From Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers: EssentiallySports NBA Power Rankings – 10th April, 2021

The NBA regular season has nearly completed three-fourth of its regular season till now. With about 20 games to play for, contenders and playoff hopefuls have somewhat differentiated from the rest of the pack.

If not for their records and unfortunate circumstances, some teams like the injury laden Lakers who are missing stars like LeBron James, and the rejuvenated Denver Nuggets led by Nikola Jokic could have made the list. Take a look at the top five teams in the league and how they stack up against one another.

Honorable Mention – Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks might not be dominating the headlines like the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets, but are having yet another solid season. With a new look side, the Bucks are only 2.5 games away from the top spot in the East.

Given the exceptional form, the players like Jrue Holiday and the reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo have shown, Milwaukee can pull off a deep playoff run and could win it all this season.

#5 – Los Angeles Clippers (Record 34 Wins, 18 Losses)

The Los Angeles Clippers have been inconsistent in some of their games, resulting in them dropping to the third seed in the Western Conference. Despite their mixed form, the Clippers’ superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have been decent this season.

The team has only become stronger with the signing of a couple of veterans in Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins. Rondo especially is a crucial signing given his impeccable playmaking skills. Boogie Cousins meanwhile gives much needed depth to their front-court and if he can replicate his form from the initial part of the season, the Clippers might extend his contract.

#4 – Phoenix Suns (Record 35 Wins, 14 Losses)

The Phoenix Suns have been one of the biggest surprise packages this seasons. With nine victories in the last 10 games they have played, the Suns have leapfrogged juggernauts like the Clippers and the Lakers for the second best record in the league.

Much of it has been because of the addition of a veteran point guard in Chris Paul. With CP3 controlling the offense and Devin Booker taking over the scoring, the Suns have unlocked their true potential. Players like Miles Bridges have also taken a leap and developed into one of the best defending wing players in the team. The Suns have a balanced roster and in their day can surely pull off a surprise deep playoff run in the Western Conference.

#3 – Philadelphia 76ers (Record- 35 Wins, 16 Losses)

The Philadelphia 76ers have established themselves as the best team in the Eastern Conference. What makes this record more impressive is that the team was without talismanic center Joel Embiid for around three weeks, but somehow managed to keep hold of the top spot.

Embiid has truly elevated his game into an MVP level and can dominate teams at his will. The biggest concern for them however will be whether Embiid can avoid any injury concerns before the post-season. If the 76ers can remain healthy, they will be one of the favorites to make it to the finals this season.

#2 – Brooklyn Nets (Record- 35 Wins, 16 Losses)

With the Philadelphia 76ers missing Joel Embiid for about three weeks, the Brooklyn Nets had the perfect opportunity to capitalize and capture the first seed in the Eastern Conference. They just did that and are only behind due to their head-to-head record.

What makes it more impressive is the number of injuries they suffered of their own. Playing without Kevin Durant and even missing Kyrie Irving and James Harden in some games, the Nets have won seven of their last 10 games. Given how the team has performed with missing superstars, it is scary to imagine what this team can do once the big three starts playing together.

#1 – Utah Jazz (Record- 38 Wins, 12 Losses)

There is no stopping the Utah Jazz this season. The Jazz have won nine of their last 10 games this season and have a relatively healthy roster available with them. They are one of the best all-round teams in the league and have the best record in the NBA.

With point guard Mike Conley back in form and a plethora of amazing three point shooters in the side, the Jazz are a team to look out for in the post-season. They also have a young prolific scorer like Donovan Mitchell who can step up in the post-season, and a dominant shot-blocker like Rudy Gobert. Given their performance this season, the Jazz are one of the favorites to trump the champions Los Angeles Lakers.

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All these five teams have been pretty much unstoppable this NBA regular season, given how uncertain this season has been, there are many teams who could have made this list under different circumstances. Who according to you is the best team in the NBA this season?