2018-19 NBA Power Rankings: Philadelphia 76ers looking up after All-Star break

Joel Embiid, T.J. McConnell | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid, T.J. McConnell | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

20. team. 69. . 26-33. Previous: 20th. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans are struggling to cope with the Anthony Davis situation, leading to several odd and concerning storylines. Davis left mid-game the other week after injuring his shoulder, which in part led to GM Dell Demps getting the boot. Jrue Holiday has been a bright spot, though.

26-30. Previous: 23rd. Detroit Pistons. 19. team. 64.

The Pistons are turning the corner to some degree, though it isn’t the most notable development. Blake Griffin‘s All-NBA caliber season has Detroit in a position to make the playoffs, currently eighth in the East. He needs a better roster ASAP.

. 27-30. Previous: 17th. Minnesota Timberwolves. 18. team. 86

The Wolves have seen minor improvements under Ryan Saunders, namely on the offensive end. Karl-Anthony Towns continues to flash historic upside on that end, spacing the floor and scoring proficiently at the rim. Robert Covington‘s eventual return will help the defense return to form.

Previous: 25th. Orlando Magic. 17. team. 38. . 27-32

The Magic are on a five-game winning streak, making the decision to compete for a playoff position instead of tanking. Nikola Vucevic earned his All-Star selection, putting together a career season and emerging as one of the conference’s most dynamic offensive centers.

team. 20. . 28-29. Previous: 14th. Los Angeles Lakers. 16

The Lakers are below .500 and three games behind the Clippers for eighth in the West. It doesn’t look great for LeBron James and Co., even though the chances of LeBron missing the postseason feel slim. L.A. needs a big offseason.