NBA Power Rankings: Jalen Williams Scores 23 in Return as Trade Deadline Reshapes Rosters

Following the 2026 NBA trade deadline, Jalen Williams returned from a 10-game absence to score 23 points in a 119-110 victory over the Lakers.

Jalen Williams scored 23 points in 24 minutes during a 119-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. Returning from a 10-game absence due to a hamstring strain, Williams earned 13 free throw attempts despite appearing to bother his surgically repaired right wrist during the physical contest. This performance occurred as the NBA trade deadline passed, leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 41-13 record and the top spot in the power rankings. While reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains sidelined with an oblique injury and will miss the upcoming All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, the Thunder bolstered their roster by acquiring Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a first-round pick and three second-round selections.

In Cleveland, the James Harden era began with two consecutive wins as the Cavaliers improved to 33-21. Harden is currently averaging 22.5 points, 7.5 assists, and six rebounds while shooting 48% from the field and 47% from beyond the arc. The Cavaliers have won nine of their last 10 games, tying the Detroit Pistons for the league's best record since January 1 at 14-5. Meanwhile, the Pistons sit at 39-13 and face a potential suspension for big man Isaiah Stewart following a confrontation with Charlotte's Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges. Detroit recently converted Daniss Jenkins to a two-year deal after trading Jaden Ivey for Kevin Huerter, who has yet to miss a two-point shot but has not made a three-pointer for his new club.

Western Conference Roster Shifts and Injury Updates

The Denver Nuggets, holding a 34-20 record, face a new setback as Peyton Watson suffered a hamstring strain expected to sideline him for four weeks. However, Cameron Johnson returned Saturday after a 23-game absence caused by a knee bone bruise; Denver is 21-9 when Johnson is in the lineup. In Los Angeles, the Lakers acquired Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick. Kennard hit his first three-pointer just two minutes into his debut, aiming to improve a Lakers squad that ranks 23rd in the league in made shots from deep.

San Antonio enters the All-Star break on a four-game winning streak with a 37-16 record. Victor Wembanyama has recorded 24 consecutive double-doubles, tying for the sixth-longest streak in NBA history. Second-year guard Stephon Castle has shown improved shotmaking over three straight games, while rookies Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant continue to earn minutes. The Spurs will not return to the Frost Bank Center until March 5 due to their annual Rodeo Road Trip. The Golden State Warriors, currently 29-25, expect Stephen Curry to return from a sore knee and Kristaps Porzingis to make his team debut on February 19 against Boston.

Eastern Conference Contenders and Deadline Deals

The New York Knicks saw an eight-game winning streak end with a 30-point loss to Detroit, leaving them at 34-20. Despite being minus-69 in two games against the Pistons, the Knicks saw immediate production from deadline addition Jose Alvarado, who recorded 12 points and two steals in a win against Boston. The Celtics, sitting at 34-19, acquired Nikola Vucevic while Jayson Tatum began practicing with the G League and the main roster this week. In Philadelphia, the 76ers moved under the luxury tax by trading Jared McCain, while the Orlando Magic performed a similar financial maneuver by sending Tyus Jones to Charlotte. Franz Wagner returned for Orlando on Monday, scoring 14 points off the bench after missing 25 games with an ankle injury.

Milwaukee remains at 25-30, holding the 12th spot in the East. Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to return by the end of the month, and the team recently signed guard Cam Thomas following his release from the Nets. The Chicago Bulls reshaped their roster through seven trades involving Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu, the latter of whom landed in Minnesota for four second-round picks. The Timberwolves also traded Mike Conley to save salary but intend to re-sign him shortly.

Play-in Race and Statistical Milestones

The Houston Rockets improved to 33-19 as Alperen Sengun recorded his second triple-double of the season. Sengun and Kevin Durant combined to score or assist on 63% of Houston's points in a recent win over the Thunder. Tari Eason added a season-high 26 points in that contest. The Phoenix Suns, now 32-22, added Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey from Milwaukee to address a bench that ranks 21st in scoring. Anthony holds a career average of 12.0 points per game and provides depth as Jalen Green deals with hamstring issues.

In New Orleans, the Pelicans produced their 22nd game with over 60 paint points in a win that ended Sacramento's 14-game streak of single-digit margins. Rookie Jeremiah Fears joined Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and VJ Edgecombe as the only first-year players with 10 games of 20-plus points this season. The Dallas Mavericks debuted Marvin Bagley III, who recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks. Finally, the Portland Trail Blazers will see Deni Avdija make his All-Star debut in Los Angeles, carrying season averages of 25.5 points and 6.7 assists into the break.