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ESPN Power Rankings: Brooklyn Nets See No Change After Even Week

By Tyler Dencker

Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center. The Nets won 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center. The Nets won 121-111. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Brooklyn Nets see no change in the weekly ESPN power rankings after going 2-2 on the week.

Current Ranking: 23

Ranking Last Week: 23 (no change) 

ICYMI: Last Week’s Rankings

After moving up in the rankings for two consecutive weeks, the Nets have leveled out. In Marc Stein’s most recent power rankings, the Nets rank 23rd – no different from last week.

MUST READ: Nets Must Stay Competitive as Season Winds Down

While the ranking is positive for the Nets, Stein wasn’t all that complimentary of them. He kicks off his commentary reminding the Nets of their miserable two seasons.

"He writes: “leave it to the heartless Committee to point out that the Nets’ next defeat will clinch consecutive 60-loss seasons for the first time in franchise history.”"

Further, Stein made it seem like the only thing the Nets are chasing is not having the worst record in the league. And how could he do that without mentioning the fact that in the end, that really only matters for the Boston Celtics?

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In Stein’s defense, though, the 23rd ranking is more than fair. The Nets have the worst record in the league, even if their stretch in the last month has proven they can compete. And although Stein’s analysis may not be the nicest, it’s one that is accurate.

The Nets have three more winnable games this week. They will play the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls. Who knows, maybe a few more wins down the stretch can earn the Nets a spot inside the top-20 come season end.

Big Movers: Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers (up three spots)

Not a huge jump for any teams this week, but the slight jump is important for these teams. All of them have huge games coming up, and they are all in the middle of their respective playoff race. If they keep up their hot streaks, they could clinch themselves a playoff spot (and a better seed, in the Clippers’ case).

Next: Every Win Has Meaning For Nets in Disappointing Season

Big Losers: Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets (down three spots)

Despite the slight drop, the Grizzlies are have already clinched a playoff berth, at least. The Nuggets, on the other-hand, will extend their playoff-less streak to four seasons if they can’t snag the final playoff spot in the West from the Portland Trail Blazers.