Arizona Republic's NBA power rankings: Phoenix Suns face 2nd half of season without Chris Paul

Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic

February 21, 2022 at 10:50 AM·4 min read

CLEVELAND — Not sure how long Phoenix is going to remain atop The Republic's NBA power rankings after the All-Star break.

The Suns' team leader, 12-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul, suffered a right thumb fracture and will be re-evaluated in six to eight weeks.

Phoenix has the league's best record at 48-10, have a 6½-game lead on Golden State for the top spot in the West, but aren't going to have Paul for perhaps the rest of the regular season.

The Suns' final regular-season game is April 10 against Sacramento at Footprint Center.

How will this injury shake up the Suns? They'll start answering that question Thursday at Oklahoma City (18-40). Here are The Republic's NBA power rankings ahead of regular season games resuming after the All-Star game:

Feb 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Team Durant guard Devin Booker (1) is introduced before the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

1. Phoenix Suns (48-10, Last week 1st)

The Suns played Devin Booker at the point as Paul's backup, Cameron Payne, has missed multiple games with a wrist injury on his non-shooting hand.

If Payne and Landry Shamet (ankle) are able to return within the next week or so, Phoenix will have its perimeter depth back, but will likely need more from Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges in terms of scoring.

The Suns have a four-game homestand after Thursday's game at Oklahoma City. Looking forward to seeing how the Suns adjust without Paul. Who is going to make shots when teams blitz Booker to get the ball out of his hands?

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gestures to his team during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

2. Golden State Warriors (42-17, Last week 2nd)

The Warriors are 2-3 in their last five games that includes a blowout loss at Utah followed by a split of two, two-point games, a 15-point setback at the Clippers and a one-point loss to Denver going into the break.

Defense has been the problem.

It has Steve Kerr calling out his team.

How will they respond?

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant drives past Portland Trail Blazers forward Justise Winslow at FedExForum on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022.

3. Memphis Grizzlies (41-19, Last week 3rd)

The Grizzlies are still coming.

Winning eight of their last 10, Memphis is just 1½ games behind Golden State.

With the Warriors slipping and the Suns having to play without Paul for perhaps the rest of the regular season, could Ja Morant lead the young Grizzlies atop the West going in the playoffs?

Memphis resumes play Thursday at Minnesota.

Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington (25) defends against Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

4. Miami Heat (38-21 Last week 4th)

Can they get some separation in the East coming out of the break?

The Heat are tied with the Bulls for the East's best record, but start the second half of the season against New York, losers of three straight, and at San Antonio.

Then it gets brutal.

The Heat face Chicago at home and then travel to Milwaukee. After that they're later at new-look Brooklyn and face new-look Philadelphia at home. Will Ben Simmons (ramp up) or James Harden (hamstring) play in either game?

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine pauses during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

5. Chicago Bulls (38-21, Last week, Next 5)

The Bulls have found their stride again.

Winners of five straight, they've caught Miami atop the East.

With DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine coming off an All-Star appearance, they'll come back ready to roll.

Once they get fully healthy, Chicago will definitely challenge for the East's top seed.

Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid waves to Chicago Bulls fans after hitting a 3-point shot late in the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Bulls of Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Chicago. The 76ers won 114-105.

Next 5

Philadelphia 76ers (35-23) — If Joel Embiid and James Harden can create 1-2 magic, the 76ers will suddenly become the favorite to reach the NBA finals.

Milwaukee Bucks (36-24) — Defending champions go through rough patches, but Milwaukee continues to have disturbing losses like that 15-point defeat against Portland.

Utah Jazz (36-22) — With Donovan Mitchell announcing he has a non-COVID illness, the upcoming Jazz-Suns matchup may once again be without star power since Paul is already going to be out.

Cleveland Cavaliers (35-23) —This team had a special All-Star weekend with Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen enjoying All-Star stage. Can they maintain that momentum?

Dallas Mavericks (35-24) — Luka Doncic is averaging 36.3 points, 10.6 boards and 9.4 assists in February. He's averaged 41.5 points in his last four games. He's lit right now.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) questions a call by referee Jacyn Goble (68) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons in Dallas, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.

One last thing

As exciting as All-Star weekend was, my personal biggest thrill as seeing someone from my home state of the West Virginia for the first time in person at the media hotel Friday.

The logo. Jerry West.

Cabin Creek's finest was part of the 75th Anniversary celebration at halftime of Sunday's All-Star game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

See you after the break.

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.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NBA power rankings: Can Grizzlies pass Suns, Warriors to lead West?

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