In Week 8 of NBA Power Rankings for the 2018-19 campaign, the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets are really starting to impress.
In yet another week filled with 50-point performances, highly anticipated matchups and early MVP candidates bolstering their cases, the calendar flipping to December did not result in much of a change-up near the very top of the list.
The Toronto Raptors are still the reigning No. 1, especially after that enjoyable win over the shorthanded Golden State Warriors, while the surging Philadelphia 76ers clock in at No. 2 again as they enjoy the effects of the Jimmy Butler trade.
After that, however, we see more of a shake-up, with a few entertaining teams putting together some of their most promising basketball of the season so far.
Following a worrisome 2-5 start, the Los Angeles Lakers have now won 12 of their last 16 games to climb all the way to fifth in the Western Conference. While the early standings don’t mean all that much, it’s worth noting the Denver Nuggets’ five-game win streak has boosted them into a tie for first in the West.
Meanwhile in the East, the Detroit Pistons have also won five straight games, making their intention of being a top-four team in the conference very clear. These standings change on a nightly basis, but given what we’ve seen over the last week, where does the rest of the league wind up?
To sort it all out, here are the latest NBA Power Rankings.