NBA Power Rankings: Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets remain prolific while Boston Celtics return after winning run 

#7 Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks v Utah Jazz

2020-21 record: 22-14

Upcoming fixtures: NYK, @WAS

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 6th (↓1)

The Milwaukee Bucks remain in a good place, despite their record. Giannis Antetokounmpo is yet again playing at his usual level and took home the All-Star MVP trophy on Sunday. Prior to the midseason break, the Bucks had won 6 of their previous 7 matches though were battered by the Nuggets.

Coach Mike Budenholzer's side will want to find their best rhythm before the playoffs with a return to defensive efficiency high on the agenda. While their defense ranks outside the league's top ten, their offense has been prolific, averaging 118.5 points per win in their recent run.

#6 LA Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard

2020-21 record: 24-14

Upcoming fixtures: GSW, @NOP

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 3rd (↓3)

The Clippers slipped to 6th in our power rankings after losses to the Bucks, Washington Wizards and Celtics. While Ty Lue's side has been devastating on offense, averaging 116 points a night, the Clippers defense is well off the pace for a team containing Pat Bev, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

With their All-Stars fit, the Clippers will find consistency. However, they may use the market to bring in additional scoring options for clutch time plays.

2021 #NBAAllStar Paul George (@Yg_Trece) of #TeamLeBron in action for the @LAClippers!All of All-Star in One Night, Sunday, TNT:- 5 PM ET: NBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax- 6:30 PM ET: #TacoBellSkills & #MtnDew3PT- 8 PM ET: 70th NBA All-Star Game- Halftime: #ATTSlamDunk pic.twitter.com/HlDf3bbF49

— NBA (@NBA) March 7, 2021

#5 LA Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled recently without Anthony Davis

2020-21 record: 24-13

Upcoming fixtures: GSW, @NOP

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 4th (↓1)

Although the Lakers came into the All-Star break third in the West, their position paints over a number of cracks in the reigning champions' title defense. GM Rob Pelinka will desperately be looking to bring in some size and wing scoring from the league's buyout market, with the Lakers learning tough lessons in Anthony Davis' absence.

Without their power forward, the Lakers have fallen to 17th in the league for most points allowed in the paint. Despite this, teams have been frustrated when playing LeBron James and co. as the MVP hopeful leads his side to a league-low 103.7 points conceded per night. Fans will have a much better idea of the Lakers' championship hopes in the second half of the season, where James may be afforded more rest.

#4 Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns bench celebrates win over Lakers

2020-21 record: 24-11

Upcoming fixtures: @POR, IND

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 5th (↑1)

After a rocky start, the Phoenix Suns are where many expected them to be prior to the season. After four wins in a row and right in ten matches, the Suns are flying high. They are second in the West and boast a top-7 offensive and defensive rating.

Akin to the Jazz, the Suns have quality and toughness throughout the starting 5 with the added flair of Chris Paul and Devin Booker leading the team. Mikal Bridges has upped his offensive output, averaging 13.7 points a night while Jae Crowder is looking like an offseason coup by the Suns back office. Winning 16 from 19 matchups, the only way is up for Phoenix. With two All-Stars they will most certainly be in Championship contention.

"He's not a secret anymore... one of the best up-and-coming two-way players in the @NBA right now."Last night, @SkyDigg4 broke down @mikal_bridges' skillset and what he brings to the @Suns. pic.twitter.com/Kfn0w0muBQ

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) March 5, 2021