NBA Power Rankings Week 5: Favorites keep falling, champs keep climbing

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks wait for a free throw during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks wait for a free throw during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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NBA; NBA Power Rankings
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the LA Clippers (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

NBA Power Rankings: 22. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9)

Rank last week: 25

Last week: (3-1) – vs. PHX (L), vs. SAC (W), vs. SAS (W), vs. MEM (W)

Offensive rating: 103.9 (25th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 105.3 (12th in NBA)

The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a fairly up and down season so far this season. They started off hot, went through a big-time slump, and might possibly be back on track now.

Beating the Kings and Spurs may not be too much of an accomplishment, but wins are wins. If the Wolves want to push for the playoffs, they are going to have to take care of business against lesser teams.

While D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards struggled this past week, Karl-Anthony Towns has been on fire. He’s shooting above 50 percent from the field and from deep.

The team could look to add additional pieces at the deadline, but Towns is leading the way right now. He’s having an All-Star season, but now he just needs to help his team earn a better record.

Season outlook: Minnesota is very top-heavy, but if their stars can play well, they have a shot at competing for a play-in spot. With the way KAT is playing, they should be in that fight, but a lack of depth is hurting them big-time. Expect them to be hovering around the 10th or 11th seed by the end of the season.