USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers received an energy jolt with the return of David West and C.J. Watson from injury and moved a spot up in this week's USA TODAY NBA power rankings.

The Pacers are still a far cry from the heights they were accustomed to last year, but scrappy play has Frank Vogel's squad primed for a run at a playoff berth.

1. Memphis (14-2): After taking a low-key pay cut, former Indiana All-Star Zach Randolph (Marion) is having his best season in four years.

2. Golden State (13-2): Andre Iguodala was clear that he'd rather start, but this offensive disappearance is puzzling.

3. Toronto (13-3): The DeMar DeRozan injury means Terrence Ross finally will have to prove his ability.

4. Houston (13-4): Three of their four losses have come without Dwight Howard, an indicative measure.

5. San Antonio (10-8): Kawhi Leonard has improved his scoring, rebound and assist averages every season.

6. Portland (12-4): Last year's hot start seemed unsustainable. This time, they look legitimate.

7. Dallas (13-5): Imagine how good their offense will be when Chandler Parsons remembers how to shoot.

8. L.A. Clippers (11-5): If Stephen Curry is the NBA's best point guard, someone forgot to tell Chris Paul.

9. Washington (10-5): It's early enough that Bradley Beal can afford to force his shot as he reasserts himself.

10. Chicago (10-6): Jimmy Butler should be a shoo-in as an All-Star; he's the East's best healthy shooting guard.

11. Cleveland (8-7): The All-Star voting watch will be fun as LeBron James always helps his teammates.

12. Phoenix (10-7): Isaiah Thomas unquestionably has been the most productive of their three point guards.

13. Atlanta (9-6): Former Pike High School standout Jeff Teague may have to be the East's No. 4 point guard if he's going to be an All-Star.

14. Sacramento (9-7): Omri Casspi is fulfilling what he showed as a rookie with the Kings after three years away.

15. Miami (8-7): Carmel product Josh McRoberts seems to miss Charlotte as much as the Hornets miss him.

16. New Orleans (7-8): The lineup problems that plagued them last year continue to haunt GM Dell Demps.

17. Denver (8-8): Their turnaround has coincided with Arron Afflalo finding his rhythm after a cold start.

18. Milwaukee (10-8): Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker might be the best teenagers in the NBA.

19. Brooklyn (6-8): Lionel Hollins has struggled to figure out what to do with Brook Lopez and all of his skills.

20. Oklahoma City (5-12): Healthy Russell Westbrook could be the dark horse for MVP if Kevin Durant stays out.

21. Indiana (7-10): They seem poised to sneak into the playoffs, except for a ridiculous December schedule.

22. Utah (5-12): Backcourt woes will keep Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors from All-Star consideration.

23. Boston (4-9): When Marcus Smart gets his feet under him, a Rajon Rondo decision should be imminent.

24: Orlando (6-12): The Nikola Vucevic extension now seems like one of the smartest deals of the offseason.

25. Minnesota (4-10): Regardless of rookie of the year talk, Andrew Wiggins must start asserting himself.

26. Charlotte (4-14): Kemba Walker has not shot well enough to make up for his poor defense this season.

27. New York (4-13): The pleasant surprise has been Amar'e Stoudemire's consistent bench production.

28. Detroit (3-13): Forcing the ball to Andre Drummond doesn't guarantee success, but it can't hurt at this point.

29. L.A. Lakers (3-13): Sure, Kobe Bryant is shooting a lot. He's also second on the team in assists per game.

30. Philadelphia (0-16): History seems more and more inevitable at this point.