NBA Power Rankings: Golden State soar while Lakers dip

LaMelo Ball Charlotte Hornets and Paul George, LA Clippers (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LaMelo Ball Charlotte Hornets and Paul George, LA Clippers (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

NBA Power Rankings Tier 1: Contenders

77. . (10-7). Previous: . Los Angeles Clippers. 7. team

The Clippers have to feel satisfied with how things are starting to come along lately. Their 7-3 in their last 10 games and Paul George is looking like an All-NBA player. Even without Kawhi Leonard, this is a good team who has the capabilities to make a deep run in this year’s playoff, just like they did last year.

110. . (11-6). Previous: . Miami Heat. 6. team

The Miami Heat splashed in the offseason, bringing in Kyle Lowry and PJ Tucker in hopes of making a push for the Championship and it looks like they’ll be in a position to do just that. Tyler Herro has also taken a nice jump and will be in the conversation for the most improved player award if he stays on his current course.

. (12-5). Previous: . Chicago Bulls. 5. team. 24

The Bulls are very good and very fun. DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine are playing some of the best basketball of their careers while Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, and Nikola Vucevic make up the rest of a very solid starting five. Right now, the Bulls are producing must-see basketball and will be a team to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season.

team. 118. . (11-5). Previous: . Utah Jazz. 4

The Utah Jazz are still one of the five best teams in the NBA. The question for them that remains is whether or not they can get over the hump in the postseason. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are superstars and the cast around them is more than capable.

Previous: . Brooklyn Nets. 3. team. 147. . (12-5)

The Nets have Kevin Durant. As long as that is the case they’ll be at the top of the league. With as much negative chatter surrounding this team, you would think their record would be worse than it is. They’re still winning games and are 8-2 in their last 10. If this team is healthy in the postseason, they’re sure to be the favorites coming out of the East.

66. . (13-3). Previous: . Phoenix Suns. 2. team

Winners of 12 straight games, the Suns are the hottest team in the NBA. They currently look unbeatable and would top this ranking if it weren’t for another team who also looks unbeatable. This team is flying and Chris Paul and Devin Booker are looking to prove to everyone that last year’s final appearance wasn’t a fluke.

(15-2). Previous: . Golden State Warriors. 1. team. 41.

The Golden State Warriors top this power ranking after an incredible start to the season. They currently have the best record in the NBA and if the season ended today, there’s a strong chance Stephen Curry would add another MVP award to his trophy case. Klay Thompson is yet to return to the fold and that should add even more offensive firepower. The Warriors’ depth is playing very well and this team can be very dangerous once they get to the postseason.

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