NBA Power Rankings Week 7: Bucks replace Lakers at the top as the Mavericks continue to heat up

The 2019-20 NBA season has rolled into December and while a few teams already appear to be out of contention, much of the league is currently jostling for a playoff spot. With six weeks of basketball behind us, the frontrunners for the title are also emerging, and as we enter Week 7, here we are the latest power rankings.

#10 Miami Heat - Record: 14-5

Jimmy Butler and the Heat have been among the biggest surprises of the season

The Miami Heat have continued to defy expectations, and Erik Spoelstra's team enter December among the Top 4 in the East. Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn, Goran Dragic, and Bam Adebayo have supported the excellent Jimmy Butler, although the Heat's credentials will be tested this week as they face Boston and Toronto.

#9 Houston Rockets - Record: 13-6

James Harden has scored 94 points over his last two outings

In James Harden, the Rockets have the NBA's most unstoppable offensive force. The 2018 MVP dropped 60 points in three quarters against the Hawks, while Russell Westbrook was excellent as the Rockets won both of their games in Week 6. However, doubts remain over the supporting cast and they face a tricky trip to Toronto this week.

#8 Boston Celtics - Record: 14-5

The Boston Celtics remain among the contenders in the Eastern Conference

Kemba Walker quickly returned for the Celtics after suffering a scary neck injury, and Gordon Hayward is on the mend after fracturing his hand. The Celtics have yet to be beaten at TD Garden and their 14-5 start to the season is better than expected considering the offseason departures of Kyrie Irving and Al Horford.

#7 Philadelphia 76ers - Record: 14-6

The Sixers will be hoping to rise up the standings in December

Philadelphia's season has been slightly underwhelming, although the Sixers are just three games back from the Bucks, and Brett Brown's team has lost just one of their past eight games. Joel Embiid bounced backed quickly after failing to score a point against the Raptors, and the much-criticized Tobias Harris has also been solid.

#6 Toronto Raptors - Record: 15-4

The Toronto Raptors continue to defy expectations

Many urged the Raptors to enter rebuild mode after losing Kawhi Leonard in free agency, although the 2019 champions continue to hang with the best in the East. The Raptors occupy the number 2 spot in the East thanks to a 15-4 record, and last night dropped 130 points on a usually excellent Jazz defense. Serge Ibaka also made his return against Utah, and with Kyle Lowry set to follow this week, the Raptors are in a strong position entering December.

#5 Denver Nuggets - Record: 13-4

The Nuggets ended the week with an overtime defeat to the Kings, although they have picked up eight wins in their last 10 games, and are just 2.5 games back from the Lakers. While Jamal Murray and Gary Harris continue to perform well, Nikola Jokic has yet to find form, and it is scary to think how good this Denver team could be if the Serbian can awaken from his slow start to the season.

#4 LA Clippers - Record: 15-6

Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers should hit top form in December

The Clippers dropped 150 points on the Wizards on Sunday night, with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard combining for 65. The huge win took LA's record to 15-6, and while the opening month of the season was disrupted by injuries, the Clippers look set to finally hit top form in December.

#3 Dallas Mavericks - Record: 13-6

The Dallas Mavericks ended LA's winning streak on Sunday

After being swept aside by the Clippers earlier this week, there were doubts as to whether the Mavericks could hang with the best in the NBA. However, the Mavs were excellent as they became just the second team to beat the Lakers at Staples Center this season. Dallas' record now sits at an impressive 13-6 and with a favorable schedule this week, they will remain towards the top of the Western Conference.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers - Record: 17-3

The Lakers face a testing week as they look to remain at the top of the West

The Lakers' 10-game winning streak was ended by the Mavericks on Sunday night, although they still boast the NBA's joint best record. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have struck up the best partnership in the league, and LA's supporting cast was impressive during wins over the Spurs and Pelicans. However, this is a big week for the Lakers as they face tough games against the Nuggets, Jazz, and Trail Blazers.

#1 Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 17-3

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks were excellent throughout November

The Bucks blew away the Hornets on Sunday night to pick up their eleventh win on the bounce, and they will this week take on the Knicks, Pistons, and Clippers. With Giannis Antetokounmpo averaging 30.9 points per game, anything is possible for this Bucks team, and they could come out the week with their winning-run still intact.