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The NBA Power Rankings are beginning to show some form of consistency as the league enters its eighth week. The league continues to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, with players and teams subsequently affected every week. However, we are now seeing the best sides rise to the top and detach themselves from the chasing pack.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks appear to have found their stride, while fellow MVP candidate LeBron James continues to defy his age after leading the Lakers on a four-game win streak.
NBA Power Rankings 2020-21: Top 10 solidifies as league enters week eight
After continuous movement in our NBA Power Rankings throughout the opening two months of the season, the league's top 10 sides remain the same with no new entrants.
Let's have a look at where their form has landed them in this week's NBA Power Rankings.
#10 San Antonio Spurs
2020-21 record: 13-10
Upcoming fixtures: GSW, GSW, @ATL, @CHA
Previous Top 10 ranking: 10th (-)
The Spurs have found their defensive edge in the last two games, narrowly beating the Timberwolves at home and the Rockets on the road. They have therefore kept their place in our NBA Power Rankings.
LaMarcus Aldridge will be out for some time with a hip injury; however, his replacement, Jakob Poeltl, has provided San Antonio with superior defense than the veteran center.
DeRozan shone in Houston with a box score of 30-7-8 and is averaging a career-high in assists. Without Aldridge on the court, the offense is run more consistently through the superstar forward, leading to San Antonio's more efficient scoring.
#9 Boston Celtics
2020-21 record: 12-10
Upcoming fixtures: @UTAH, TOR, DET, @WAS
Previous Top 10 ranking: 8th (↓1)
Facing an array of injury woes and links to trades throughout this season, the Boston Celtics are yet to hit their groove on either end of the floor. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are playing at an All-Star level.
However, the Celtics look likely to struggle again in the playoffs, should they not bolster their starting 5 with a superior big man.
The Celtics had a mixed week with narrow victories over the Clippers and Warriors but have won only twice in their past six matchups. They linger in our NBA Power Rankings ahead of a tough fixture against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, with impending importance placed on Brown and Smart's fitness for this game.
#8 Denver Nuggets
2020-21 record: 12-10
Upcoming fixtures: MIL, CLE, OKC, LAL
Previous Top 10 ranking: 6th (↓2)
Nikola Jokic's MVP performances are currently being wasted, as the Denver Nuggets slipped to eighth in our NBA Power Rankings. The Serbian put up a dominating 50 points and 12 assists against Sacramento; however, without Jamal Murray or Gary Harris, the Nuggets fell to their fourth loss in the last 10.
This week could prove pivotal in gauging the Nuggets' playoff potential. The Nuggets could subsequently move up in the NBA Power Rankings, as they face Giannis' rising Bucks and the Lakers at home.
#7 Phoenix Suns
2020-21 record: 13-9
Upcoming fixtures: CLE, MIL, PHI, ORL
Previous Top 10 ranking: 9th (↑2)
One of the most hyped teams in the lead up to the season, the Phoenix Suns' deeply talented roster look to have found their footing and are firmly placed in the West's playoff berths. Phoenix continue to rise up in our NBA Power Rankings and are set to face Milwaukee and Philadelphia in a five-game home stint.
The Suns have shown they have more in their arsenal than just their superstar guard pairing of Chris Paul and Devin Booker. This has been instrumental in their rise in our NBA Power Rankings. Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson combined for 36 points, while Deandre Ayton secured another double-double to help the Suns beat Boston on Sunday.
#6 Brooklyn Nets
2020-21 record: 14-11
Upcoming fixtures: @DET, IND, @GS
Previous Top 10 ranking: 5th (↓1)
Brooklyn are still trying to find the consistency needed to become serious championship contenders come the end of the season. After an impressive four-point victory over the Clippers in which the Nets' big three came up clutch, Kevin Durant faced the league's farcical health and safety protocols against Toronto.
Brooklyn went on to lose the game narrowly after KD's withdrawal, before being dominated by the 76ers. Brooklyn fell just outside the top half of our NBA Power Rankings, although they still possess the most-feared offense in the league.
#5 Milwaukee Bucks
2020-21 record: 15-8
Upcoming fixtures: @DEN, @PHX, @UTAH, @OKC
Previous Top 10 ranking: 7th (↑2)
Milwaukee found their rhythm this week, notching up four 20+ point wins after being embarrassed by Charlotte last weekend. This has lifted their offense to being the joint-best - something their preseason moves were aiming to aid.
Facing three of the West's best this week will be the real eye-test for Milwaukee Bucks fans, as Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to battle Nikola Jokic in the MVP standings.
#4 Utah Jazz
2020-21 record: 19-5
Upcoming fixtures: BOS, MIL, MIA
Previous Top 10 ranking: 4th (-)
Utah continues to hold the league's best record but still remain fourth in our NBA Power Rankings. The Jazz tore through their four opponents this week and continue to boast a top-five offense and defense. However, their impending fixtures will surely determine their title credentials.
Bojan Bogdanovic has emerged as another lethal offensive weapon at the Jazz's disposal. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson continues to lead the running for Sixth Man of the Year.
#3 LA Clippers
2020-21 record: 17-8
Upcoming fixtures: @MIN, @CHI, CLE
Previous Top 10 ranking: 1st (↓2)
The LA Clippers have fallen off our No.1 spot in the NBA Power Rankings after a painful week. Coach Ty Lue's side lost narrowly to the Nets, Celtics and Kings, learning how important Paul George's excellence really is in the process.
George missed the two losses against Boston and Sacramento after putting up 36 points and 6 assists in Cleveland. The Clippers need their shooting guard and defensive leader Patrick Beverley back as soon as possible.
#2 Philadelphia 76ers
2020-21 record: 17-7
Upcoming fixtures: @SAC, @POR, @PHX
Previous Top 10 ranking: 2nd (-)
Facing two undermanned sides this week, the current Eastern Conference leaders made up for their mistakes against Portland to comfortably knock off Brooklyn. Ben Simmons returned after missing the loss against the Trail Blazers, putting up 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Philadelphia 76ers still have one of the best defenses in the league (fourth-best). They are also getting the best out of Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris. Harris, who has reunited with former coach Doc Rivers, is averaging career-high points and field-goal percentage.
#1 LA Lakers
2020-21 record: 18-6
Upcoming fixtures: OKC, OKC, MEM, @DEN
Previous Top 10 ranking: 3rd (↑2)
It was inevitable that the reigning champions would bounce back and return to their throne atop our NBA power rankings after their dismal showing last week. LeBron James' MVP stock sky-rocketed this week after recording a triple-double against Denver, while Jokic was limited to 13 points by the Lakers defense.
The franchise's investment in their roster's improvement is showing its worth. Kyle Kuzma is playing some of the best basketball of his career off the bench, with the pressure to perform off his shoulders. Meanwhile, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol are providing the interior defense that was, at times, missing for the Lakers last season.
