The NBA Season is now in full swing. Teams have played up to 10 games so far this season, so it's time for the first NBA Power Rankings of the season.
Expect to see NBA Power Rankings weekly as the NBA gets further into its season.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 8-3
The defending champs have been cruising along early on in these regular season games. The additions of Schroder and Harrell in the offseason make this team virtually unstoppable. With LeBron and AD both playing at high levels, it will be very hard for a team to take over the number one spot from LA.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 7-3
Joel Embiid has been magnificent. It is no secret that Joel Embiid is making his case for MVP and even DPOY, but players like Seth Curry, Tyrese Maxey, Dwight Howard and Tobias Harris have been playing at a very high level as well. Ben Simmons on the perimeter makes the 76ers the best defensive team in the league which has a lot to do with their hot start.
3. Boston Celtics
Record: 7-3
As expected, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have to carry a very big load with Kemba still out with a knee injury, and so far they have delivered. We have seen excellent performances from of the two young wing players in Boston. The addition of Payton Pritchard from the draft is proving to be one of the most underrated pickups this offseason. Pritchard has filled in well at the guard position in Walker's absence.
4. Phoenix Suns
Record: 7-3
The backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul hasn't disappointed. Chris Paul limiting turnovers and Devin Booker shooting efficiently is a recipe for success for Phoenix. Mikal Bridges is coming off of a career-high 34, as he builds his case for Most Improved Player.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 7-4
The Clippers are a scary team at full strength. They have major holes in their defense, though. Zach Lavine was allowed to score 45, Patty Mills made eight three pointers and Steph Curry buried nine threes. Once Ty Lue figures out a good defensive system this team is very capable of winning the Western Conference.
6. Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 6-4
Giannis injury concerns may haunt the Bucks this year, but with the Greek Freak on the court, they can do major damage. Milwaukee has been steamrolling opponents so far this year. The addition of Jrue Holiday is seeming to be vital for the Bucks.
7. Indiana Pacers
Record: 6-3
Domantas Sabonis is playing at a peak level. Indiana needs to take advantage of that as they head out west this week. If Malcom Brogdon can keep his level up, the Pacers could make some noise in the East.
8. Golden State Warriors
Record: 6-4
It seems as if the Warriors have gotten over their early woes, so far. Although Steph Curry shot a career low last night, they still found a way to win against the Raps, which is a very good sign. With Wiggins and Oubre upping their level and Draymond in the lineup, they are headed in the right direction.
9. Brooklyn Nets
Record: 5-6
The Nets just need their two stars healthy and on the court together. Unfortunately for the Nets, that hasn't happened too often this season. On the bright side, Caris LeVert has been balling out. With LeVert and Harris bringing that spark, you can expect the Nets to move up in future power rankings.
10. Utah Jazz
Record: 6-4
Utah has been solid so far this year. Donovan Mitchell is starting to heat up after a slow start, Bogdanovic has had scoring outbreaks and Gobert has been a monster defensively.
11. Orlando Magic
Record: 6-4
After a blazing hot start, the Magic have cooled down a bit. Without Issac (and now Fultz) this year is going to be an uphill battle. You can expect Cole Anthony to receive a bulk of minutes at the guard position and Nikola Vecivic needs to put on a show every single night for this team to keep up their pace.
12. Dallas Mavericks
Record: 5-4
Today we learned that Porzingis is now ready for action. This is huge for Dallas. Luka has already been showing out this season and Porzingis just brings another dimension to the team.
13. Miami Heat
Record: 4-4
Miami is starting to recover from a bad start but they are facing Covid protocol challenges. Tyler Herro has picked up some slack, but it's time for Jimmy Butler to take this team over.
14. Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 5-4
Portland came into this season with big expectations. Their defense has been holding them back (especially in the bench unit) but their backcourt has been rolling. If Dame and CJ keep up their level of play, this Portland team will ease its way into the playoffs.
15. Denver Nuggets
Record: 5-5
The Nuggets have tossed a couple of close ones so far this season but are making strides in the Western Conference standings. Jamal Murray has come alive and Jokic is averaging a triple double. Denver has won four of its last five games.
16. San Antonio Spurs
Record: 5-5
Not a lot of people were expecting the Spurs to be a middle of the pack team, but DeMar DeRozen has been on a mission so far this season. Keldon Johnson has also been very good for this team so far.
17. New Orleans Pelicans
Record: 4-5
The Pelicans have been dispoitning this season. After losing a handful of winnable games, they are looking to bounce back this week as they take a trip to the west coast.
18. Houston Rockets
Record: 3-5
Not many people knew what to expect out of this Rockets team this season. After a scorching hot start scoring wise for Harden, he has cooled down a bit. I really liked what I have seen from Christian Wood and John Wall so far this season.
19. Charlotte Hornets
Record: 5-5
I did not expect the Hornets to be a competitive team in the east. With impressive wins agains the Nets and on the road against the Pelicans, they have shown that they are a very capable squad. I would urge them to start LaMelo Ball for even more success.
20. New York Knicks
Record: 5-5
Again, another surprising team has been the New York Knicks. Julius Randle has been on fire this season and RJ Barrett leads the league in minutes per game. Randle's passing ability has been huge for the Knicks so far this season.
21. Atlanta Hawks
Record: 4-5
Atlanta is a team that has dropped a couple of winnable games. Along with Trae Young's very hot games, he has also had some cold outings. This team needs to stay away from injuries as they already have had 4 players miss games this season.
22. Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 5-5
The Cavs are another team that had a red-hot start to the season. Not many people would have expected Cleveland to have a 5-5 record after ten games, but Collin Sexton and Darius Garland have been lights out so far this season.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 5-4
The Thunder looked like a team looking to tank at the beginning of this season, but Shai Gilegous-Alexander has been unguardable so far. I still believe this team is in full on tank mode, but only time will tell.
24. Sacramento Kings
Record: 4-6
The Kings have had some drama off the court this season. Marvin Bagley's dad saying on twitter that he wants his son to be traded has not helped the already bad chemistry issue in Sac Town. On the bright side, Tyrese Haliburton is looking like a stud for the Kings.
25. Toronto Raptors
Record: 2-6
The Raptors have been the most disappointing team so far this season. There is still plenty of time to clean up the mess but they need to see a lot more out of their role players.
26. Chicago Bulls
Record: 4-7
Zach Lavine has been carrying this Bulls team. Although, picking up a few losses, their west coast trip was fairly successful last week.
27. Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 3-6
Not much to say about Memphis other than they need Ja Morant very badly.
28. Detroit Pistons
Record: 2-8
Detroit has two very good wins, but they find a lot of ways to lose games. Jerami Grant has been excellent but they haven't been finding ways to win games.
29. Washington Wizards
Record: 2-8
Today we learned that Westbrook would be out with an injury for at least a week. This is on top of losing Thomas Bryant to an ACL tear earlier this week. It seems no matter what Beal does for this team, they can't win games.
30. Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 3-7
I expect a lot more out of the Timberwolves team now that KAT is back in the lineup. Rebounding has been a major issue without Towns in the lineup. Sophomore player, Culver, is 2nd on the team in total rebounds.
Looking to do some sports betting? Sign up for ThriveFantasy and use promo code BCMG when you do for $20 on your first deposit of $20 or more
Check out Blue Collar Media Groups sponsors such as Loveyco here, Porteo Group here & Cigar Life here!
For more of Graeme's content, check out his Twitter page here!
Follow all of the BCMG Social Media Accounts at the links below!