After only just starting the new 2020-2021 NBA season, we’ve already received some insight as to how things might shake out in the long run. True, a few games are only a few games—but as they say, a thin slice can sometimes tell you all you need to know. Here are the top five teams in the NBA right now based on how they look coming out of the gate.
5. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers might have been well out of the top five before the season started, but they certainly belong here after a commanding 4-0 start to their season.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers have looked wishy-washy over the last few years, oftentimes looking like an Eastern Conference juggernaut, only to later appear fickle with no direction. Still, after a solid offseason—which included acquiring a revitalized Dwight Howard—and winning their first two games, could this be the year they finally go all the way?
3. Milwaukee Bucks
They might’ve lost in a hard-fought battle with the Boston Celtics on opening night, but then they came back with a 39-point blowout over the Golden State Warriors. Milwaukee still has a lot to prove when it comes to playoff action, but if their regular season is anything like last year’s, look for them to climb these power rankings with ease.
2. Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant is back, and he’s looking exactly like the Kevin Durant we all know and love. Is there anything else that needs to be said? Oh yeah—when Kyrie Irving is your second-best player, you know you’re going to be a serious problem for other teams.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Being the defending champs and all, the Lakers receive the benefit of the doubt when it comes to power rankings. It also helps that they got better over the offseason, picking up reigning sixth man of the year Montrezl Harrell, runner-up Dennis Schroder, and veteran Marc Gasol. Sure, they lost to the Clippers in a sluggish first game, but the way they dismantled the Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks in game two with absolute ease reminded us all that they’re the team to beat this year.
