NBA Power Rankings Week 5: Los Angeles Lakers remain the team to beat; Houston Rockets rise

#7 Denver Nuggets - Current Record: 9-3

Jamal Murray has stepped up as Nikola Jokic continues to struggle

We are a month into the season and Nikola Jokic isn't quite right, but the Denver Nuggets have still managed to win nine of their opening twelve games. With Jokic struggling, Jamal Murray scored a career-high 26 first-half points against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, and the 22-year-old finished the game with 39.

Jerami Grant is also making more of an impact from the bench, and the Nuggets remain on the rise.

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#6 Philadelphia 76ers - Current Record: 8-5

Joel Embiid and the Sixers have struggled after making an excellent start

The Philadelphia 76ers opened the season with a 5-0 record, but the preseason Eastern Conference favorites have struggled over the past two weeks. Back-to-back defeats to the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder added to their concerns, but the Sixers returned to form last night as they crushed the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Tobias Harris also enjoyed his best game of the season, and Philadelphia should be able to regain some form over the next week.

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#5 Houston Rockets - Current Record: 10-3

James Harden is enjoying another historic season with the Rockets

After making an unconvincing start to the season, the Houston Rockets finally hit their stride last week as they picked up wins over the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Rockets now possess the NBA's longest winning run at 7, and James Harden is averaging 39.5 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. If Russell Westbrook can improve his shooting, Houston will be a real threat in the playoffs.

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#4 Milwaukee Bucks - Current Record: 9-3

Giannis Antetokounmpo has raised his game following his MVP winning season

Khris Middleton's injury came as a blow to the Milwaukee Bucks as they were just starting to hit form, but another big week from Giannis Antetokounmpo was enough for Milwaukee to finish Week 4 with a 3-0 record.

Through 12 games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.1 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists - and the Bucks are now just one win away from topping the East.