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#8 Indiana Pacers
2020-21 record: 6-3
Upcoming fixtures: Sacramento (away), Golden State (away), Portland (away), Phoenix (away), LA Clippers (away)
Previous top-10 ranking: 9th (↑1)
The Indiana Pacers have a tough week ahead of them on the road, facing 4 of the West's top-8 sides. Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon continue to shine and are having career years so far.
Many predicted that the Pacers could cause real problems at the top of the East this season, should they stay fit. Up until now, that prediction is bearing true with the Pacers' solidity on both ends of the floor.
#7 Golden State Warriors
2020-21 record: 6-4
Upcoming fixtures: Indiana (home), Denver (away), Phoenix (away)
Previous top-10 ranking: N/A
One of the most exciting franchises of the past decade look to be providing the entertainment their fans have been craving for so long. After a shaky start, the Warriors won 3 of 4 games this week, topped-off by wins at home to the Clippers and Raptors.
Steph Curry is back to his best and although he shot 2 for 16 on Sunday against Toronto, the Warriors still won - a testament to their strength in depth. Draymond Green's return to the floor has had an instant effect and rookie James Wiseman continues to impress, averaging 10.5 points and 1.5 blocks per game.
#6 Boston Celtics
2020-21 record: 7-3
Upcoming fixtures: Chicago (away), Orlando (home), Orlando (home), New York (home)
Previous top-10 ranking: 10th (↑4)
The Boston Celtics are one of the hottest teams in the league at the moment, though they sit 6th in our NBA Power Rankings due to ending the week on an uncertain note. Half of the Celtics roster will be sidelined due to injury or COVID-19 protocols and it is unclear when the franchise will have a full-strength squad again.
Despite their ill-luck, Boston have won 6 of their last 7 including wins on the road in Toronto and Miami. Tatum and Brown are continuing their development, the prior of which is averaging 26.9 points and 7.1 rebounds.
#5 Philadelphia 76ers
2020-21 record: 7-3
Upcoming fixtures: Atlanta (away), Miami (home), Miami (home), Memphis (away), Oklahoma (away)
Previous top-10 ranking: 3rd (↓2)
Another team hampered by the NBA's health and safety protocols, the Philadelphia 76ers still remain top of the East with the second-best defensive rating in the league. Joel Embiid is expected to return Monday night to face a Hawks side who have lost their way this week.
Meanwhile, Seth Curry is proving to be the consistent scorer Daryl Morey brought him in to be, averaging 18 points and 59.5% from the 3-point line.
Guess the Lakers players!
