The Sixer Sense
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NBA power rankings: Are the Sixers contenders right now?

By Christopher Kline

Joel Embiid, Sixers (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid, Sixers (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

NBA power rankings — Pacers, Raptors, Clippers

  • 24. Indiana Pacers (1-4)

Yikes! The Rick Carlisle era is off to a rocky start, and while the Pacers are missing several key players, it’s hard not to get skeptical. The Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner frontcourt has been a point of contention for years, and a 1-4 start would suggest it’s time to consider other options. We are in the early stages of the new season, and there’s no doubt Caris LeVert (and eventually T.J. Warren) will help significantly. For now, however, the Pacers aren’t rebounding in the way many NBA fans anticipated.

  • 23. Toronto Raptors (2-3)

The Raptors have possibly the worst offense in basketball right now, which is hard to overcome. Fred VanVleet will have better weeks, and both Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby look stellar. But, with Kyle Lowry out the door and a severe lack of perimeter shot-makers, the Raptors probably aren’t primed for another playoff run. Pascal Siakam’s upcoming return will help, of course.

  • 22. LA Clippers (1-3)

Remove Kawhi Leonard, and the Clippers obviously take a step back. This is a team that competed admirably without Leonard in the postseason, so there’s a chance they turn things around. Ty Lue is one of the best coaches in the league, and Paul George is a former MVP candidate. The role players have struggled out of the gate, however. How much of that is shooting variance, and how much of that is Leonard’s gravity no longer being present?