NBA: Power Rankings 2.0

What a wild week of NBA action it was as James Harden was finally dealt to the Brooklyn Nets. In the four-team trade, Houston received Victor Oladipo, four future draft picks, and four pick swaps from the Nets. Harden went on to stuff the stat sheet in his Brooklyn debut, leaving the arena with a 32-point triple-double, to go along with 42 points from KD. Unfortunately, we also saw eight games, including the 76ers-Thunder on Sunday night, postponed due to the pandemic.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (11-3, 100, +0): The Lakers have gone 7-0 away from Staples Center, racking up wins over the Mavericks (138-115), Spurs (121-107), and Pelicans (112-95). LeBron James (24.1 points, 8.1 rebounds) and Anthony Davis are each playing just over 30 minutes a night and both Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell seem to be adapting quickly to the offense. LA gets Golden State, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Cleveland over the next 10 days.

2. Los Angeles Clippers (10-4, 97, +3): Los Angeles is really starting to click, having won four in a row and compiling victories over a trio of playoff teams in the Lakers (116-109), Trail Blazers (128-105), and Suns (112-107). Paul George has looked like an All-Star again, while Kawhi Leonard (25.0 points, 4.9 rebounds) and Marcus Morris have continued to play at a high level. With that said, it seems like the Clippers still have a big man problem and elite teams are able to exploit that.

3. Milwaukee Bucks (9-4, 97, +4): The Bucks have really picked things up after a slow start, going 8-2 in their last 10 games and recording a perfect 5-0 record against division opponents. Yes, Giannis Antetokounmpo is having another MVP-level season but this team is at their best when Khris Middleton (21.8 points, 47.3% 3PFG) is on from the perimeter and is making an impact on both ends. Milwaukee has a few must-see matchups ahead versus the Nets, Lakers, Wizards, and Hawks.

4. Utah Jazz (9-4, 93, +4): Utah has been a pleasant surprise so far this year as Donovan Mitchell has caught fire recently after a subpar start to the year. Meanwhile, Mike Conley (17.1 points, 43.4% 3PFG) has returned to previous form, which has really helped them play at a more consistent level. The Jazz, led by an elite defense, have defeated the Clippers (106-100), Bucks (131-118), and Nuggets (109-105), all while allowing just 105.6 points allowed per game.

5. Philadelphia 76ers (9-5, 90, -2): The 76ers only played two games last week, a win over Miami before losing to Memphis, as their game against Oklahoma City was postponed on Sunday night, according to ESPN. When they’ve been intact, Philadelphia has looked improved, taking down the Magic (116-92), Hornets (127–112), and Heat (125-108), who are expected to compete for playoff spots. Doubleheaders with the Celtics and Pistons are looming beginning on Wednesday and Saturday.

Other Playoff Teams:

6. Pacers (8-5, 89, +0)

7. Celtics (8-4, 88, -5)

8. Suns (7-4, 86, -4)

9. Nets (8-6, 84, +4)

10. Trail Blazers (8-5, 83, +2)

11. Mavericks (6-6, 78, -1)

12. Spurs (7-6, 78, +5)

13. Warriors (6-6, 75, -4)

14. Magic (6-7, 71, -3)

15. Cavaliers (6-7, 70, +6)

16. Hornets (6-8, 70, +2)

Rest of the League:

17. Nuggets (6-7, 68, -2)

18. Grizzlies (6-6, 68, +8)

19. Thunder (6-6, 66, +0)

20. Knicks (6-8, 65, -4)

21. Hawks (5-7, 59, -1)

22. Pelicans (5-7, 57, +1)

23. Bulls (5-8, 57, +2)

24. Heat (4-7, 53, -10)

25. Kings (5-9, 52, -3)

26. Raptors (4-8, 51, +3)

27. Rockets (4-7, 50, -3)

28. Wizards (3-8, 46, +0)

29. Timberwolves (3-8, 44, -2)

30. Pistons (3-9, 42, +0)

MVP Rankings:

1. LeBron James (Lakers, +0)

2. Joel Embiid (76ers, +2)

3. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets, +0)

Defensive Player of the Year:

1. Myles Turner (Pacers, +1)

2. Anthony Davis (Lakers, -1)

3. Rudy Gobert (Jazz, +0)

Rookie of the Year:

1. LaMelo Ball (Hornets, +0)

2. Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves, +1)

3. James Wiseman (Warriors, -1)

Most Improved Player:

1. Julius Randle (Knicks, +0)

2. Jaylen Brown (Celtics, +1)

3. Jerami Grant (Pistons, +1)

Sixth Man of the Year:

1. Jordan Clarkson (Jazz, +0)

2. Montrezl Harrell (Lakers, +1)

3. Shake Milton (76ers, -1)

Photo Credit: People.