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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

NBA power rankings — Cavaliers, Wizards, Grizzlies

  • 15. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2)

The Cavs have one of the best defenses in basketball so far, which makes this fast start feel very much legitimate. The three-big lineup of Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Lauri Markkanen is suffocating teams inside the arc, while Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, and Ricky Rubio has proven to be a dynamic guard trio. Mobley looks like one of the most dominant defenders in the NBA, and we’re five games into his career. It’s all uphill for him, and he looks ready to drag the Cavs uphill with him.

  • 14. Washington Wizards (4-1)

Early returns on the Russell Westbrook trade are extremely positive for the Wizards, and less so for the Lakers. A refurbished supporting cast has left Washington with a nice collection of versatile contributors around Bradley Beal and Spencer Dinwiddie, who have quickly ascended the ranks of top NBA backcourts. Beal has struggled out of the gates and the Wizards are still 4-1, which is indicative of real postseason potential for this Wiz group.

  • 13. Memphis Grizzlies (3-2)

Ja Morant has looked like an All-Star — maybe even an MVP candidate — through five games. It’s only five games, and Morant probably won’t win MVP, but his ascent makes the Grizzlies a much more fearsome postseason contender. Jaren Jackson Jr. is returning to form, Steven Adams has filled in admirably for the departed Jonas Valanciunas, and Dillon Brooks is slated to return from injury in the near future. The Grizzlies’ roster is deep and balanced, with a clever head coach at the reigns. There’s a lot to like about this group.