The OKC Thunder jumps up to No. 7, while the LA Clippers fall to No. 8 in this week's updated NB Power Rankings.

Follow Tommy Beer on Twitter: @TommyBeer

1. Milwaukee Bucks

Record: 48-8

After demolishing the Sixers on Saturday night, the Bucks improved to 48-8. They now need to win 22 of their final 26 games to become just the third team in NB history to win 70 regular-season games in a single season. The only two squads currently in this exclusive club are the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (who won 72 games) and the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who won an all-time record 73 contests. In addition, despite the fact that the playoffs don't start for another 55 days, the Bucks clinched a playoff berth on Sunday when the Wizards lost to the Bulls. It's the earliest any team has ever clinched a spot in the postseason.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 43-12

The Lakers won their fifth straight game on Sunday, as LeBron James knocked down a fadeaway with 30 seconds left to seal the victory for LA. After the game, General Manager Rob Pelinka announced that the Lakers signed forward Markieff Morris, who previously agreed to a buyout with the Pistons. LeBron and company will get an up-close look at rookie sensation Zion Williamson twice this week, as the Lakers play the Pelicans (a possible first-round opponent) on Tuesday in LA and on Sunday in New Orleans.

3. Toronto Raptors

Record: 42-15

The surging Raptors have had plenty of impressive performances this season, by Sunday's pounding of the Pacers was tops in terms of sheer dominance over an opponent. Toronto won 127-81, which was the most lopsided victory in Raptors' history. On Tuesday, the Raptors host the Bucks in a battle between the two best teams in the East.

4. Boston Celtics

Record: 39-17

The Celtics fought valiantly but fell to the Lakers on Sunday afternoon in a very entertaining regular-season game. Jayson Tatum was the best player on the floor for stretches of that contest, finishing with 41 points on 12-of-20 shooting. According to Basketball-Reference, Tatum became just the sixth player 21 years of age or younger to score more than 40 points on 20 or fewer FG attempts in an NBA game.

5. Denver Nuggets

Record: 39-18

Nikola Jokic's slow start to this season is but a memory at this point, as the Joker has been a beast this month. Over the eight games the Nuggets have played in February, Jokic is averaging 27.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks, while shooting 64% from the floor and 88% from the charity stripe.

6. Houston Rockets

Record: 36-20

The small-ball Rockets have gone all-in on their unconventional space-and-pace roster construction, and the early returns have been encouraging. After beating the Celtics in their final game before the break, Houston crushed the Warriors in Golden State on Thursday and then beat the Jazz by double-digits Saturday night in Utah. Russell Westbrook continues to score efficiently for the Rockets. Over his last 16 appearances, Russ is averaging 33.2 points while shooting over 53% from the floor.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 35-22

The Thunder's depth has been a critical component to their surprising success all season, and it was on full display Sunday night. Remarkably, eight OKC players scored in double-figures in their win over the Spurs. It's the first time that's ever happened in OKC history.

8. LA Clippers

Record: 37-19

The Clippers lost two of their final three games before the All-Star break and dropped a winnable home game to the Kings in LA on Saturday afternoon. Kawhi Leonard scored a team-high 31 points vs. Sacramento but showed rare signs of outward frustration towards his teammates late in the fourth quarter.

9. Utah Jazz

Record: 36-20

Utah's loss to the Rockets on Saturday night was a bitter, costly defeat for the Jazz. Not only did it allow Houston to tie Utah for the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, but the Rockets claimed the season series, 2-1. That could be a very important tie-breaker at the end of the regular season.

10. Miami Heat

Record: 36-20

Prior to Saturday's game vs. Cleveland night, the Heat had lost five of their past six games. However, despite playing without Jimmy Butler (personal), Tyler Herro (right foot soreness) and Meyers Leonard (left ankle), Miami pounded the Cavs, scoring a franchise-record 82 points (on 77% shooting!) in the first half alone, as they cruised to a 124-105 victory on Saturday. The Heat improved to 23-3 at home on the season.

Story continues