NBA Power Rankings Week 13: Milwaukee Bucks remain on top as the Utah Jazz surge

We are quickly approaching the midpoint stage of the 2019-20 NBA season, and teams around the league have had plenty of time to assess where their respective rosters are currently at. Things could still change as a number of teams look to improve ahead of the trade deadline, but here are the current Power Rankings as we head into Week 13 of the season.

#10 Dallas Mavericks - Record: 24-15

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks remain in contention

The Dallas Mavericks were once again without the injured Kristaps Porzingis over the past seven days, although they managed to come out of a difficult week with a 2-2 record. At 24-15 the Mavs are well ahead of where many believed they would be at this point of the season, and this week's schedule is quite favorable as they take on the Warriors, Kings and Trail Blazers.

#9 Philadelphia 76ers - Record: 25-15

Ben Simmons will need to step up in the absence of Joel Embiid

The Sixers started the week well as they overcame the in-form Thunder before they once again dominated the Celtics. However, the absence of Joel Embiid was felt as the Sixers managed just 91 points in the defeat to the Mavericks on Saturday. They will need Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris to step up over the next week.

#8 Miami Heat - Record: 27-12

Jimmy Butler has continued to impress for his new team

The Miami Heat started the week with an impressive win over the Pacers, but they then went on to lose close games to the Nets and Knicks. Sunday's defeat to a struggling New York team was especially disappointing, although the Heat have still lost just once at home this season - and Jimmy Butler continues to put up huge numbers.

#7 Houston Rockets - Record: 26-12

James Harden and the Rockets remain a force in the West

It was another solid week for the Houston Rockets as they picked up wins over the Hawks and Timberwolves. Mike D'Antoni's men did suffer a road loss to the Thunder, but they remain the best offensive team in the West, and Russell Westbrook is finally starting to look like a good fit.

#6 Utah Jazz - Record: 27-12

The Utah Jazz overcame the Washington Wizards despite the absence of Donovan Mitchell

The Utah Jazz's slow start to the season was widely dissected, but Quin Snyder's team now appear to be well on track. Sunday's 127-116 win over the Wizards was their ninth consecutive win, and a 27-12 record puts them in contention to secure homecourt advantage. With Mike Conley also closing in on a return, the Jazz are in a strong position heading into Week 13.

#5 Boston Celtics - Record: 26-11

The Boston Celtics endured a poor week before crushing the Pelicans

The Boston Celtics recorded 140 points as they crushed the Pelicans on Saturday, although it was largely a frustrating week for Brad Stevens' team. The Celtics suffered defeats to the Wizards, Spurs and 76ers, but remain well in the mix to secure second place in the East thanks to a 26-11 record.

#4 LA Clippers - Record: 27-13

The Clippers have slipped out of the top four spots in the West

The Clippers played just twice last week, and after pulling off a fourth-quarter comeback against the Warriors, fell to their Western Conference rivals in the Nuggets. The defeat saw the Clippers fall to 5th in the West standings, although they remain a force when Paul George and Kawi Leonard both play.

#3 Denver Nuggets - Record: 27-12

The Denver Nuggets have recovered from a slow start

While the Denver Nuggets suffered a bitterly disappointing defeat to the Cavs last week, they were largely impressive as they picked up wins over the Hawks, Mavericks and Clippers. A 3-1 record was enough to keep Denver second in the West, and with a favorable schedule to come over the next week, they should be able to further solidify their position.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers - Record: 32-7

Kyle Kuzma enjoyed his best week of the season

The Los Angeles Lakers had to contend with a number of notable absences over the past week, but Frank Vogel's team still finished Week 12 with a perfect 3-0 record. Wins over the Knicks, Mavericks and Thunder increased LA's winning streak to eight games, and the Lakers will be encouraged by the recent form of several role players such as Kyle Kuzma and Rajon Rondo.

#1 Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 35-6

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks remain the team to beat

The Bucks opened the week with a surprise 104-126 defeat to the struggling Spurs, but the Eastern Conference leaders quickly recovered to post three consecutive wins. Wins over the Warriors, Kings and Trail Blazers increased Milwaukee's record for the season to 35-6, and they appear to have already locked up the top spot in the East.