NBA Power Rankings Week 6: Los Angeles Lakers continue to dominate as the Dallas Mavericks make their move

We are now more than a month into the 2019-20 season, and while several teams have faded following impressive starts, there are plenty of teams around the league demonstrating that they could be a force in the 2020 playoffs. So, as we enter Week 6, here are the latest power rankings.

#10 Miami Heat - Current Record: 11-4

The Heat have made a better-than-expected start to the season

The Miami Heat have defied expectations with each passing week, and they extended their record to 11-3 after opening Week 5 with comfortable wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls.

However, they were blown away by the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, casting doubt on their ability to contend in the East. Ultimately, the Heat have still made an excellent start to the season, although we still need to see more when they face off against the NBA's big hitters.

#9 Toronto Raptors - Current Record: 11-4

The Toronto Raptors have yet to lose at home so far this season

Despite getting little coverage, the Toronto Raptors quietly picked up wins over the Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, and Atlanta Hawks during Week 5. The Raptors' defense is trending in the right direction, and with Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka closing in on returns, the defending champions remain one of the best teams in the East.

#8 Utah Jazz - Current Record: 11-5

The Utah Jazz have lost just once at home this season

The Utah Jazz have won three consecutive games and Quin Snyder has plenty to be happy about. Mike Conley has recovered following his historically bad start to the season, while Donovan Mitchell continues to take an enormous jump in Year 3. Utah's defense also remains excellent, and the Jazz will be a force come April.

#7 Boston Celtics - Current Record: 11-4

The Boston Celtics slipped down the East standings following two narrow defeats

The Boston Celtics started the week with a convincing win over the Phoenix Suns, but they went on to suffer back-to-back defeats to the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets. Nevertheless, Boston showed plenty of fight in both games, and Daniel Theis has continued to impress on the defensive end.

Marcus Smart is also an early contender for Defensive Player of the Year, and with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum also performing well, the Celtics should bounce back this week.

#6 Dallas Mavericks - Current Record: 11-5

Luke Doncic is in contention for the 2020 MVP award

The Dallas Mavericks destroyed the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, and the 137-123 victory means that the Mavs have now averaged more than 140 points over their last three games.

At the age of 20, Luka Doncic is leading the charge as the standout player of the season so far, although the Mavs face difficult games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers this week.

#5 Philadelphia 76ers - Current Record: 11-5

Tobias Harris has recovered from his slow start to the season

Over the past seven days, the Sixers picked up wins over the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Miami and Heat, while also seeing Ben Simmons finally connect with a three-pointer. Tobias Harris' form has also picked up, while Josh Richardson could also play a bigger role on offense after dropping 32 points on the Heat.

#4 Denver Nuggets - Current Record: 12-3

The Denver Nuggets have won nine of their past ten games, and only the Lakers possess a better record in an ultra-competitive Western Conference. Nikola Jokic still hasn't recaptured his form from the 2018-19 campaign, although Gary Harris and Will Barton have been excellent.

#3 Los Angeles Clippers - Current Record: 12-5

The Clippers have Paul George and Kawhi Leonard available following injuries

After a lengthy wait, the Los Angeles Clippers finally have Paul George and Kawhi Leonard available, and the superstar duo combined well during their first week together on the court.

With George and Leonard playing prominent roles, the Clippers beat Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Pelicans in Week 5, and over the next few weeks, we will get a good look at how good this LA team may be.

#2 Milwaukee Bucks - Current Record: 13-3

The Milwaukee Bucks have lost just one of their last 10 games

The Milwaukee Bucks didn't make the best start to the season, but Saturday's 104-90 win over the Detroit Pistons improved their record to 13-3. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging almost 30 points per game, while the supporting cast remains strong despite the loss of Malcolm Brogdon.

Following Monday's game against the Utah Jazz, Milwaukee take on the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Charlotte Hornets, and should be able to cement their place at the top of the East.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers - Current Record: 14-2

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers possess the NBA's best record

The Los Angeles Lakers have been the standout team of the season so far, and Frank Vogel's men improved to 14-2 following wins over the Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder (twice), and Memphis Grizzlies.

Saturday's win over Memphis felt huge after the Lakers played badly for long stretches, and while the defense has slipped over the past two weeks, Avery Bradley's impending return will be a big boost.