NBA Power Rankings: Utah Jazz return to top spot while Philadelphia 76ers defense keeps them No.1 in the East

#3 Brooklyn Nets

James Harden has played like an MVP in recent times for Brooklyn

2020-21 record: 31-15

Upcoming fixtures: MIN, HOU, CHA, @CHI

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 1st (↓2)

The Brooklyn Nets fall from the top spot in our NBA power rankings, not because of their performances this week, but merely because Philly and Utah hold the No.1 seeds.

Brooklyn remains hot on the Sixers' heels though, even without Kyrie and KD. In their 3-game road trip this week, tight wins over Portland and Detroit came either side of a blowout loss to the Jazz in which Harden was sidelined. For all the questions on how the Nets will cope come the postseason defensively, they answered by holding the Trail Blazers' star backcourt of McCollum and Lillard to just 38 points on Tuesday.

James Harden announced himself onto the MVP scene after a 44-point display against Detroit. Meanwhile, Blake Griffin proved that he still has the athleticism to be a serious threat from the Nets bench, grabbing 17 points and 3 boards against his former side.

44 POINTS for @JHarden13, his highest-scoring game yet with the @BrooklynNets! #BrooklynTogether pic.twitter.com/rTUYKICoUL

— NBA (@NBA) March 27, 2021

---

#2 Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers held onto top spot in the East this week without Joel Embiid

2020-21 record: 32-14

Upcoming fixtures: @DEN, @CLE, MIN, MEM

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 3rd (↑2)

If 76ers fans had been told they would still be first despite Joel Embiid's 16-day absence, they would be elated - if not slightly surprised. What's more, the MVP candidate has resumed on-court activities.

During his 8-game layoff, Philly have gone 6-2, ranking second for +/- and top for defensive rating with 102.2. After comfortably knocking off the Warriors and Lakers this week, the Sixers ended their California road-trip with a loss to the Clippers in Doc Rivers' return.

While many worried how the Sixers would cope without Embiid, they have shown that they can lock up on defense and rely on their supporting cast for scoring support. Tobias Harris was electric this week, scoring 23.7 points per game and grabbing 8.7 rebounds. Danny Green repaid the Philly front office's faith in him with his 28-point splurge against the Lakers on Thursday.

---

#1 Utah Jazz

Memphis Grizzlies v Utah Jazz

2020-21 record: 34-11

Upcoming fixtures: CLE, @MEM, CHI, ORL

Previous NBA Power Ranking: 4th (↑3)

After a midseason slump, the Utah Jazz have rejuvenated their shooting efficiency and are on the league's longest active winning spree with 5 in-a-row. Donovan Mitchell led the charge, averaging 31.8 points across 4 wins this week and 6.5 assists. He has had support though, with 6 players averaging over 47% shooting from the field on 14+ minutes.

63 combined points from Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson in the @utahjazz win! 🎶Mitchell:35 PTS, 5 3PM, 7 AST, 47.9 FPTSClarkson:28 PTS, 5 3PM, 6 REB, 42.2 FPTS pic.twitter.com/69j5d6RCzz

— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) March 28, 2021

Sixth Man of the Year candidate Jordan Clarkson was having his own shooting drop-off recently, though he exploded for 28 points and 6 boards on Saturday. Clarkson was still the Jazz' third-highest scorer this week and proves the depth the championship hopefuls have going into the playoffs.

Four of the Jazz' next 5 opponents have losing records, therefore we can expect them to be atop our NBA power rankings again next week.