NBA Power Rankings Week 6: Are the Los Angeles Lakers on top?

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers disputes a personal foul called against him during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 30, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Lakers defeat the Celtics 96-95. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

169. . 9-9. Previous: 22nd. Houston Rockets. 13. team

Last Week: Beat Washington Wizards 107-98, Beat Portland Trail Blazers 104-101, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 126-112

This Week: 2/1 at Oklahoma City Thunder, 2/3 at Oklahoma City Thunder, 2/4 at Memphis Grizzlies, 2/6 vs. San Antonio Spurs

Looked at as the land of misfit toys, the Houston Rockets are quietly on a five game winning streak and the explanation is not what those on the outside looking in would perceive. The Rockets have climbing all the way up to sixth in defensive rating, stunning for a team consisting of plenty of perceived turnstiles on that end of the floor.

Offense is not a problem either. Christian Wood continues to lead the way and is cementing his case for his first All-Star appearance. Over the week, the big man averaged 24.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals a game with shooting splits of .760/.500/.875. He is everything this team has hoped he would be as their newest star.

Victor Oladipo was the only other Rocket to average over 20 points per game mark this week at 21.7 points per game. He also led the team in minutes at 32.8 per game. Having him in the lineup, along with the returning Danuel House and emerging Sterling Brown, has pushed the defensive rating to its current elite level.

After a loud preseason, Stephen Silas has to love the anonymity the winning streak has been met with. The Houston Rockets are not in the headlines or trade rumors at this point. They are just going out and winning basketball games. What a concept.