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NBA Power Rankings 18: A new top team as the playoffs approach

By Corey Rausch

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers walks in reverse to the bench during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images )
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers walks in reverse to the bench during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images ) /
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(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

39-21. Previous: 7th. Denver Nuggets. 6. team. 73.

Last Week: Beat/2OT Memphis Grizzlies 139-137, Beat Portland Trail Blazers 106-105, Lost to Golden State Warriors 118-87, Beat Houston Rockets 129-116

This Week: 4/26 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 4/28 vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 4/29 vs. Toronto Raptors, 5/1 at LA Clippers

Snake bitten only begins to describe that bad luck that has befallen the Denver Nuggets of late. Only a week removed from suffering a season-ending injury to Jamal Murray, Denver now must deal with the absence of Will Barton, who suffered a strained hamstring. The depth of the Nuggets is being challenged already. Luckily, the Nuggets who are leftover are doing plenty to carry their own.

Nikola Jokic continues to make his MVP case. This week he averaged 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game. He is a statistical marvel that defies all logical conventions of what a big man should be able to do on the offensive end of the ball. No matter the game, he is a joy to watch.

Further indicating success, Michael Porter Jr. has been especially explosive of late. Against the Houston Rockets to end the week, he dominated to the tune of 39 points, six rebounds, three blocks and two assists. It was the kind of outing that reminds fans of the promise that makes him either the next star to blossom or the best trade chip in the league, depending on your perspective. If this can continue, the Nuggets will be able to weather the storm, at least until Barton returns.