NBA: Power Rankings 1.0

We're now about 10 games into the 2020-21 season and it already looks like we're in for a treat. Steph Curry and Bradley Beal have each scored 60+points, the Clippers lost to Dallas by 51, DeMarcus Cousins made his return to action and has since been ejected on two separate occasions, LaMelo Ball became the youngest player in NBA history to drop a triple double, Julius Randle is having a breakout season, and more. Check out our power rankings below!

1. Los Angeles Lakers (9-3, 100): The Lakers are off to a league-best 9-3 start including double digit wins over the Mavericks (138-115), Spurs (121-107), and Rockets (120-102). LeBron James isn't having to play as much or run the offense like last year, but he's still averaging 24.0 points and 7.7 assists per game on 48.5% shooting from the field. Dennis Schroder and Marc Gasol have also made immediate impacts and LA looks ready to defend their title.

2. Boston Celtics (7-3, 98): Boston had their third consecutive game postponed due to COVID-19, and according to ESPN, the status of their game against the Magic on Friday is unclear. When the Celtics have been on the floor, they've looked like the best team in the conference, compiling last-second victories over the Bucks (122-121), Pistons (122-120), and Heat (107-105). Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have continued to take the next step as this team looks to contend.

3. Philadelphia 76ers (8-4, 95): The 76ers got off to a 7-1 start before losing three straight, partly because Seth Curry and a few others dealt with COVID-19 issues. Philadelphia took down the Heat 137-134 tonight, behind Joel Embiid's 45 points and 16 rebounds. With more spacing and depth than a year ago, Doc Rivers' team hopes to compete for one of the top spots in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia gets Miami, Memphis, and Boston over the next few days.

4. Phoenix Suns (7-4, 94): Phoenix has seven players that average 10+ points per game and their improved offense has put this team into the mix near the top of the West. Although Chris Paul is putting up just 13.3 points, he's averaging a team-best 8.7 assists, alongside Devin Booker's 23.0 points and 4.3 assists per game. The Suns can hang with the best teams in the league but they've also lost to the Kings (106-103), Pistons (110-105), and Wizards (128-107).

5. Los Angeles Clippers (7-4, 92): The Clippers have picked up some impressive wins thus far over the Lakers (116-109), Nuggets (121-108), Trail Blazers (128-105), and Warriors (108-101) but it seems like they have similar issues as last season. LA doesn't always play with consistency and they struggle to close games, but Kawhi Leonard is still rounding into shape, averaging 24.4 points on 47.1% shooting. The Clippers have New Orleans, Sacramento, and Indiana up next.

Other Playoff Teams:

6. Pacers (7-4) 88)

7. Bucks (7-4, 86)

8. Jazz (7-4, 86)

9. Warriors (6-4, 86)

10. Mavericks (5-4, 79)

11. Magic (6-5, 78)

12. Trail Blazers (6-4, 76)

13. Nets (6-6, 74)

14. Heat (4-4, 73)

15. Nuggets (5-6, 73)

16. Knicks (5-6, 73)

Rest of the League:

17. Spurs (6-5, 72)

18. Hornets (6-5, 71

19. Thunder (5-5, 70)

20. Hawks (5-5, 69)

21. Cavaliers (5-6, 66)

22. Kings (5-6, 60)

23. Pelicans (4-5, 60)

24. Rockets (3-6, 57)

25. Bulls (4-7, 56)

26. Grizzlies (4-6, 52)

27. Timberwolves (3-7, 51)

28. Wizards (3-8, 49)

29. Raptors (2-8, 48)

30. Pistons (2-8, 45)

MVP Rankings:

1. LeBron James (Lakers)

2. Luka Doncic (Mavericks)

3. Julius Randle (Knicks)

Defensive Player of the Year:

1. Anthony Davis (Lakers)

2. Myles Turner (Pacers)

3. Rudy Gobert (Jazz)

Rookie of the Year:

1. LaMelo Ball (Hornets)

2. James Wiseman (Warriors)

3. Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)

Most Improved Player:

1. Julius Randle (Knicks)

2. Christian Wood (Rockets)

3. Jerami Grant (Pistons)

Sixth Man of the Year:

1. Jordan Clarkson (Jazz)

2. Montrezl Harrell (Lakers)

3. Shake Milton (76ers)

Photo Credit: Hypebeast.