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Following another week of enthralling action, we are back with the latest round of NBA Power Rankings. The Los Angeles teams have been the talk of the town lately, and they continue to be at the summit of the rankings. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are the top-ranked team from the East, following their 4 game-winning run.
NBA Power Rankings 2020-21: Reviewing the top ten ahead of Week 5
Going into Week 5 of the 2020-21 NBA season, the big picture is becoming clearer, as the playoff hopefuls are beginning to fall behind the title challengers. As a result, there is some movement in our latest NBA Power Rankings, at the end of the first month of the season.
#10 Indiana Pacers
2020-21 record: 8-5
Upcoming fixtures: Dallas Mavericks (home), Orlando Magic (home), Toronto Raptors (home)
Previous Top-10 ranking: 8th (↓2)
The Indiana Pacers take the 10th spot in this week's NBA Power Rankings. The Pacers, despite not having a superstar on their roster, have impressed in Week 4 of the season.
Apart from the recent loss against LA Clippers, the Pacers have managed to get wins against Western Conference playoff hopefuls including the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers, which is enough for them to make our list.
#9 Portland Trail Blazers
2020-21 record: 8-5
Upcoming fixtures: San Antonio Spurs (home), Memphis Grizzlies (home), Memphis Grizzlies (home)
Previous Top-10 ranking: N/A
The Portland Trail Blazers debut in this week's NBA Power Rankings, following a week that saw them win three games and lose once. The Blazers were able to string three consecutive victories against the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors.
However, the following week will be a bigger test for Damian Lillard and co., as they will be missing CJ McCollum due to an ankle injury.
The Blazers had arguably the best offseason of any team this time around, and are gunning for the title. Portland are currently 5th in the West and will need to continue to climb the standings to secure home court in the postseason.
#8 Brooklyn Nets
2020-21 record: 8-6
Upcoming fixtures: Milwaukee Bucks (home), Cleveland Cavaliers (away), Cleveland Cavaliers (away)
Previous Top-10 ranking: N/A
The Brooklyn Nets have displaced the Dallas Mavericks in this week's NBA Power Rankings after their stellar week which saw them acquire the 2018 MVP, James Harden. They also played four games in Week 4, winning three of their fixtures.
Meanwhile, James Harden had an incredible game against the Orlando Magic on his Nets debut, as he finished the game with a triple-double.
The Brooklyn Nets are also set to welcome back Kyrie Irving, which will allow them to field a lineup consisting of Irving, Harden and Kevin Durant.
#7 Phoenix Suns
2020-21 record: 7-4
Upcoming fixtures: Memphis Grizzlies (away), Houston Rockets (away), Denver Nuggets (home)
Previous Top-10 ranking: 4th (↓3)
The Phoenix Suns have seen their last three games postponed, but their impressive record and is enough for them to remain in the NBA Power Rankings.
They currently have one of the most in-form backcourts in the league in Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The duo, along with some good coaching by Monty Williams, has led the Suns to the 4th spot in the Western Conference.
#6 Philadelphia 76ers
2020-21 record: 9-5
Upcoming fixtures: Boston Celtics (home), Boston Celtics (home), Detroit Pistons (away)
Previous Top-10 ranking: 5th (↓1)
The Philadelphia 76ers are down one spot from the previous week, in our NBA Power Rankings. It is incredible that the 76ers have managed to maintain a 9-5 record, as they faced a squad management crisis last week due to multiple key players being ruled out due to health and safety reasons.
Their last game against OKC Thunder was postponed and Doc Rivers' men will now take on fierce rivals Boston Celtics on Jan 20 in a blockbuster Eastern Conference clash.
#5 Boston Celtics
2020-21 record: 8-4
Upcoming fixtures: Philadelphia 76ers (away), Philadelphia 76ers (away), Cleveland Cavaliers (home)
Previous Top-10 ranking: 6th (↑1)
Despite an embarrassing loss at the hands of New York Knicks, the Celtics climb up a spot in this week's NBA Power Rankings. The main reasons behind their rise are their fantastic 8-4 record, and their win against the Orlando Magic despite having just eight players available for the game.
The Boston Celtics had most of their stars out last week, and the roster displayed its resilience. The 17-time champions take on Sixers next and will have a much more respectable roster to work with.
#4 Utah Jazz
2020-21 record: 9-4
Upcoming fixtures: New Orleans Pelicans (home), New Orleans Pelicans (home), Golden State Warriors (home)
Previous Top-10 ranking: 9th (↑5)
The Utah Jazz have taken the NBA by surprise this season and are sitting on a 9-4 record, which is good for 3rd in the Western Conference, only behind the LA teams.
They take the 4th spot in this week's NBA Power Rankings, following a streak of 5 straight wins. This includes wins over title contenders, the Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers, which prove the Utah Jazz are not flat-track bullies.
The Jazz take on the New Orleans Pelicans next, and will be firm favorites going into the game.
#3 Milwaukee Bucks
2020-21 record: 9-4
Upcoming Fixtures: Brooklyn Nets (away), LA Lakers (home), Washington Wizards (home)
Previous Top-10 ranking: 3rd (↑1)
The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the main contenders to win the 2021 NBA Championship, and their recent performances indicate are indicative of the fact. The Bucks currently have a 9-4 record, which has them perched on the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
They are 3rd in this week's NBA Power Rankings, thanks to a 4-game winning streak that saw them obliterate opposition on both ends of the floor.
#2 LA Clippers
2020-21 record: 10-4
Upcoming fixtures: Sacramento Kings (Home), OKC Thunder (home), OKC Thunder (home)
Previous Top-10 ranking: 2nd (-)
Following a slow start, the LA Clippers have rallied in recent weeks, and have managed to string together a 4-game winning run. They retain their second place from last week's NBA Power Rankings, which may improve next week seeing their relatively easy schedule for next week.
The Clippers are enjoying the benefits of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard's superb form. The duo was criticized for the dismal performance in last season's campaign and have bounced back in incredible fashion, leading the Clippers to a 10-4 record.
#1 LA Lakers
2020-21 record: 11-3
Upcoming fixtures: Golden State Warriors (Home), Milwaukee Bucks (Away), Chicago Bulls (Away)
Previous top-10 ranking: 1st (-)
The LA Lakers remain first in the NBA Power Rankings, thanks to a league-best 11-3 record. The reigning champions are riding on the back of their star duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James and have managed to win their last 5 matches.
The LA Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors next, and will be looking to make a statement against the Western Conference playoff hopefuls.
Guess the Lakers players!
