The top 10 looks a little different this week! Did anyone miss the cut?
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Boston put a blemish on Cleveland’s perfect start to the season, but with a league-leading +12.3-point differential, Cleveland needs to drop a few more games before Boston is ready to leap them for the overall spot.
2. Boston Celtics
A perfect 3-0 record and handing Cleveland their first loss, the Celtics are nipping at the heels of Cleveland. Another Cleveland loss would justify Boston claiming the top spot heading into Week 7.
3. Golden State Warriors
Golden State split last week’s games, going 2-2. However, their dominance late into games keeps them as one of the top teams early into the season. As the season progresses and their core needs breathers, Golden State could see their power ranking floating below the top 5.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
Isaiah Hartenstein’s season debut was much anticipated. He gives Oklahoma City depth of a true center that can provide beneficial minutes when Chat Holmgren needs a breather or the team needs a defense-first big man on the court.
5. Houston Rockets
Houston went 2-2 last week, but their two losses were by an average of 3.5 points. Their defense has stifled opponents through their first 18 games, and strong defense could keep the Rockets in the top 10 throughout the season.
6. Dallas Mavericks
Wins against the Thunder and Nuggets see Dallas jump up one spot from last week. Luka Doncic’s wrist injury will keep him sidelined for at least a week, and Dallas will need to rely on everyone to pick up the slack.
7. Denver Nuggets
Denver was able to lock in a win without Jokic and proceeded to get his services back in time to hand the Lakers a 25-point loss. The team’s experience should allow them to cruise throughout the season and take it up a notch when the playoffs start.
8. Memphis Grizzlies
No Ja Morant, no problem. The Grizzlies have continued to perform without their best player’s services, winning five of the eight games Morant has missed. Should luck run out before Morant’s return, the Grizzlies will undoubtedly fall outside the top 10.
9. Los Angeles Clippers
Five straight wins will raise a team’s confidence, and this is the case with the Clippers. Last week, they were .500, and they enter Week 6 four games over. Their lack of depth questions whether they can stay competitive for the entire season.
10. Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner has single-handedly propelled Orlando to their 11-7 start. The Magic are young and gritty and have fans excited to see how long they can keep this hot streak alive.