NBA POWER RANKINGS

A month into the season and the NBA has given us highs and lows to start the season. We have seen several 40 point performances by James Harden , the emergence of Luka Doncic in his second season in NBA with his leading 7 Triple- Doubles. Also, Lebron James has reclaimed his throne of the NBA was his fantastic start to the season that includes 5 Triple Doubles while leading the Lakers to the best record in the NBA. Many teams have been hit with the injury bug this none more so than the Portland Trailblazers and Golden State Warriors who have seen many key players sustain major injuries them will keep them out for extended periods of time. With the first month of NBA action in the books here is the RDKS Top 5 of Each Conference.

Eastern Conference

1. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have the best record in the conference. The reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is continuing where he left off last season. He has even begun taking more 3 point shots this season showing opponents that he is willing to expand his range when given the opportunity. The Bucks have great chemistry and length for every position; which allows them to switch multiple positions without there being any defensive liability on the floor for their opponents to key in on. The Bucks will go as far as Giannis takes them.

2. Boston Celtics

The Celtics have gotten out to great start with the key being defensively they have the 4th best defensive rating in the NBA with the 4th best record overall in the NBA. Kemba Walker who recently entered into the concussion protocol due to a scary collision with a teammate; has been a great leader. He is always encouraging his teammates which is a change compared to what was going on last year. Jason Taytum and Jalon Brown are taking the next step that many thought they would last year.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers currently are the same team as last year in regards to they have great starting lineup and lack depth off of the bench. They currently are ranked 27th in bench scoring which around playoff time can come back to bite them. They will beat most teams during the regular season because they will have 2 of the top 5 players on the court at any given time in crucial moments. They should sign Jamal Crawford he is a walking bucket and he will be great for the locker room as well and hold the Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid accountable.

4. Miami Heat

One of the great surprising teams this season is the Miami Heat. They are off to a great start thanks to key free-agent acquisition Jimmy Butler and first-round draft pick Tyler Herro. They also have gotten key contributions from two undrafted players Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson. Both of these players also start for the team as well. They have one of the top scoring benches in the league. I look forward to seeing if they can keep up with some of the best teams in the Eastern Conference and emerge as contenders.

5. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are off to a great start this season and can thanks to the play of their two young players  Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. Even though Kyle Lowry is out for several weeks with a fractured hand but Fred VanVleet is doing a great job filling in the starting lineup. He has averaged 21 points over the last 6 games. The Raptors will be one of the top teams in the East and will definitely be a contender to go to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have the best record in the league and are one the best defensive teams. The duo of Anthony Davis and Lebron James has worked tremendously. Lebron has had a kingly start to the season and is the leading front runner for the MVP award this season. This team has one flaw which is their transition defense but when the playoffs come that will surely improve.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers finally were able to showcase both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard this past week. The wait was very much worth it the Clippers appear to be the team that everyone thought they would be. They have the top scoring bench in the league led by Lou Williams. Defensively the Clippers have a  smothering defense and have a top 10 defensive ratings in the league. Also, the Clippers are great at getting second chances offensively they have the best offensive rebound rate in the league at 30% of the time.

3. Houston Rockets

The Rockets duo of James Harden and Russell Westbrook is working well. They still have to figure out which of them will take the final shot. When it talking about their playing style it is the same great offense not too much defense but they have enough star power to win you a lot of games in the regular season. The true test will come in the playoffs when you have to get stops. Harden is doing his usual phenomenal scoring feats but he is taking more 3 pointers and shooting a worse percentage this has to improve if they want to win the NBA title.

4. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have a good record but they also do not look the same as they did last year. This is scary because when they start to click on all cylinders the league better watch out. Jokic is one of the best big men in the league and he has great passing abilities. Jamal Murray has microwave tendencies meaning he can heat up at any moment. The Nuggets will be dangerous come playoff time just hope they never put it all together. It will be a tough out for someone.

5. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have found their Maverick and Goose for the next 10 years in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. Doncic is showing everyone that not only that he is a rising star in the league but also that his time is now! He has the fastest Triple-Double in NBA history also is only the second player before 21 to record a 40 point tripe double. The other being Lebron James who even gave him a cosign as to him being one the bright young stars in the game. Porzingis is fitting right in with his role as number 2 which is perfect because he can't be the best player in a team and that team be successful. Also, he is still getting back into the groove of playing after being out for a year and a half due to injury. Dallas will make the playoffs I guarantee it.