We’re back with another edition of Yardbarker’s NBA Power Rankings. In the month since our original rankings, we’ve witnessed a few teams fall from the top 10 (Orlando, Dallas, Houston) while two others have heated up and jumped in (New Orleans, Indiana).
In this edition, we present our new top 10 and name a player on each team who can swing his team’s fortunes. (All statistics and records through Sunday.)
1. Boston Celtics | Previous ranking: 1
Key player: Jaylen Brown
A little obvious, perhaps, but Brown’s great start to last season’s playoffs — he averaged 26.7 points and 22.6 points in the first and second rounds, respectively — was overshadowed by his abysmal Eastern Conference Finals showing. If Brown is at his best, which he has been more often than not in the postseason, Boston is the clear title favorite.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder | Previous: 6
Key player: Jalen Williams
A Williams coming-out party in the playoffs seems inevitable. OKC’s third-year wing is the unsung hero of the Thunder’s incredible first half, averaging 18.2 points. If he can reach a few notches above that in the postseason, OKC’s ceiling may not exist.
