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We are approaching the two-month mark of the 2019-20 NBA season, and several teams in both conferences have been able to impress through the first quarter of the campaign. Nevertheless, a few frontrunners are starting to emerge as we approach the turn of the year, and here we will take a look at the latest power rankings heading into Week 8 of the season.
#10 Toronto Raptors - Record: 15-7
The Toronto Raptors faced three contenders over the past week and Nick Nurse's team stumbled as they were beaten by the Heat, Rockets and Sixers. Nevertheless, Toronto is still in the mix in the East and they could be among the most active teams in the trade market after making a better than expected start to the season.
#9 Denver Nuggets - Record: 14-7
The Denver Nuggets endured a frustrating week as they lost to the Lakers, Celtics and Nets - while picking up a straightforward win over the woeful Knicks. Nevertheless, Nikola Jokic has impressed during his last two outings, averaging 27 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5 assists - while Jerami Grant is also making an impact from the bench. Ultimately, the Nuggets should be okay, although they start the week with tough games against Philadelphia and Portland.
#8 Houston Rockets - Record: 15-7
Despite the addition of Russell Westbrook, the Houston Rockets have remained largely the same as last season and Mike D'Antoni's team is likely to once again struggle in the postseason. However, James Harden's individual brilliance has been enough to guide the Rockets to a 15-7 record, and they this week face four winnable games against the Kings, Cavs, Magic, and Pistons.
#7 Philadelphia 76ers - Record: 17-7
While Philadelphia's performances remain inconsistent, they have now won eight of their past ten games, and maintain a perfect 12-0 record at home. After weeks of passive performances, Ben Simmons exploded for 34 points against the Cavaliers, and the 23-year-old has only missed six of his last 35 shots. With Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid also performing well, the Sixers will continue to climb in the coming weeks.
Also read: NBA Injury Report Week 8 (9th Dec): Gordon Hayward return imminent, Kyrie Irving update and more
#6 Miami Heat - Record: 17-6
The Miami Heat have managed to extend their excellent start to the campaign into Week 8 of the season, and it is now time to treat them as real contenders. Erik Spoelstra's team has still yet to experience defeat at home, and Jimmy Butler is excelling alongside a hugely talented young core. With games to come against the Lakers and Mavericks, the Heat have the opportunity to further highlight their status as contenders in the East.
#5 Los Angeles Clippers - Record: 17-7
The Clippers have finally started to hit top form over the past two weeks, although a 28-point loss to the Bucks was a concern. Nevertheless, Kawhi and Co. managed to bounce back on Sunday night by dispatching the Wizards as George and Leonard combined for 61-points. This week, they face road games in Indiana, Toronto, Minnesota, and Chicago, although Doc Rivers' side should have enough quality to secure at least three wins.
#4 Dallas Mavericks - Record: 16-7
The Dallas Mavericks started the week with impressive wins over the Pelicans (twice) and Timberwolves, although they fell to a surprise defeat on Sunday night against the Kings following a bad first-half performance. However, with Luka Doncic in MVP form, the Mavericks should be fine as they host the Pistons and Heat over the next seven days.
#3 Boston Celtics - Record: 16-5
The Eastern Conference has been more competitive than expected, although the Boston Celtics remain near the top thanks to impressive victories over the Heat and Nuggets. Boston's record now sits at 16-5, and they are among just three teams in the league that have yet to taste defeat at home. With Gordon Hayward also nearing a return, the Celtics will be a real threat heading into 2020.
#2 Los Angeles Lakers - Record: 21-3
After losing to the Mavericks last Sunday, the Lakers faced a difficult week with road games against the Nuggets, Jazz, and Trail Blazers. However, Frank Vogel's picked up three road wins, including a 136-113 blowout against an improving Portland team - before destroying the Timberwolves at Staples Center on Sunday. The Lakers now boast a league-best 21-3 record, and they appear to be the real deal in LeBron James' second year.
#1 Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 20-3
Milwaukee's somewhat slow start to the season caused some experts to question their ability to contend but the Bucks have now won 14 games in a row and look unstoppable. In their last outing, Milwaukee destroyed the resurgent LA Clippers and Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging an incredible 30.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Additionally, with games to come against the Magic, Pelicans, Grizzlies, and Cavaliers - Milwaukee's winning-run could extend into another week.
Also read: NBA Round-up: Bucks are the hottest team in the NBA
