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

By Jack Simone

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
Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second quarter of an NBA game against the LA Clippers (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

NBA Power Rankings: 29. New Orleans Pelicans (3-15)

Last week: (1-3) – @ WAS (L), @ MIA (L), vs. LAC (W), @ IND (L)

Rank last week: 29

Offensive rating: 103.8 (26th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 111.8 (29th in NBA)

The New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this year. Despite not having their best player, they should still be doing better than they are right now.

They did manage to get a win this week, which, while it shouldn’t be as big of a deal as it is, should be noted. Jonas Valanciunas deserves a ton of credit for that, as he’s been arguably their best player this year.

The big news surrounding New Orleans this week has been Zion Williamson. The organization has reportedly changed its approach in regard to his treatment.

This means changing his diet, routine, and all of that fun stuff. Regardless, the team is still a mess, and that whole situation seems to be a mess as well.

Season outlook: A lot of people pegged New Orleans as a playoff team going into the season. That is clearly no longer the case. The team would be lucky to have a chance at the play-in by the time the last 10 games roll around. This has been a very sad season for Pelicans fans, and it’s looking like things will only get worse from here.