NBA power rankings 2022-23: Pelicans seem like contenders, Nets finding their rhythm

Irrespective of who’s on the ground for the Recent Orleans Pelicans, things just appear to fit. The Pelicans are on a seven-game winning streak despite missing Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones, arguably their best perimeter scorer and best wing defender respectively. Recent Orleans took down the Phoenix Suns, the highest team within the West within the last rankings, twice in a span of three days. The Memphis Grizzlies are also on a pleasant winning streak and have climbed into the highest five.

Within the East, the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks each had bad losses over the weekend, although the Celtics are excused as they suffered a road defeat to the Golden State Warriors. The Bucks dropped a game to the lowly Houston Rockets, and may be without Khris Middleton again as he suffered an ankle injury. That has opened up a slight window for a team many felt would contend this 12 months; the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets have found their groove, winning three in a row and 7 of their last eight. Kevin Durant is playing like his usual self and the Kyrie Irving drama appears to be a thing of the past. If Ben Simmons can rediscover his game and the role players get hot, this team could make a deep run. The Philadelphia 76ers are also getting healthier and might be a consider the East.

Here’s a have a look at the updated power rankings for the 2022-23 season.

NBA Power Rankings: Week 9