Welcome to the Power Rankings NBA, Week 4 2023 edition.

This week, we saw some surprising shifts in the standings, some impressive performances from individual players, and some exciting games that went down to the wire.

Here are the top 10 teams in the league right now, based on their record, strength of schedule, and recent form.

10. Denver Nuggets (9-7)

The Nuggets have been inconsistent this season, but they have shown flashes of brilliance, especially from their MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. The Serbian center is averaging 27.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, while shooting 56.8% from the field and 41.2% from three. He had a triple-double in a win over the Lakers, and a career-high 52 points in a loss to the Warriors. The Nuggets need more help from their supporting cast, especially Jamal Murray, who has been struggling with his shot.

9. Miami Heat (10-6)

The Heat have been one of the best defensive teams in the league, holding opponents to 101.9 points per game, the second-lowest mark in the NBA. They have also been getting contributions from their young core of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Duncan Robinson, who have all improved their scoring and efficiency this season. Jimmy Butler remains the leader and the closer of this team, as he proved with a clutch steal and layup to seal a win over the Nets.

8. Philadelphia 76ers (11-5)

The 76ers have been dealing with injuries and COVID-19 protocols, but they have managed to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference thanks to their star duo of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Embiid is having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 29.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, while shooting 52.4% from the field and 40.7% from three. Simmons is doing it all on both ends of the floor, averaging 16.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.

7. Utah Jazz (12-4)

The Jazz have been on a roll lately, winning eight of their last nine games, including a statement win over the Bucks. They have been playing as a cohesive unit, with six players averaging double figures in scoring, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 24.8 points per game. Rudy Gobert is anchoring the defense with his rim protection and rebounding, while Mike Conley is having a bounce-back season as the floor general.

6. Phoenix Suns (12-4)

The Suns have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, as they have transformed from a lottery team to a contender in the West. The addition of Chris Paul has been a game-changer for this team, as he has brought his leadership, playmaking, and clutch gene to Phoenix. Devin Booker is still the go-to scorer for this team, averaging 23.5 points per game, while Deandre Ayton is developing into a dominant big man.

5. Los Angeles Clippers (13-4)

The Clippers have been quietly dominating the league, winning nine of their last 10 games, including a blowout win over the Mavericks. They have been led by their superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who are both having stellar seasons on both ends of the floor. Leonard is averaging 26 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, while shooting 50% from the field and 42% from three. George is averaging 24.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, while shooting 50% from the field and 48% from three.

4. Brooklyn Nets (13-3)

The Nets have been unstoppable since they acquired James Harden in a blockbuster trade that shook up the league. The former MVP has fit in seamlessly with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, forming a potent offensive trio that can score at will. The Nets are averaging a league-high 121 points per game since Harden joined them, and they have won seven of their last eight games.

3. Milwaukee Bucks (14-3)

The Bucks have been dominant in the regular season once again, as they have the best record in the East and the second-best point differential in the league (+10). Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up MVP numbers once again, averaging 28 points, 11 rebounds,
and 5 assists per game while shooting
56% from field.
Khris Middleton is having an All-Star season as well,averaging 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game
while shooting 51% from field and 45% from three.
Jrue Holiday has been a great addition to this team, providing defense, playmaking, and scoring.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

(15-2)

The Lakers have been the best team in the league so far, as they have the best record and the best point differential in the NBA (+12.1). LeBron James is playing at an MVP level, averaging 25.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, while shooting 49% from the field and 40% from three. Anthony Davis is having another dominant season, averaging 22.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game, while shooting 53% from the field and 36% from three. The Lakers have also improved their depth and shooting with the additions of Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, Marc Gasol, and Wesley Matthews.

1. Golden State Warriors (16-1)

The Warriors have been the most impressive team in the league this season, as they have bounced back from a dismal start to win 16 games in a row, including a historic comeback win over the Clippers. Stephen Curry is playing like the best player in the world, averaging a league-high 32.4 points per game, while shooting 48% from the field and 45% from three. He has also hit 103 threes in 17 games, breaking his own record for the most threes in a span of 17 games. Curry has been getting help from his teammates as well, as Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre Jr., James Wiseman, and Draymond Green have all stepped up their games.

That’s it for this week’s Power Rankings NBA. What do you think of these rankings? Do you agree or disagree with them? Let me know in the comments below.

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