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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

NBA power rankings — Hawks, Knicks, Bucks

  • 6. Atlanta Hawks (3-2)

The Hawks look pretty much as advertised. Trae Young has been somewhat inconsistent, but the production is there. Atlanta is probably the deepest team in basketball, and Cam Reddish’s sudden emergence only strengthens that claim. The Hawks have the personnel to field both an elite offense and an elite defense, with a roster tailored perfectly to its superstar’s skill set. A couple bumps in the road early, but the Hawks are legit.

  • 5. New York Knicks (4-1)

New York has silenced any concerns over the fluke nature of last season. They’re cemented in the playoffs conversation, with much-improved depth, a burgeoning star in Julius Randle, and one of the NBA’s most consistent regular season coaches in Tom Thibodeau. There are still questions to be answered about New York’s viability as a postseason contender, but for now, their physicality and talent level is hard to ignore.

  • 4. Milwaukee Bucks (3-2)

Missing two starters has dampened the start to the season for Milwaukee, but nonetheless, the Bucks are 3-2 with one of the best outlooks in basketball. Giannis Antetokounmpo has poured in MVP-caliber numbers, while several players have stepped up in the absence of Brook Lopez and Jrue Holiday — most notably Pat Connaughton and Jordan Nwora. The Bucks have one of the NBA’s premier defensive anchors and can still overpower most teams with sheer size and force of will.