NBA Bubble Power Rankings 2: More games, more change

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 08: LA Clippers players celebrate their victory against the Portland Trail Blazers at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 8, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /

Change is drastic after one week of NBA ball. Some teams have seen hopes dashed. Some have a new lease on life. And there is again a new number one.

The amount of change that has been seen in just a week is staggering. Coming into the bubble, Memphis seemed to have a lead that made it impossible to not be the eight seed in a play-in scenario. They have lost their first five games and are now on the outside looking in. They have the chance to win a game and make it nearly impossible for other teams to bump them out of the No. 9 spot, but the impact of the last week cannot be understated.

Be that as it may, worry should be tampered to some extent. The Bucks, Lakers and Clippers have consistently looked like the juggernauts that they had during the initial regular season. Sometimes they look dominant. Other times they look like they are going through the motions.

Before getting carried away on what that means for any of their title hopes, looking at recent history can be indicative. LeBron James-led teams have a history of great records and panic around random downer performances before coming into the postseason and making another run to the Finals.

The Bucks and Clippers have had moments where they look lesser than expectations. However, the Bucks have limited Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton minutes more so than normal and the Clippers have been incomplete.

Boredom is to be expected for some of the teams with less to play for. This is less than ideal and could set them up for failure. Some worry is fine. But there is no reason to completely jump off the bandwagon of these teams yet. They have been the top three teams for most of the season for a reason.