NBA Power Rankings: Brooklyn Nets take No. 1 spot as Miami Heat return to the top 10

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving

#7 LA Clippers

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LA Clippers center Serge Ibaka
LA Clippers center Serge Ibaka

2020-21 record: 25-15.

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Upcoming fixtures: DAL, DAL, CHA.

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Previous NBA Power Ranking: 6th (1).

The LA Clippers fall again in our NBA power rankings this week after a blowout loss against the New Orleans Pelicans brought to light their recent inconsistencies. With only four wins in their last ten, Kawhi Leonard voiced his concerns after the game on Sunday and is clearly worried about his side's championship hopes, given their form.

Without Patrick Beverley and with Serge Ibaka leaving the court with back tightness against New Orleans, Clippers fans will be looking to the squad's depth to really step up in a tough double-header against the Dallas Mavericks this week.

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#6 Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks leader Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks leader Giannis Antetokounmpo

2020-21 record: 24-14.

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Upcoming fixtures: WAS, PHI, SAS.

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 7th (1).

Giannis Antetokounmpo became the first player in Milwaukee Bucks' history since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to register back-to-back triple-doubles, when the Greek Freak did so against the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards in back-to-back games.

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Winning eight of their past ten games, the Milwaukee Bucks boast the league's fourth-best offense but have also managed to lock-in defensively.

After being among the NBA's best on the defensive end over the past couple of seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks started this campaign unusually sloppily. They now sit in the top-10 in offensive rebounds, field-goals allowed and steals. However, they could push both the Nets and 76ers all the way for the top spot in the East.

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#5 LA Lakers

LeBron James has led the LA Lakers without Anthony Davis.
LeBron James has led the LA Lakers without Anthony Davis.

2020-21 record: 25-13.

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Upcoming fixtures: GSW, MIN, CHA, ATL, PHO.

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 5th (-).

The LA Lakers played just once this week, prevailing over the Indiana Pacers. Still, without Anthony Davis, the reigning champions have relied on their entire roster to do the job.

Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrel produced stellar performances, combining for 41 points on Friday. But five fixtures in a week could put a strain on the league's best offense, particularly against the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns.

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#4 Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is expected to be out for two weeks.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is expected to be out for two weeks.

2020-21 record: 27-12.

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Upcoming fixtures: NYK, MIL, SAC, NYK.

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 3rd (1).

Joel Embiid's injury means the Philadelphia 76ers don't quite land where many would have expected as the East's best team in our NBA power rankings.

Although it will only be for two weeks, tough games against the Knicks and Bucks this week could highlight the Philadelphia 76ers' frailties without their star man.

Playing eight opponents in their next nine, who have winning records, could be an almighty task for the Philadelphia 76ers without the Cameroonian. However, Doc Rivers' side are 3-1 in their last four games without Embiid, and they boast the league's second-best defense.

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Bhargav
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