NBA Week 6 Power Rankings: Cavs stabilize, Lakers show life
79. . 9-8. Previous: . Dallas Mavericks. 10. team
The Dallas Mavericks are a perplexing team. They tend to win big and lose close games, which has contributed to a 9-8 record that masks their stout metrics. This is a team that should have won another three or four wins. Luka Doncic has been prolific once again, although his shooting continues to be a problem. Still, something about their record also feels right, that this heliocentric style has diminishing returns in close games.
Previous: . Portland Trail Blazers. 9. team. 34. . 11-8
The Portland Trail Blazers have dropped off a bit, but they are still having an impressive season with reinforcements still to come. Damian Lillard is out once again and has played in only 11 games, and when he does play he’s shooting only 33.3 percent from deep. When he comes back and his shooting regresses to his career 37.2 mark the Blazers will only be better off on offense, and Gary Payton II is nearing his season debut to juice the defense. Josh Hart is everywhere, Jerami Grant is blossoming as the second option, and this looks like a team that will hang around.
team. 118. . 12-9. Previous: . Utah Jazz. 8
The Utah Jazz got off to a hot start that everyone knew wasn’t going to last, but their 2-6 skid since the 10-3 start has been a brutal correction. Still, the Jazz are getting huge contributions from Lauri Markkanen, and the loss of Mike Conley on their offense has been stark; his return should help right the ship. It will be interesting to see if continued losses motivate the front office to start making trades to fall back in the standings.
7. team. 93. . 10-9. Previous: . Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have been gut-punched by injury. James Harden has played in only nine games, Joel Embiid in 12 and now Tyrese Maxey is out for weeks with a foot injury. The Sixers haven’t laid down, though, with Tobias Harris, Shake Milton and De’Anthony Melton stepping up to stay competitive and even notch some wins without the stars. Perhaps this stretch will help make Philadelphia a better team in the long run.
. 11-8. Previous: . Memphis Grizzlies. 6. team. 211
The Memphis Grizzlies are in the same camp as the 76ers, with each of their three stars missing extended time this season. Desmond Bane has taken yet another step forward, Ja Morant is shooting well and Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging four blocks per game in his return from injury. If the Grizzlies can get everyone healthy at the same time they could be set up to soar.