NBA Power Rankings: Where do the Pelicans rank 10 games in?

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 14: Tobias Harris #12, Joel Embiid #21, Tyrese Maxey #0 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers walk back onto the court after a timeout against the Miami Heat in the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on January 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Philadelphia 76ers (9-4)

You can say what you want about Daryl Morrey and Doc Rivers, but the work they have done with the Philadelphia 76ers is amazing. It’s a big reason why they end up at number 2 in our NBA Power Rankings.

Darryl Morrey made smart moves this offseason giving the 76ers a brilliant mix of shooting and depth while drafting another shotmaker in Tyrese Maxey. In turn, Doc Rivers has coached Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid into playing the best basketball of their careers so far. Sure, they missed out on James Harden, but does it even matter when their team is playing this great? The 76ers have some impressive wins, and I wouldn’t sleep on them making an NBA Finals run.

3. Milwaukee Bucks (8-4)

For all the talk of Milwaukee’s slow start, the Bucks sure have turned things around. Giannis Antetokounmpo is once again playing at an MVP level while Jrue Holiday is beginning to grow fully acclimated into the Bucks’ system.

What makes this Bucks team so dangerous, is the fact that they’re killing teams on both ends of the floor right now. On offense, this team is one of the best 3 point shooting squads in the league, while their defense is consistently holding teams under 100 points a game. I think it’s safe to say Mike Budenholzer heard his critics this offseason, and the Bucks are determined to break through to the Finals.

4. Los Angeles Clippers (8-4)

Speaking of teams who heard their critics, how about the Los Angeles Clippers. They come in at number 4 in our NBA Power Rankings after silencing all of their critics to start the season.

The Clippers’ rise back to the top comes from a few key changes they made this offseason. New head coach Tyronn Lue has brought a perimeter-orientated offense back to the team, while the front office added veterans like Nic Batum and Serge Ibaka to bolster the roster. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George playing at a high level too, the Clippers could finally challenge the Lakers for conference supremacy.

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