The NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.
This week, we're giving every team a New Year's resolution to work toward in 2020.
1. Milwaukee Bucks (29-5)
Previous rank: 1
The Bucks' resolution is simple because no less will do in 2020: Win the NBA title - or at least reach The Finals - and make sure Giannis Antetokounmpo has no reason to decline a super-max extension in the summer.
2. Los Angeles Lakers (26-7)
Previous Rank: 2
The Lakers' overall defense has been solid, but defending in transition should be their focus in 2020. Opponents have averaged 15.5 fast-break points per game, the fourth-highest total in the league.
3. Los Angeles Clippers (23-11)
Previous rank: 3
What if Patrick Beverley tries being nicer? He doesn't have to stop being a tenacious defender, but it might help him avoid adding to the six technicals he's already received this season.
4. Miami Heat (24-8)
Previous rank: 7
It's probably best if the Heat and Dion Waiters learn to let go. The veteran doesn't seem any closer to playing after serving his third suspension of the season, and Miami is exceeding expectations without him, anyway.
5. Boston Celtics (22-8)
Previous rank: 6
The Celtics need to get bigger (but a gym membership won't help). They're among the better shot-blocking teams in the NBA, but their lack of size could be exposed in a potential playoff series against Joel Embiid or Antetokounmpo.
6. Denver Nuggets (23-9)
Previous rank: 10
The Nuggets sit among the West's top teams, but they need to correct their lack of consistency. Denver owns wins over the title-contending Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers but has lost twice against the lowly New Orleans Pelicans.
7. Houston Rockets (22-11)
Previous rank: 8
It's time for Russell Westbrook to break old habits by eliminating inefficient pull-up shots. He ranks in the 74th percentile for long mid-range jumpers attempted, but he's only connected on 38% of them.
8. Philadelphia 76ers (23-12)
Previous rank: 4
Ben Simmons needs to be bold and take more shots from deep. Attempting just five 3-pointers through two months of the season isn't cutting it anymore.
9. Dallas Mavericks (21-11)
Previous rank: 5
The Mavs need to convince themselves that they can take down the heavyweights in 2020. Despite yearning to be considered among the West's upper tier, Dallas is just 1-3 combined against the Lakers and Clippers so far.
10. Toronto Raptors (22-11)
Previous rank: 9
This team should resolve to keep fighting. The Raps have gone 3-3 since injuries to Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol, and Norman Powell, and they're getting contributions from surprising places. Fortunately, seven of Toronto's next 10 games will come against teams that are currently under .500.
11. Indiana Pacers (21-12)
Previous rank: 11
Indiana must protect the glass late in games. The Pacers have allowed an average of 4.1 second-chance points in fourth quarters, the third-worst mark in the league.
12. Utah Jazz (20-12)
Previous rank: 12
The Jazz can't afford to waste more time re-establishing their defensive identity. After finishing with a top-three defensive rating in each of the past three seasons, Utah owned the league's 19th-ranked defense in December.
13. Brooklyn Nets (16-15)
Previous rank: 13
Since Kyrie Irving went down with a shoulder issue in November, the Nets have produced the sixth-worst offense in the league (right below the Knicks, too). They'll need to find more ways to score in 2020.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder (17-15)
Previous rank: 14
Despite frequently deploying three point guards in Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dennis Schroder, the Thunder rank just 27th in assists per game. Improved playmaking should be the goal in 2020.
15. Portland Trail Blazers (14-19)
Previous rank: 19
The Trail Blazers should resolve to be less selfish in 2020. They rank last in the league with 19.7 assists per game.
16. Orlando Magic (14-18)
Previous rank: 16
The Magic are stuck in the NBA's middle tier - not good enough to contend but not in the running for a top lottery pick, either. This organization needs to establish a clear direction in 2020.
17. San Antonio Spurs (13-18)
Previous rank: 22
The Spurs need to unleash their youth, but Derrick White and Lonnie Walker are currently blocked by DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan has a player option for next season, but San Antonio could flip him before the trade deadline to open up minutes for the young duo.
18. Sacramento Kings (12-21)
Previous rank: 15
After committing $161 million to Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield in the summer, Sacramento would be wise to curb its spending. Unfortunately, Bogdan Bogdanovic is set for restricted free agency in 2020.
19. Chicago Bulls (13-20)
Previous rank: 23
The Bulls should resolve to make a run at Anthony Davis in 2020. While Davis is expected to re-sign with the Lakers, he has also stated a desire to eventually return home. This coming summer could be Chicago's only chance during AD's prime.
20. Detroit Pistons (12-21)
Previous rank: 20
Management needs to make better scouting decisions in 2020. Andre Drummond is Detroit's only first-round pick of this millennium to make an All-Star Game.
21. Phoenix Suns (12-20)
Previous rank: 17
Devin Booker needs to warm back up. After shooting 41.5% from deep in the Suns' first 23 games, he's gone ice-cold, hitting just 8% of attempts from beyond the arc in his last six contests.
22.Charlotte Hornets (13-22)
Previous rank: 21
The Hornets would like to keep overachieving in the wins department. They sit 10th in the East despite ranking near the bottom of the league in net rating, although they're now mired in a five-game losing streak.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves (11-20)
Previous rank: 18
Andrew Wiggins is arguably having his best NBA campaign, but he needs to get to the free-throw line more often in 2020. Wiggins' 5.3 attempts per game aren't enough for someone with his natural athleticism.
24. Memphis Grizzlies (13-21)
Previous rank: 25
Ja Morant's resolution for 2020 is to secure that Rookie of the Year prize. Morant leads all first-year players in scoring and assists per game and he's shooting almost 40% from deep.
25. New Orleans Pelicans (11-23)
Previous rank: 28
If getting Zion Williamson healthy is the goal, the Pelicans should hold him out for the season. Knee injuries and big bodies are a risky mix. Plus, other stars have redshirted in their rookie years recently without issue.
26. Washington Wizards (9-22)
Previous rank: 24
Getting back to full health should be the Wizards' only New Year's resolution. Seven of the team's rotation players are currently out, including Bradley Beal, Rui Hachimura, and Davis Bertans. John Wall is still recovering from a long-term injury, too.
27. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-22)
Previous rank: 27
Trading Kevin Love is the obvious one, so here's another: The Cavs should exercise more patience with John Beilein. The first-year head coach was reported to be losing the locker room in early December, but swapping bench bosses won't do a young squad any good.
28. Golden State Warriors (9-25)
Previous rank: 30
The Warriors had won four straight and were playing great defense before giving up 141 points to the high-octane Mavs on Saturday. This team has clear limitations, but maintaining its newfound defensive intensity in 2020 would be heartening.
29. New York Knicks (9-24)
Previous rank: 29
It's time for James Dolan to follow his heart and go all-in on his music career. He'd have to sell the team if he wants a life of touring with his band, but Knicks fans would be more than willing to help make it happen.
30. Atlanta Hawks (6-27)
Previous rank: 26
Atlanta needs to put forth a better defensive effort. The Hawks ranked last in points allowed per game last season and they're hovering around the same mark in 2019-20.
