The Lakers and Bucks, both proud owners of nine-game winning streaks, continue to lord over their respective conferences.
10. Dallas Mavericks (Up 1)
(11-6) Last week: 2-1
Luka Doncic is an MVP candidate, people. The 20 year old (who would be the youngest MVP in history) Slovenian Wunderkid is putting up 30.1 points, 10 boards, 9.5 assists ans 1.5 steals a night, hitting clutch shots, getting career years out of teammates like Dwight Powell and duelling the best in the NBA. Kristaps Porzingis looks to be hitting his stride, too. He’s continuing to put up points, and has added rebounding and defensive presence through the Mavs hot streak.
9. Philadelphia 76ers (Steady)
(12-6) Last week: 3-1
After a statement win over the Heat, the Sixers got stomped by Toronto. Marc Gasol continues to put Joel Embiid in his back pocket, with the big Cameroonian going scoreless against the veteran Spaniard. Despite that setback, the Sixers starting unit is still formidable, outscoring opponents by almost 30 points per 100 possessions. A new feature for our Sixers section in the Power Rankings: Did Ben Simmons hit a 3 this week? No.
8. Houston Rockets (Down 2)
(12-6) Last week: 1-2
James Harden continues to inspire new and increasingly gimmicky defenses. Now teams are straight out double teaming The Beard as soon as he has gets the ball, like in an under 12s game. As always, expect Harden to figure out a counter. Getting Eric Gordon back will help, but he’s still at least a fortnight away. The Rockets defense in their recent losing streak returned the early season levels, conceding mid 110’s per 100 possessions.
7. Miami Heat (Steady)
(12-5) Last week: 2-2
The Heat are an interesting case study. Against teams that are over .500, they’re 3-4 (including a stomping at the hands of the 76ers) but are 9-1 against sides with a losing record. Are they as good their overall record suggests? Time will tell. The structure of the side looks legit. Their young shooters in Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn – combining to make close to 40% of their 3’s - all fit beautifully around Jimmy Butler.
6. Toronto Raptors (Up 2)
(13-4) Last week: 3-0
The Raps keep on keeping on, their latest 'against the odds' victory a 101-96 victory over Philly. Kyle Lowry’s thumb injury was supposed to be the catalyst for the Raptors to start falling away from the top of the East. However, Norman Powell (14 ppg at 37.8% from deep as a starter) and Fred Vanvleet have kept things running smoothly in The North. With Lowry turning 34 in March, the Raptors can feel confident that the sharpshooting, defensive bulldog Vanvleet is Lowry’s rightful successor.
