NBA power rankings: Are the Sixers contenders right now?

NBA power rankings — Warriors, Heat, Jazz

• 3. Golden State Warriors (4-1)

The Warriors’ only loss came in overtime against Memphis, with Ja Morant pulling rabits out of a hat in his early bid for MVP. That said, another early MVP favorite is Stephen Curry, who has guided Golden State to 4-1 despite the ongoing absence of Klay Thompson. Golden State built out the bench in a big way this offseason, and Draymond Green continues to provide his customary star-level impact in a role player’s role. With a top-5 player at the helm and more pedigree than any other contender, it’s hard not to get excited about the Warriors’ prospects this season.

• 2. Miami Heat (3-1)

Miami added two elite defenders to the starting five in Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker, giving them arguably the most well-rounded defensive unit in basketball. The Heat are going to shut down teams this season, and the offense isn’t lagging far behind. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are off to strong starts, while Tyler Herro has relocated some of that rookie-season magic off the bench. This is a deep and talented team with three stars who fit together hand-in-glove. The Heat are very real.

• 1. Utah Jazz (4-0)

The last unbeaten team remaining is, to no one’s surprise, the Utah Jazz. There’s a reason Utah finished last season with the top record in basketball, and there’s a reason they’re favorites to repeat that accomplishment this season. The Jazz have more continuity than any contender — or any team, frankly — in basketball. There’s no figuring out process. Rudy Gobert is the most dominant defender in recent NBA history, and Donovan Mitchell is one of the NBA’s truly elite on-ball scorers. In fact, Mitchell has struggled through four games, and it hasn’t mattered. The Jazz can weather injuries and cold spells better than any team because of their depth and familiarity.