The Sixer Sense
Fansided

NBA power rankings: COVID stifles Sixers’ mojo

By Christopher Kline

Seth Curry, Georges Niang, Sixers Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Seth Curry, Georges Niang, Sixers Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 10
Next
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

The Sixers have begun the 2021-22 season on an absolute tear, jumping out to first place in the Eastern Conference with an 8-3 record. Unfortunately, any momentum in Philadelphia has been stifled by the recent wave of COVID infections. Now Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, and Isaiah Joe have all missed time due to illness.

With absences plaguing the roster and a difficult stretch of games forthcoming, the Sixers will face an uphill battle. Fatigue is a real factor, and there’s no guarantee Harris or Embiid will return at 100 percent, as both have experienced COVID symptoms. A dark cloud muddles the horizon, and Philadelphia will need to fight hard to outlast the storm.

Here’s an updated look at where all 30 teams stand in the NBA power rankings. You can read our previous power rankings installment here.

 NBA power rankings — Pelicans, Rockets, Pistons

  • 30. New Orleans Pelicans (1-10)

It’s been a rough few weeks for the Pelicans, who at one point in the summer had legitimate postseason aspirations. The continued absence of Zion Williamson, coupled with the recent injury to Brandon Ingram, has left New Orleans dead in the water. Williamson’s eventual return should give them some sort of spark, but right now, even strong efforts from Jonas Valanciunas, Devonte’ Graham, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker can’t save them.

  • 29. Houston Rockets (1-9)

The Rockets are young. The goal right now is player development, and in that sense, it has been a successful campaign. Jalen Green continues to work through his rookie slump, but the flashes are plentiful. Christian Wood is a borderline All-Star in talent, if not recognized stature. Alperen Sengun is going to rock for a long time. Growing pains are the name of the game in Houston.

  • 28. Detroit Pistons (1-8)

Detroit has had a rough go of things. There isn’t a more offensively uninspiring group in basketball, although Cade Cunningham threatens to change that one of these days. That said, Cunningham’s first sample of NBA basketball has been a mixed bag. He’s returning from an ankle injury, so patience is a given, but it will take time for him to fully realize his immense talent. Until then, the Pistons will continue to occupy the NBA basement.