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)
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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Previous: 9th. Atlanta Hawks. 10. team. 125. . 10-9

Last Week: Lost to Milwaukee Bucks 129-115, Beat LA Clippers 108-99, Lost/OT to Brooklyn Nets 132-128, Beat Washington Wizards 116-100

This Week: 2/1 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 2/3 Dallas Mavericks, 2/4 vs. Utah Jazz, 2/6 vs. Toronto Raptors

The newest injury to De’Andre Hunter leaves a sour taste on a generally positive week for the Atlanta Hawks. A close loss to a blossoming conference contender in overtime combined with wins against the LA Clippers and the Washington Wizards continues to build the resume for this playoff hopeful. While the injury to Hunter appears to only be a week-to-week issue, it is frustrating nonetheless.

Hunter has been the second-best player on the team this season by a noticeable margin. After having an uneven rookie season, he has been somewhat explosive to start the year, averaging 17.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He is coming into his own in every way and it is tough to see him miss any time when the team needs him.

All of that being said, Trae Young was the leading scorer in the league over the last week with 35.7 points per game. He has found a way to get back to the line on a more regular basis (13.3 free-throw attempts per game, second in the league his week). Perhaps with Hunter missing time, Cam Reddish can get into more of a groove. Further establishing the roles of everyone on this team will be essential going forward.