NBA Week 2 Power Rankings: Cavs rise, Lakers bottom out
team. 69. . 3-2. . New Orleans Pelicans. 5
The New Orleans Pelicans looked like a team ready to leap up the Western Conference ladder before injuries knocked out three of their starters, but Zion Williamson and Herb Jones could be back as soon as today. This group looks both deep and elite at the top, and rookie Dyson Daniels is already contributing. Brandon Ingram will be out a few more games with a concussion but is scoring at a high level, and sorting out who will deserve an All-Star selection from this group will be a difficult task.
Portland Trail Blazers. 4. team. 34. . 3-2.
The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the league’s best teams this season, with Damian Lillard balling out before a calf injury that will cause him to miss a few weeks. Their defensive additions have absolutely paid off, and their scheme versatility with players like Jerami Grant and Justice Winslow have let this group adapt to their opponent and keep rolling. Josh Hart has been a wrecking ball as a tiny forward leading the team in rebounding, and Otto Porter Jr. hasn’t even played yet.
4-1. . Cleveland Cavaliers. 3. team. 156.
The Cleveland Cavaliers would be easily the top team in the Eastern Conference this season if the Milwaukee Bucks weren’t destroying worlds, with their lone loss by three points in Toronto when Darius Garland went out mid-game. They destroyed the Chicago Bulls and beat the Boston Celtics in Boston after Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert each exploded for 41 points. When Garland returns this team looks like it will truly contend in the East this year.
66. . 4-1. . Phoenix Suns. 2. team
The Phoenix Suns were going to fall apart this year, right? Between the drama with their owner, Jae Crowder’s trade demand and DeAndre Ayton being slighted this summer, not to mention Chris Paul entering a nursing home, this team couldn’t sustain their winning, right? Well so far, so wrong as the Suns have cruised to start the year. Devin Booker looks great, Mikal Bridges is everywhere and Ayton has been solid. The one loss was by two points against the Blazers, and they’ve already beaten the Mavericks, Warriors and Pelicans.
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. Milwaukee Bucks. 1. team. 89. . 5-0
No Khris Middleton? No problem for the league’s lone undefeated team, mostly because they have the best player in the universe unleashing destruction on everyone he faces. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 34.4 points, 14 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.6 blocks per game and the Bucks are smoothing teams defensively. Right now they have to be the championship favorites and Giannis is in line for his third MVP.