The Sixer Sense
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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 /
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(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

NBA power rankings — Mavericks, Bulls, Jazz

  • 6. Dallas Mavericks (7-3)

Luka Doncic continues to do Luka Doncic things. The Mavs started the season on uneven footing, but it has quickly become clear that Doncic can single-handedly mask a ton of flaws. Kristaps Porzingis looks considerably healthier than last season, while Jalen Brunson is quickly ascending the ranks of Dallas’ most important players. This is a Mavericks team with as good a shot as any team to win the West, it would seem.

  • 5. Chicago Bulls (7-3)

Two of Chicago’s three losses came to Philadelphia, the hottest team in basketball prior to Monday. Otherwise, the Bulls have looked spectacular, with strong offensive production from Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, combined with one of the stingiest defenses in basketball — a mild surprise given the personnel on the roster. Billy Donovan has done a heck of a job so far. The Bulls are a fun team to watch.

  • 4. Utah Jazz (7-3)

Utah was the last undefeated team standing, but a couple losses in a row — to Miami, and then more surprisingly, to Orlando — has left them in a somewhat diminished standing. That said, the Jazz have more depth and continuity than just about every other contender. Rudy Gobert is the most dominant defender in the NBA, and Donovan Mitchell (like most NBA stars) is recovering from an early-season slump. The Jazz will be just fine. In fact, they might be favorites in the West.