.

Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Jamal Crawford and Blake Griffin all made recent returns to the rotation.

The Clippers' 102-88 domination of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden speaks volumes to how big of an impact they've had.

For those unaware, the Knicks are 19-7 at home.

Don't expect LAC to slow up any time soon. Not if they can stay healthy, at least.

If they can't, that's a different story.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

W-L Record: 39-13

Scoring Offense: 106.2 (2nd)

Scoring Defense: 97.0 (13th)

Last 10 Games: 6-4

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a modest 7-5 over the span of their past 12 games. That includes a 109-94 loss at the Utah Jazz on February 12.

Trouble in paradise?

The Thunder had been atop these power rankings for a majority of this season. They've fallen after struggling to piece together consistent victories in recent weeks, though.

Watching the Miami Heat coast through the competition certainly doesn't help.

Kevin Durant continues to lead the league in scoring and Russell Westbrook remains the glue to an elite team. Having Serge Ibaka's improved offensive game and Kevin Martin's sharpshooting doesn't hurt, either.

The question is, are we witnessing a rough stretch or the collapse of a team that has received inconsistent contributions from their second unit?

2. Miami Heat

W-L Record: 35-14

Scoring Offense: 103.1 (5th)

Scoring Defense: 96.7 (12th)

Last 10 Games: 8-2

The Miami Heat are 12-3 over the span of their past 15 games. They're in the midst of a six-game winning streak.

Their February 14 showdown at the Oklahoma City Thunder will be the perfect way to gauge their progress.

If there's anyone whose progress is well-known, it's LeBron James. He's set an NBA record with at least 30 points on 60 percent shooting or better in six consecutive games (via NBC Sports).

With the Heat finally reaching full strength, we're now witnessing just how dominant the team around him is, as well.

Miami could reach the top spot by season's end. If not, they're likely to be pleased with the opportunity to win back-to-back titles.

Three Heat players will be headed to the All-Star Game as they wonder what could transpire in the second half of the season.

1. San Antonio Spurs

W-L Record: 41-12

Scoring Offense: 104.3 (4th)

Scoring Defense: 95.8 (8th)

Last 10 Games: 9-1

Quietly but surely, the San Antonio Spurs have emerged as the NBA's best regular-season team. Again.

San Antonio is an NBA-best 41-12. Their most recent game saw the Spurs win 103-89 at the Chicago Bulls.

Other than that, the Spurs have won 13 of their past 14 games. Is there really any rationale in debating their sitting atop these rankings?

Didn't think so.

The Spurs have won 22 of their past 26 games. They've defeated opponents of every caliber and done so with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili all missing time due to injury.

Even head coach Gregg Popovich has missed time.

The Spurs are the best in the NBA. If you don't like it, tell your favorite team to dethrone them.

Good luck.