NBA Power Rankings Week 7: The revenge of the Los Angeles Lakers

Last Week: Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 119-110, Beat Memphis Grizzlies 134-116, Lost to Milwaukee Bucks 130-110, Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 114-113

This Week:  2/7 vs. Utah Jazz, 2/10 at Brooklyn Nets, 2/11 at Detroit Pistons, 2/13 at Atlanta Hawks

The Injury bug has truly caught up to the Indiana Pacers. After starting off the season as one of the best teams in the league, Indiana has lost six of its last 10 games. This week, facing a brutal schedule, they were only able to pick up a single win, ending the winning streak of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Losing by a combined 37 points to the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks brings some perspective to the situation. Without TJ Warren and Caris LeVert, the Pacers are not on the level of the league’s elite. Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis have done what they can to maintain an All-Star level of play. Without a consistent third scoring option on the team when one of them struggles (like when they combined for 21 points in a one-point loss to the Pelicans) their output is going to be limited.

The road ahead is unlikely to get much easier. There is no update on the status of Warren or LeVert to this point and the week ahead is daunting. Facing down the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks over six days is a tall task. As bad as the Detroit Piston’s record is, they play almost everyone tough. If the Pacers can split the week, that should be seen as a success.