NBA Power Rankings: Eastern Conference sides dominate as LA Lakers fall with LeBron James sidelined

#7 Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers leaders Damian Lillard and Carmelo Anthony

2020-21 record: 25-17

Upcoming fixtures: BRK, @MIA, @ORL, @TOR

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 10th (↑3)

Portland will be looking to take advantage of an Irving-less Brooklyn before embarking on their 4-game road trip. The Trail Blazers saw off the Pelicans twice this week before trading games with Dallas.

Damian Lillard has 71 points in 5 quarters vs. the Pelicans:◻️ 50 PTS on Tuesday◻️ 21 PTS in the 1st quarter on Thursday🎥: @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/gWbutXkNUF
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 19, 2021

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CJ McCollum has returned to the Portland backcourt to join his elite scoring buddy Damian Lillard, who drained a 50-point piece over New Orleans. Lillard has been dealing with some knee soreness which fans will hope dissipates as they look to continue their surge up the Western standings.

#6 LA Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers leader Kawhi Leonard

2020-21 record: 27-16

Upcoming fixtures: ATL, @SAS, @SAS, PHI

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 7th (↑1)

Ty Lue's team still lack the consistency that would make them genuine title contenders come the postseason. Patrick Beverley is out injured again with Reggie Jackson taking his place, while Lue has also brought in Morris Sr. to the Clippers starting 5 in place of Nicolas Batum.

The Clippers traded wins with the Mavs this week before blowing out the Hornets on home court, where they are particularly strong, 14-6. Two road games in San Antonio face the Clippers this week, who are 13-10 away before hosting the 76ers in what will be a sterner test of where Kawhi Leonard can take his side.

#5 Phoenix Suns

2020-21 record: 28-13

Upcoming fixtures: @MIA, @ORL, @TOR, @CHA

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 3rd (↓2)

This has been less of a fall, rather more of the same from the Phoenix Suns with those in the East looking stronger. It was a relatively easy week for the West's second-best side, topped off by an expected win over the LeBron-less Lakers. A rare loss to the Timberwolves has caused them to fall in our rankings, ultimately, however there is no denying that the Suns are deep and will cause problems across the court come the playoffs.

#4 Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz have faltered recently but still have the league's best record

2020-21 record: 30-11

Upcoming fixtures: @CHI, BRK, MEM, MEM

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 2nd (↓2)

Going 6-6 in their last 12 matchups is a far cry from running up a 24-5 record prior. Gobert recently alluded to the fact that his side feel like they can coast games at times, which is a trait Snyder will need to eradicate prior to the playoffs.

Regardless, the Jazz are still the NBA's 'best' side and have an incredibly deep roster with some of the best shooters in the league. Rotation forward Joe Ingles is averaging a true shooting percentage of 81.6% through their last 12 games as those around him have faltered off the pace.