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NBA Power Rankings Week 6: New faces in the top ten

By Jack Simone

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NBA Power Rankings
Nov 23, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Denver Nuggets power forward Jeff Green (32) reacts with point guard Facundo Campazzo (7) after scoring a three-point basket during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 6 NBA Power Rankings: 15. Denver Nuggets (9-10)

Rank last week: 10th

Last week: (0-3) – @ PHX (L), @ POR (L), vs. MIL (L)

Offensive rating: 106.4 (20th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 107.5 (15th in NBA)

The Denver Nuggets have taken a tumble down the standings this week, in large part due to the absence of Nikola Jokic. He has missed the last four games and the Nuggets are 0-4 in those games.

This past week, it has been Jeff Green leading the way for Denver. He’s averaging over 19 points per game and shooting 50 percent of better from the field and from deep.

Jokic had been carrying the Nuggets before going out this season. He’s putting up numbers that are arguably better than the ones he averaged last year in his MVP season.

Losing Jamal Murray hurt, and losing PJ Dozier for the season hurts, too. Denver just can’t catch a break this season in regard to injuries, and it’s catching up to them right now.

Season outlook: At full strength, the Nuggets should be title contenders this season. The only downside is, they are never able to get to full strength. With Murray and Dozier out, and Jokic missing some time, they’ll probably be able to fight their way to the Western Conference Finals, but are more likely to be a second-round exit.