NBA Power Rankings: Every team's MVP at the midway point

The NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.

This week, we're nominating an MVP for each team as the second half of the season gets underway.

1. Denver Nuggets (27-13)

Previous: 2

Back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic may be having the best season of his career. He's currently the only player in NBA history to have a true shooting percentage over 69% on a usage rate over 27%.

2. Brooklyn Nets (27-13)

Previous: 3

Although Jacque Vaughn's stellar coaching job deserves consideration, Kevin Durant is playing some of the best basketball of his career. The veteran is scoring 29.7 points on 67% true shooting for the 27-13 Nets.

3. Boston Celtics (29-12)

Previous: 1

After struggling in the NBA Finals, Jayson Tatum has bounced back in a big way. The Celtics star is averaging a career-high 30.8 points on 61.2% true shooting, leading Boston to the league's best record.

4. Memphis Grizzlies (27-13)

Previous: 7

Ja Morant has been terrific all season. He's averaging 27.2 points and eight assists, doing everything necessary to keep the Grizzlies' offense humming despite extended absences for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers (26-16)

Previous: 5

The offseason addition of Donovan Mitchell has put the Cavs among the East's elite. The ex-Jazz guard's elite shot-creation, clutch play, and ability to get to the free-throw line make him one of the league's top scorers.

6. Philadelphia 76ers (25-15)

Previous: 6

Joel Embiid could be the most underappreciated superstar in the NBA. He's improved across the board from his MVP runner-up campaign and led the 76ers to championship contention despite injuries to his fellow stars.

7. Milwaukee Bucks (26-14)

Previous: 4

Admittedly, Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn't been at his best: His shooting efficiency declined to his lowest marks since the 2017-18 campaign. Still, the former MVP has helped Milwaukee navigate Khris Middleton's absence for nearly the entire season.

8. New Orleans Pelicans (25-16)

Previous: 8

With Brandon Ingram sidelined for 25 games, the Pelicans needed prized prospect Zion Williamson to deliver. Although out for three weeks, Williamson has averaged 26 points and seven rebounds for the potential playoff contender.

9. Dallas Mavericks (23-19)

Previous: 9

Luka Doncic is unquestionably the Mavs' MVP and could very well earn his first Michael Jordan Trophy this season. The Slovenian star leads the Association in scoring, ranks second in triple-doubles, and sits fourth in assists.

10. Indiana Pacers (23-18)

Previous: 18

Tyrese Haliburton is leading the next era of Pacers basketball. The versatile guard is powering Indiana's revamped style, which focuses on pushing the pace in transition, thanks to his league-leading 10.3 assists per game.

11. Sacramento Kings (21-18)

Previous: 12

Domantas Sabonis has been Jokic Lite this season, though no one, not even the reigning MVP, has ever averaged at least 18 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists on 60% shooting from the field.

12. New York Knicks (22-19)

Previous: 13

Jalen Brunson has been a crucial addition, but Julius Randle leads the Knicks in scoring and most advanced stats. The forward has returned to All-Star form, averaging an efficient 24.4 points in a bounce-back season.

13. Golden State Warriors (20-21)

Previous: 19

Jordan Poole's flexibility in starting or coming off the bench has helped the Warriors weather some injuries. In the absence of Stephen Curry, Poole stepped up, averaging 27.9 points over his last 11 games.

14. Miami Heat (22-20)

Previous: 16

Due to tons of injuries, the Heat have needed Bam Adebayo to take on a larger role offensively, and he's responded to the tune of a career-high 21.4 points while remaining efficient from the field.

15. Minnesota Timberwolves (20-21)

Previous: 20

Overshadowed by the struggles of Minnesota's underwhelming center pairing, Anthony Edwards has taken the reins offensively. The third-year guard is second in the league in total minutes played, scoring 23.7 points per game.

16. Portland Trail Blazers (19-21)

Previous: 15

Jerami Grant has provided the Blazers with a dependable offensive option alongside their explosive backcourt duo. He has also immensely helped a squad that has struggled defensively in recent seasons.

17. Los Angeles Lakers (19-22)

Previous: 25

LeBron James has carried the Lakers without Anthony Davis, averaging 34.3 points, 7.6 assists, and 7.3 rebounds in 10 games since Davis got injured on Dec. 16. James' dominance is completely unprecedented for a 38-year-old.

18. Los Angeles Clippers (22-21)

Previous: 10

The Clippers have leaned on Paul George once again with Kawhi Leonard still working his way back into form. The seven-time All-Star has been the club's top offensive option, a solid playmaker, and an elite defender.

19. Atlanta Hawks (19-21)

Previous: 17

Although the Hawks revolve around Trae Young's self-creation and playmaking, they've cratered without center Clint Capela. Atlanta is 4-9 without him, giving up the seventh-most paint points to opponents over his seven-game absence.

20. Phoenix Suns (21-21)

Previous: 9

It's no coincidence that the Suns are 3-10 with Devin Booker out of the lineup. The All-Star guard is the club's leading scorer and stepped up as a lead playmaker during Chris Paul's absence earlier this season.

21. Chicago Bulls (19-22)

Previous: 21

In a rocky season for the Bulls, DeMar DeRozan has been a bright spot. The veteran star is averaging 26.1 points and 4.9 assists, and he leads the league in clutch scoring.

22. Utah Jazz (21-23)

Previous: 14

Lauri Markkanen has emerged as the lead horse on a surprising Jazz squad. The Finnish forward is among the favorites for the NBA's Most Improved Player award thanks to a breakout 2022-23 campaign.

23. Oklahoma City Thunder (18-23)

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It's time to consider Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a top 10 player in the league. The Canadian guard is joined by only Antetokounmpo, Doncic, and Curry in averaging at least 30 points and five assists this season.

24. Orlando Magic (16-26)

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Paolo Banchero is giving Magic fans hope after a few rough years. The Duke product recently became the third rookie in NBA history to score 20-plus points in 20 of their first 26 appearances.

25. Toronto Raptors (18-23)

Previous: 22

Don't let the Raptors' extreme struggles take away from Pascal Siakam's career-best season while leading the NBA in minutes. Can he push this squad back into the playoff picture?

26. Washington Wizards (17-24)

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Kristaps Porzingis has stayed healthy and turned in his best season since his time with the Knicks. The big man is averaging 22 points and nine rebounds, and he's been the Wizards' most impactful defender.

27. San Antonio Spurs (13-28)

Previous: 27

Despite being fourth on the team in scoring, Jakob Poeltl has been the Spurs' best player. He's arguably the only good defender in their rotation, providing high-level rim protection and rebounding.

28. Charlotte Hornets (11-31)

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LaMelo Ball is quietly putting together a good campaign for the tanking Hornets. The All-Star is averaging a career-high 23.1 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.4 rebounds after missing 24 of the first 27 games.

29. Detroit Pistons (11-33)

Previous: 30

Things are dire when your best player is a 33-year-old journeyman who will probably get traded shortly, but Bojan Bogdanovic has been just that. Your 2022-23 Detroit Pistons, everybody.

30. Houston Rockets (10-30)

Previous: 28

The Rockets' hopes of winning rest on Jalen Green's shoulders. The sophomore guard has increased his scoring to 21.2 points per game and is in the top 10 in total minutes played league-wide.