LA Lakers Slipping? Brooklyn Nets Favorites? EssentiallySports NBA Power Rankings – 21 February, 2021

The NBA season is close to crossing the halfway mark. Many teams have established themselves as contenders for the playoffs this year. But there are also teams who have floundered under the weight of heavy expectations this season. With that in mind, we’re going to take a look at the teams that have had a solid start in the new NBA season.

Honorable Mention – Golden State Warriors

Steph Curry has been fantastic this season. He has helped the Golden State Warriors get some big wins. But what keeps them off this list is their inability to perform against the smaller teams. The loss of Klay Thompson has left them slightly hamstrung. While Curry has helped them stay afloat, the rest of the team has failed to establish consistency in their performances.

#5 – Los Angeles Lakers (22-9 this season, 3-1 this week)

The Lakers started the season really well. They had an incredible run of victories away from home. But the loss of Anthony Davis, and their subsequent performances since, has pulled the Lakers down. The team has failed to win games against legitimate contenders like the Clippers, Nets, and 76ers. The purple and gold will be hoping to pick up their performances in the coming weeks.

READ MORE: ‘Doing Their Part’: Lakers’ LeBron James Praises Teammates for Giving Their Best in Anthony Davis’ Absence

LeBron James has been playing some of the best basketball of his career. But injury concerns have made their run slightly difficult. Players like Wesley Matthews, Dennis Schroder, and Marc Gasol, along with AD, have spent time away from the team due to injuries or COVID-19 protocol. If the Lakers are to retain the title, they need all their teammates fit.

#4 – Philadelphia 76ers (20-10 this season, 2-2 this week)

The 76ers have been fantastic this season. After their collapse in the playoffs last season, the 76ers made significant changes to their team. The 76ers hired Doc Rivers to be their new head coach and brought in new players like Seth Curry, Danny Green, and Dwight Howard to provide the team with more options.

Furthermore, the rise of Joel Embiid to MVP status has been a huge boost to them. Currently, the 76ers are the best team in the Eastern Conference, thanks to the performances of Joel Embiid. Embiid is considered by many to be the frontrunner to win the MVP trophy this season. And if he can keep up his performances, the 76ers will be a legitimate threat to win the title.

#3 – LA Clippers – (22-9 this season, 4-0 this week)

The Clippers have been playing with a chip on their shoulder. After collapsing last season in the playoffs, the franchise is reloaded and looking to right the wrongs of last year. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have been fantastic, with the latter being an early MVP contender.

The new acquisitions for the Clippers, such as Serge Ibaka, Nicolas Batum, and Luke Kennard have stepped up during the big moments for the team. The franchise is looking even stronger than it did last season.

#2 – Brooklyn Nets (19-12 this season, 4-0 this week)

The Brooklyn Nets are finally getting into a groove. After the James Harden trade, the Nets looked weak on the defensive end. While their defensive problems are still a concern, their offensive power has improved a great deal. This past week, the Nets defeated several western conference contenders, such as the Lakers, Warriors, and Phoenix Suns.

READ MORE: Brooklyn Nets’ Head Coach Steve Nash Overjoyed With Team Character After Biggest Comeback Win In Team History

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden are starting to find chemistry amongst themselves. While the trio haven’t played that much together, they are consistently putting on excellent attacking performances. James Harden and Kyrie Irving have switched positions to allow James Harden to be the point guard. And the Nets have been looking better for it.

#1 – Utah Jazz (24-6 this season, 3-1 this week)

Utah Jazz is currently the best team in the NBA. Very few expected the Jazz to start the season so well, but the performances of Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley, and Rudy Gobert have been the driving force for their strong start. Jordan Clarkson has been one of the best performers for the team coming off the bench.

Currently, the Jazz are looking like championship contenders. They are easily one of the best teams in the West. Last season, the Jazz fell to the Denver Nuggets in a hard-fought series. But this year, the Jazz are looking even better, and could be a serious contender to go to the NBA Finals.

READ MORE: Former NBA Champion Picks Utah Jazz as the Favorites Over Lakers For 2020-21 Championship

Which is the best team in the NBA right now? The league is highly competitive at the moment. On any given day, any team in the NBA can cause an upset. The playoff picture is still not solid. And heading into the All-Star game, several teams will be hoping to make a push to reach the playoffs this season.