NBA Power Rankings: Luka Doncic, Mavericks on fire; Celtics undeterred by loss; Pelicans, Grizzlies rising
CBSN
There was plenty of movement in this week's rankings as star players returned throughout the league
Every season has injuries that complicate matters and sully the crystal ball we all try to use to determine who will be the last team standing come June, so it's nice to see star players getting back on the court. This week alone, former All-Stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Damian Lillard, James Harden, Chris Paul, Khris Middleton and Jarrett Allen all returned from lengthy absences, leading to the excitement surrounding those teams and ripples throughout their respective conferences.
Another welcome sight, for the rest of the NBA at least, was a loss by the Boston Celtics, who fell to the Miami Heat in overtime. A quick winning streak later, however, and the Celtics are back on top of this week's Power Rankings as the clear top team in the league. They're facing pressure, however, from the New Orleans Pelicans, who jumped two more spots this week to No. 2 behind Zion Williamson's potent offensive attack and a stout defense.
The biggest risers of the week were Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, who put a hurting on the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns while jumping 13 spots all the way to No. 6. Speaking of the Suns, they were the week's biggest fallers, tied with the Los Angeles Clippers and Indiana Pacers.
