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#4 Phoenix Suns
2020-21 record: 7-3
Upcoming fixtures: Washington (away), Atlanta (home), Golden State (home), Indiana (home)
Previous top-10 ranking: 6th (↑2)
Not only do the Phoenix Suns have one of the best records in the league, but they have also locked-in on defense and are currently the 5th meanest in the NBA. Their resident floor general, Chris Paul, is averaging 8.5 assists which places him among the top-5 playmakers. Meanwhile, Small Forward Mikal Bridges appears to be the next bright, young talent to emerge from Phoenix.
Bridges is averaging 15.2 points and could be an early candidate for Most Improved Player come the end of the season.
#3 Milwaukee Bucks
2020-21 record: 6-4
Upcoming fixtures: Orlando (away), Detroit (away), Dallas (home)
Previous top-10 ranking: 4th (↑1)
Milwaukee won 3 of their 4 matchups this week, despite falling to the Jazz on the road. Still, the Bucks remain one of the most dominant sides in the league and, in each of their wins this season, have finished 10 points or more ahead of their opponent.
Coach Budenholzer will still be demanding more output from the Bucks' surrounding pieces to aid Giannis Antetkounmpo if they are to avoid another early playoff exit this year. The Greek reigning-MVP is currently averaging 27.1 points and 10.6 rebounds.
#2 LA Clippers
2020-21 record: 7-4
Upcoming fixtures: New Orleans (home), Sacramento (away), Indiana (home)
Previous top-10 ranking: 2nd (-)
Though at full-strength, the Clippers are as yet to convincingly display that they have the ability to win an NBA Championship. Ty Lue's side threw away a 22-point second half lead against the Golden State Warriors this week and have struggled to defend against opponent's sharpshooters beyond the arc.
Despite this, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are playing well together alongside a stronger supporting unit. The Clippers will consistently remain at the top of our NBA Power Rankings though will need to shake off the demons of their playoff past by putting inferior teams to bed sooner.
#1 LA Lakers
2020-21 record: 8-3
Upcoming fixtures: Houston (away), Oklahoma (away), New Orleans (home)
Previous top-10 ranking: 1st (-)
The LA Lakers had an eventful 3rd week of the season. After winning narrowly against the Grizzlies and Bulls, their defense, publicly criticized by Anthony Davis after the game, was not enough to hold off the San Antonio Spurs. Prompted by the forward's comments, the Lakers ran out comfortable victors on the road, in Houston, to cap off the week.
Understandably, the Lakers are still favorites considering their depth and consistency. Though their new acquisitions haven't quite been firing hot as of yet, coach Vogel will be content in the knowledge that his offense's output is spread throughout the squad. The likes of Talen Horton-Tucker have also been stepping up off the bench.
