NBA Power Rankings: LA Lakers return to the top with Milwaukee Bucks gathering momentum after recording 4 straight wins

#6 Brooklyn Nets

James Harden warms up vs. the LA Clippers.

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.

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#5 Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo goes in for the dunk.

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.

RT to vote @Giannis_An34 for #NBAAllStarLast week by the numbers:4-0 | 24 PPG | 10 RPG | 6 APG | 1.5 BPG

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 7, 2021

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.

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#4 Utah Jazz

Forward Royce O'Neale warms up for the 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.

🕷️ @spidadmitchell's near triple-double propels the @utahjazz to their 15th win in the last 16 games! #TakeNote 27 PTS | 9 REB | 11 ASTpic.twitter.com/bFSdieCKBd

— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2021

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.

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#3 LA Clippers

Kawhi Leonard battles against Kyrie Irving.

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.