10. Dallas Mavericks (Up 2)

(36-23) Last week: 3-1

Dallas have dropped to seventh in the West, but that's through no fault of their own, rather it's the hot form in OKC that has seen them fall. However, with Utah seemingly unable to stay out of their own way, the sixth seed beckons. They've only lost one game in five; to the Hawks in a game where both Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis sat, and Jalen Brunson injured himself in the first minute of the game.

Doncic and Porzingis are starting to find their groove together, which bodes well not just for this season, but for the Mavs grand plans of build around their two European stars.

9. Miami Heat (Steady)

(36-22) Last week: 1-3

The Heat are only 3-7 in their last 10 games; a sharp decline in fortunes from the rest of their stellar season. Their only a half game ahead of the Sixers in the 4-5 slots in the East. It seems likely that these two teams will meet in round 1. Given Philly's dramatic difference in home and away form, whoever secures the #4 seed – and the home court that goes with it – must be considered an overwhelming favourite.

Bam Adebayo has stepped it up – again – in February. The newly minted All Star is putting up 17.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 7 assists and 1.7 blocks. The man is a beast.

8. Oklahoma City Thunder (Up 3)

(36-22) Last week: 3-0

The Thunder continue to confound the doubters. Owners of a four game win streak (they've won eight of 10), the Thunder are suddenly contenders for home court in the first round. They're tied with the slumping Jazz, and only two games off the Rockets. Even the Clippers – not exactly in form, themselves – are only a further game ahead. There is a very real chance that Oklahoma City could both get themselves a home match up and stay out of the Lakers bracket. That would require a miracle run, but the team have set themselves up to make it happen.

The Thunder are almost certain to win 50+ games this season; something that hasn't been done since Kevin Durant was in uniform.

7. Houston Rockets (Up 1)

(34-20) Last week: 2-2

The Rockets are 6-2 since the trade deadline. Small ball might just have something to it.

Russell Westbrook has been incredible of late, averaging 34 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6 assists in 6 games since the deadline (he's rested in a couple of fixtures) whilst just about shelving the 3 pointer. Since the turn of the year, Westbrook has averaged 2.3 attempts from deep per game. For comparison, he put up 4.4 in December and 5.7 attempts in November.

The Rockets new alignment, and the space it's opened up, is allowing Russ to be the best version of himself.

6. Los Angeles Clippers (Down 2)

(39-19) Last week: 2-2

What to make of the Clips, eh? A three game losing streak isn't the end of the world, but their complete lack of night-to-night consistency is alarming. In Toronto last season, the Raps gave Kawhi Leonard plenty of games off and the team was able to stay, if not elite then very very good. This Clippers team is inarguably more talented from top to bottom, yet you have no idea what you're going to get from them on a night to night basis.

There is always talk of a veteran team being able to 'flip the switch' come play-off time. That usually refers to a team that has served together. This team is battle hardened individually, but haven't the play-off reps as a group. That could hurt them when it counts.

5. Denver Nuggets (Steady)

(40-18) Last week: 2-1

Losses to the Lakers and Thunder either side of the All Star break are Denver's only blemishes in the past three weeks. With the Clippers spluttering, the #2 seed is now Denver's to lose.

Nikola Jokic is back to putting up his now customary MVP calibre numbers; Paul Millsap is back from injury to provide defensive acumen; Jerami Grant got valuable reps in Millsap's absence; Michael Porter Jr looks to be getting better every night.....Garry Harris is a concern, though. The 25 year old is averaging the lowest points per game, on the lowest FG% and 3P% since his rookie campaign, when he came off the bench. The former Spartan is still lights out from the charity stripe, so he hasn't lost his stroke – it appears to be a confidence issue. Despite being a touch undersized, Harris provides stiff back court defense, but the team needs him to be a threat at the other end, too.

4. Boston Celtics (Up 2)

(41-17) Last week: 4-1

The Celtics are a deep and dangerous team; of that there can be no doubt. However for all of their excellent players and the balance that provides, there remains the question: who is the leader? Who will take the big shot in the big moment? Kemba Walker was assumed to be that man, but he has struggled in that situation in the past as his size means he can be enveloped by longer defenders. Boston fans don't have to worry about that now: Jayson Tatum is ALL CAPS THE MAN!

Check out these stats over his past five games: 35.4 points, 6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 4.8 three pointers on 54.5% shooting from range. Tatum is everything short of literally on fire.

This is the player that the Celtics would have taken first overall back in 2017. He is a future MVP. Mark my words.

3. Toronto Raptors (Down 1)

(42-16) Last week: 2-1

The loss to Milwaukee was a missed opportunity for Toronto. After cutting the Pacers to ribbons, they should have been both well rested and full of confidence for the visit of the Bucks. A win over the league leaders wouldn't have made too much of a difference in their chase for the #1 seed – Milwaukee is just too far ahead – but it would have opened up some breathing space between themselves and Boston, who currently stand a single game behind the Raptors.

Toronto is still to welcome back Marc Gasol (he'll be given as much rest as possible) and Norman Powell (due back this week). Combined with a favourable schedule, the Raps should be able to secure the second seed in the East.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (Up 1)

(44-12) Last week: 3-0

The Lakers have quietly – if indeed it's possible for the Lakers to do anything quietly – amassed a six game winning streak. They have a handsome lead of five games over Denver in the conference and they've just signed Markeiff Morris (not really sure how he fits, but the prospect of playoff Lakers vs Clippers AND playoff Morris vs Morris is reason enough to make the signing). Coach Frank Vogel can now start plotting his post season plans.

LeBron James – already one of the 3 greatest players of all time – will add another feather to his cap this season as he leads the NBA in assists for the first time, at age 35. He will be the oldest player to take their first title in either scoring, rebounding or assists.

1. Milwaukee Bucks (Steady)

(50-8) Last week: 4-0

Joel Embiid: I'm the best player in the world!

Giannis: Hold my non-alcoholic beverage.

After Embiid's proclamation (after a win against the Nets, for what that's worth), Giannis decided to provide the Cameroonian a not so gentle reminder of who is the reigning MVP.

In their comfortable 21 point win over the Sixers, Giannis hung 31 points (12 of 17 from the floor), 17 rebounds and 8 assists on Embiid's 67ers in a mere 29 minutes.

That win also secured the Bucks post season berth. The 56 games it's taken the them to book their post-season place is the quickest qualification in the league in 15 years. It can't be overstated how much the Bucks are riding roughshod over the rest of the league through the regular season. Frankly, the Bucks might not see a real test until the finals, although Toronto and Philly (the Dr Jekyll version rather than the Mr Hyde edition) can certainly push them.