NBA power rankings: Sixers slowly recalibrating after tough stretch

NBA power rankings — Jazz, Warriors, Suns

• 3. Utah Jazz (15-7)

The Jazz haven’t been flawless, but there are few more consistently competitive teams in the NBA. Utah has a rare blend of star talent and continuity, with a core group that has been at it for a while, undergoing very few foundational changes since Donovan Mitchell was drafted in 2017. Utah is elite on both sides of the ball and has one of the NBA’s better coaches. You can’t count them out of the championship discussion.

• 2. Golden State Warriors (19-4)

Golden State has been on a tear all season, with Stephen Curry emerging as the MVP frontrunner and excitement building around Klay Thompson’s impending return. The Warriors are not perfect — the roster’s offensive firepower is almost entirely dependent on Curry, who can struggle every now and then — but it’s hard to imagine them not competing for the Western Conference crown this season.

• 1. Phoenix Suns (19-4)

Phoenix went on an 18-game win streak until recently, when the Warriors snapped it. Not before they beat Golden State, though, setting the stage for this season’s foremost division rivalry. The Suns made the Finals last season and look every bit as dominant this season, with a balanced offense under Chris Paul’s guidance and one of the NBA’s best defensive cores in Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges. The Suns could repeat as conference champs. In fact, they might be the favorites right now.