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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

NBA power rankings — Nets, Nuggets, Bulls

  • 9. Brooklyn Nets (2-3)

It has been a concerning opening stretch for Brooklyn, with Kyrie Irving’s absence looming large over a sub-.500 start. James Harden looks nowhere near 100 percent health-wise, and the second unit has been largely unspectacular outside of Patty Mills’ red-hot shooting. They’re still the Nets, and they still have both Kevin Durant and James Harden on the roster. Harden will play his way into shape, and by season’s end, we will still consider the Nets a contender. That said, there are some glaring holes early on.

  • 8. Denver Nuggets (2-2)

The Nuggets have been similarly uneven to start the season, with poor performances from the second unit and a key absence (Jamal Murray) leaving a rather large hole in the roster. Even so, Nikola Jokic is the reigning MVP and looks primed to defend his title. The Nuggets have a pretty balanced group overall, and it’s hard to imagine them not righting the ship soon.

  • 7. Chicago Bulls (4-1)

The Bulls’ only loss came by one point to the New York Knicks, who are also 4-1. It’s been an excellent start to the season on both ends for Chicago, with each major new addition (Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso) playing at a high level. The pieces fit together extremely well, and Billy Dovovan is an early favorite for Coach of the Year. That said, Patrick Williams will miss the remainder of the regular season due to injury, which puts a sizable dent in the starting five.