NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant return powers Nets' rise; Lakers, Celtics fall; Knicks just keep winning

The Clippers remain No. 1, but there was plenty of movement atop this week's rankings with the playoffs looming

All year long we scoff at pundits proclaiming "if the season ended today ..." and following up with a shocking revelation. Well, we're getting to the time where "if the season ended today" is starting to become a reality, with everyone keeping a much closer eye on the standings. The play-in games are a little less than a month away, with heated races for virtually every playoff spot in both conferences.  Out West, the Los Angeles Clippers continued their stellar play to remain in the No. 1 spot in this week's Power Rankings, but the Brooklyn Nets are nipping at their heels, thanks to the return of Kevin Durant. Meanwhile, those New York Knicks just keep on climbing, jumping to within sight of the top five after extending their winning streak to nine games. The Atlanta Hawks were the biggest risers in this week's rankings despite an injury to Trae Young, and the Washington Wizards also jumped four spots as a lengthy winning streak has propelled them into play-in position. On the other side of the coin we have the Boston Celtics, who looked to have figured things out last week, only to fall seven spots in this week's edition of the Power Rankings.