NBA Power Rankings: Eastern Conference Week 1 - Philadelphia 76ers top the charts as Miami Heat spring a surprise

The 2019-20 NBA season got underway last week and there has been no shortage of storylines during a thrilling first few days of action. While the season is still young, several teams have already impressed, and the Eastern Conference is gearing up to be more competitive than first expected. The Atlanta Hawks have started the season with two wins after finishing the 18-19 campaign with a 29-53 record, while the Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets have also recorded early wins.

Nevertheless, there remains a gulf in class between those in the East, contending for a low-seeded playoff spot and the teams that will be hopeful of reaching the NBA Finals. So, heading into Week 2 of the 2019-20 season, here are the five Eastern Conference teams in the best shape.

#5 Miami Heat - Current Record: 2-1

The Miami Heat have impressed despite the absence of Jimmy Butler

When Jimmy Butler was ruled out of Miami's first three games of the season, it appeared that the four-time All-Star would return to a team with a losing record. Nevertheless, Butler will make his debut for a Heat team that has defied expectations to begin the season with a 2-1 record.

Miami's big win over the Grizzlies on the opening night didn't make much noise around the league, although Saturday's overtime win against the Bucks came courtesy of a noteworthy 21-point second-half comeback. Erik Spoelstra's team fell to a first defeat of the season to the Timberwolves last night, although they head back to Miami with plenty of positives.

Among them are the performances of Kendrick Nunn, who is currently averaging 22.3 points and has set his eyes on becoming an All-Star. Meanwhile, Tyler Herro has struggled with his jump shot - but still looks like a future star at just 19. Ultimately, an excellent week for the Heat, and it will be interesting to see how good they will be with Butler.

#4 Boston Celtics - Current Record: 2-1

The Boston Celtics have won consecutive games

The Boston Celtics' offseason woes were well-documented as the team lost Kyrie Irving and Al Horford while also missing out on a deal for Anthony Davis. However, on the plus side, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have finally been handed the keys to the franchise and the young duo impressed in Week 1.

An opening night loss to the Sixers demonstrated that the Celtics are still some way away from competing for a title, however, they bounced back with an excellent win over the Raptors before blowing away the Knicks in the fourth quarter of an otherwise tight game.

Kemba Walker has also started to find his stride following a poor debut outing, while Gordon Hayward looks primed for a bounceback year.

#3 Toronto Raptors - Current Record: 2-1

The Toronto Raptors will be among the best teams in the East

After losing Kawhi Leonard during the offseason, there were rumors that the Toronto Raptors would hit rebuild mode. Nevertheless, the front office kept faith in the current roster, and the Raptors look to be in good shape following the opening week of the season.

A thrilling opening night overtime win over the Pelicans was followed up by a loss to the Celtics although the Raptors bounced back by crushing the Bulls last night. With Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, and Kyle Lowry all in their 30's, the Raptors needed their younger stars to step up, and Pascal Siakam appears on course for superstardom. As Toronto's first offensive option, he has averaged 28.7 points and 10.7 rebounds, while Fred VanVleet has also shown that his playoff form was no fluke.

Doubts remain over whether the Raptors can contend with the best come the postseason, however, they are well on course to post one of the East's best regular-season records.

#2 Milwaukee Bucks - Current Record: 1-1

The Bucks are hoping to improve upon last seasons Eastern Conference Finals appearance

The Milwaukee Bucks were among the favorites to advance from the East entering the 19-20 season, but have made a stuttering start to the new campaign. They opened with an impressive win over the Houston Rockets - a win which was fueled by no fewer than seven Bucks players contributing double figures - but followed it up with a meltdown loss to the Miami Heat.

The Bucks led by 21 points in the second half, although they eventually went on to lose in overtime to a Miami team that is still without Jimmy Butler. Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out for the second consecutive game, although the 24-year-old has upped his usage rate and is currently averaging a triple-double. Ultimately, the Bucks should be fine, although it remains to be seen if they can make the final step this season.

#1 Philadelphia 76ers - Current Record: 2-0

The Sixers have picked up back-to-back wins

The Philadelphia 76ers are the favorites to emerge from the Eastern Conference, although there is still plenty of debate over whether Brett Brown's team has improved over the offseason. Evidently, we haven't seen enough of the current Sixers roster to end this debate, however, there is no doubting that they are still the team to beat in the East after two games.

The Sixers blew away the Boston Celtics during their first game of the season before following that result up with a win over a Detroit Pistons side that will be in the playoff mix come April. Al Horford has already demonstrated why Philadelphia poached him from the Celtics, while much of the supporting cast remains strong. Joel Embiid should also return from injury this week and it will take a lot for anyone in the East to catch a fully-fit Sixers team.