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

#3 Philadelphia 76ers

2020-21 record: 24-12

Upcoming fixtures: @CHI, @WAS, SAS

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Previous NBA Power Ranking: 6th (↑3)

Boasting of the best record in the East, the Philadelphia 76ers look like the best challenge to the Brooklyn Nets in the postseason. Joel Embiid has been a monster in the paint this season, already putting up four 40+ point games. Ben Simmons is proving he can guard anybody 1 through 5 in the playoffs while Tobias Harris is the third scorer with over 20 points a night.

Not only has Simmons been solid on defense, his recent 42 point performance in the absence of Embiid against the Jazz showed his aggressive side on offense. With more consistency from Simmons, Philly may yet get out of the East and into the NBA Finals.

#2 Brooklyn Nets

2020-21 record: 24-13

Upcoming fixtures: BOS, DET

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 2nd (-)

Analysts are beginning to run out of superlatives to describe the Brooklyn Nets offense. Without Kyrie, the Nets fell to the Mavs before knocking off the Spurs and dominating James Harden's former side in Houston. Hardeb has been in electric form with his new team and with KD sidelined, he has taken up additional offensive responsibilities.

With the addition of Blake Griffin, even with Brooklyn's defensive issues, it is hard to see who will be able to stop this juggernaut.

For the 1st time this season, the Brooklyn Nets are favorites to win the NBA Championship pic.twitter.com/F4XyHBRvU3
— BetOnline.ag (@betonline_ag) March 8, 2021

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#1 Utah Jazz

2020-21 record: 27-9

Upcoming fixtures: HOU, @GSW

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 1st (-)

Although the Jazz entered the All-Star break having lost four of their past seven games, they still have the league's best all-round team, which has been reflected in their record. An NBA-high point-differential of +8.8 per game is testament to Utah's effectiveness on both ends of the floor as the only side to rank inside the top-5 offense and defensive units.

Sitting two and a half games ahead makes them prime favorites to win the conference, particularly if they continue to remain injury-free.

About the author

There are few sports that can draw out the levels of excitement and, conversely, trepidation that Basketball brings and no matter who you support watching a game-winning three or a chase-down block will undoubtedly cause a release of raw emotion. Since the start of my all-consuming passion for Basketball almost 10 years ago, I have inhaled news coverage and video footage surrounding the sport. I was drawn in initially by the L.A. Clippers’ ‘Lob City’ team and with the uniqueness of daily highlights and analysis to watch, it is impossible to not be enthralled.

I am a Basketball journalist and I hope through the most up to date and exciting news, trade rumours and game reviews of the NBA I will be able to share this passion with you.

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Edited by Prem Deshpande