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

#3 Philadelphia 76ers

Tobias Harris has been on fire with Embiid sidelined

2020-21 record: 30-13

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

Previous NBA Power Rankings: 4th (↑1)

Without Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers have held onto the top seed in the East and are 4-1 in his absence. It did mean that Philly fell to the Bucks this week but that was to be expected without their MVP candidate.

Tobias Harris has stepped up on both ends of the floor in Embiid's absence, averaging 20.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the last 15 games in which Philly went 12-3. Daryl Morey may still be toying with potential trade ideas, however the 76ers are still proving to be the team to beat in the East.

#2 Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been on a tear recently

2020-21 record: 27-14

Upcoming fixtures: IND, BOS, BOS, NYK

Previous NBA Power Rankings: 6th (↑4)

Who else can save the Milwaukee Bucks against the offensive might of Brooklyn and Joel Embiid's 76ers in the playoffs? Giannis Antetokounmpo. And even without the Greek for Monday's clash with Indiana, Milwaukee are expected to extend their winning streak.

Giannis Antetokounmpo last night:✅ 26 PTS✅ 8 REB✅ 15 ASTAntetokounmpo's 15 assists matched his career high. He is the only non-guard in @Bucks history to record at least 15 assists in a game. pic.twitter.com/GFILWmKABc

— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) March 21, 2021

The 2-time MVP has been electric over the last 12 games in which Milwaukee are 11-1. Averaging 31.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists, he has led the Bucks in wins over the Clippers, 76ers and Pelicans. A 4-game home-stead against teams flirting with a .500 record this season faces Milwaukee who will be looking to extend their stellar home tally of 16 wins from 21 matchups.

#1 Brooklyn Nets

James Harden will be leading the Brooklyn Nets without Irving

2020-21 record: 29-14

Upcoming fixtures: @POR, @UTA, @DET

Previous NBA Power Rankings: 1st (-)

Brooklyn embark on their 3-game road trip without Kyrie Irving and will be looking at Landry Shamet and Tyler Johnson to fill in alongside superstar James Harden. 'The Beard' has been the Nets' most consistent scorer since joining the franchise and is averaging close to a triple-double in their last 17 games.

In what will be a tough week against two of the league's elite sides, Harden may have to return to high-attempts, high-scoring mode and carry the Nets. He will have help from Joe Harris, who is shooting at close to 50% from downtown in that same 17.