NBA Power Rankings Week 5: Favorites falling, champs climbing

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

By Jack Simone | Nov 21, 2021

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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Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles during the first half against the New York Knicks (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

NBA Power Rankings: 24. Indiana Pacers (7-11)

Last week: (1-3) – @ NYK (L), @ DET (L), @ CHA (L), vs. NOP (W)

Rank last week: 21

Offensive rating: 107.6 (15th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 108.6 (19th in NBA)

After a fairly successful run last week, the Indiana Pacers have fallen back down to earth. They took a slight leap in the power rankings last time around, but they are right back where they started now.

Pacers fans were probably excited to see their team break out of an early-season slump two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the past week has been ugly.

The fact that the Pacers lost to the Pistons says it all. While it’s normal to drop games to bad teams from time to time, that game being a part of a losing streak is very rough.

A lot of people have been saying that it’s time for Indiana to rebuild, and to be honest, maybe it is. After being eliminated in Round 1 seemingly every year for the past five or so seasons, a chance might be needed.

Season outlook: Indiana is always one of those teams that is in the middle of the pack. However, this year, they seem like they’re going to be closer towards the bottom of the park. At best, they might contend for a play-in spot, but right now, they’re playing like a team destined for the lottery.