Arizona Republic's NBA power rankings: What's changed in top 5 heading into February?

The impact of COVID-19 has made these three NBA seasons seem like a continuous one for Timberwolves coach Chris Finch.

"Being in it, it feels like it's one 225-game season to me," Finch said before Friday's loss in Phoenix.

"It feels like it's the same season that we've never been able to get out of. It really does. Like this COVID era, it just feels the same. Everybody is playing every other day. You're feeling the effects of the shorter offseason. You're feeling the effects of the rushed season before that. That's why, to me, it's a continuum. It doesn't even feel like a separate season."

Suns guard Landry Shamet couldn't agree more.

"It's been like a time warp," Shamet said. "It's hard to wrap your head around when all this COVID stuff started. That year alone (2019-20) was like two seasons where it's pre-bubble, then bubble. Last year with no fans at the beginning of the year and then gradually people working their way back in and this year, it feels like a more regular year, but everybody has got masks on and there are still the protocols that you're following. It's been a weird, like, one long, continuous day with a lot jammed into it."

The NBA is hoping for more normalcy the second half of 2021-22, but between the virus and injuries, the unexpected should remain expected.

So The Republic continues its weekly NBA power rankings based on games played through Saturday, with the challenge of determining the best teams when they haven't been full strength all year.

More: Arizona Republic's NBA power rankings: Suns separate from pack, but where does the list shake up?

1. Phoenix Suns (39-9, Last week 1st)

Forty victories.

Forward Cam Johnson said the Suns have a team goal to reach that mark faster than anyone in the league this season. They were a win away from doing that heading into Sunday night's matchup against the Spurs.

The Suns will begin February with a showdown against Brooklyn Tuesday. With this being a road game for the Nets, Phoenix will face Kyrie Irving for the first time this season.

No Kevin Durant (knee), but if James Harden (wrist) can go after missing Saturday's loss at Golden State, this game will be very interesting.

2. Golden State Warriors (37-13, Last week 2nd)

Klay Thompson shot just 5-for-14 for 16 points in Saturday's win over Brooklyn, going 2-of-8 from 3, but hit two of the biggest shots of the night late in the fourth quarter.

Playing in his ninth game after missing two full seasons with multiple injuries, Thompson knocked down a pullup over James Johnson to put Golden State up, 100-97, with 2:16 remaining in the game.

Then he nailed a 3 to give the Warriors a 110-106 lead with 12.5 seconds left. Thompson capped the win with free throws with 5.7 seconds left. He's only reached the 20-point mark twice in his return, but delivering in the clutch is huge for him and Golden State.

3. Memphis Grizzlies (35-17, Last week 3rd)

Winners of 16 of their last 19 games, the Grizzlies are separating themselves from slumping Utah (30-20) for that third seed in the West.

They are truly the NBA's surprise team along with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Ja Morant is averaging 33.7 points in his last seven games. A dynamic talent, Morant will not only make his All-Star debut next month in Cleveland, but is looking every bit like a future All-NBA selection, too.

4. Miami Heat (32-18, Last week, Next 5)

It's like musical chairs for that top spot in the East.

Miami currently holds that distinction even after an overtime loss to Toronto before beginning a six-game road trip that starts Monday at Boston.

The Heat are 14-12 on the road this season. Circle the Feb. 5 matchup at Charlotte.

Leading the league in scoring at 115 points a game, the Hornets will certainly put Miami's sixth-ranked defense in the league to the test.

5. Milwaukee Bucks (31-20, Last week 5th)

The Cavs are for real.

Their 16-point home win over the defending NBA champions was impressive, but that's the only loss for Milwaukee in its last five games.

The Bucks topped Chicago and Memphis prior to falling at Cleveland.

Trying to figure out what's up with Jrue Holiday, though. Playing five games since missing five with an ankle sprain and another in health and safety protocols, Holiday has literally been up and down in his last three. He scored 26 against Sacramento, four at Cleveland and 24 versus New York.

Next 5

Philadelphia 76ers (30-19) – Joel Embiid is the unequivocal MVP leader. Averaging 37.3 points in his last 19 games, Embiid has posted 13 doubles during this stretch and even paid a $2,000 fine for Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado after their spat that led to double technical in Tuesday's game. Big man is truly doing it all.

Brooklyn Nets (29-20) – The Nets have lost four in a row, but took Golden State down to the wire without Durant and Harden. Irving finished with a season-high 32 points. The Nets return to Phoenix where they won without Durant and Irving last season. Harden was a monster. If Harden remains out, can Irving lead the Nets to victory?

Chicago Bulls (30-18) – Going 3-7 in their last 10 games, the Bulls are slumping, but Zach LaVine is back after missing five games with a bruised knee. Chicago went 1-4 in his absence with the win coming against Cleveland. LaVine scored 30 in Friday's loss at San Antonio, but has shot 6-of-25 from 3 in his three games back from injury.

Cleveland Cavaliers (30-19) – The Cavs still have some room to grow on offense as they're 17th in offensive rating, but they win with defense. They are ranked third in the league in defensive rating behind the NBA's top two teams, Golden State and Phoenix. They've allowed an average of 93 points in their three-game win streak.

Utah Jazz (30-20) – Yes, Utah has lost four in a row, but did so against Golden State, Phoenix (twice) and Memphis – and without Donovan Mitchell (concussion protocols) for each one. Rudy Gobert didn't play in the latter three with a calf injury. So Dallas (29-21) could be sitting right here, but Utah has been riddled with injuries.

One last thing

If the playoffs started today, Charlotte would have to come out of the play-in tournament to make the playoffs.

The Hornets are seventh in the East, but just 1.5 games behind Brooklyn.

Led by LaMelo Ball, Charlotte is one of the NBA's most exciting teams, but seeing the GOAT, team owner Michael Jordan, walk out of his suite in the final seconds a three-point escape over the Lakers minus LeBron James and Anthony Davis further confirms the flipside of having a young squad.

The Hornets are 4-6 this season in games decided by three points or less. Not bad at all for a young team, but Jordan couldn't bear to watch the end of that last one.

As a seventh seed, Charlotte would get two chances to make the playoffs. The Hornets shouldn't need a second game in the play-in, but it'd be a shame for them to miss out on the postseason with a close loss at home to a team they should beat.

Think Jordan was upset the other night? Let the Hornets come up short in a play-in and see his reaction to that?

The memes will be endless.

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NBA power rankings: Are defending champion Bucks still in Top 5?