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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
PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 15: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Toronto Raptors during the third quarter at Moda Center on November 15, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Week 6 NBA Power Rankings: 14. Portland Trail Blazers (10-10)

Rank last week: 17th

Last week: (1-2) – vs. DEN (W), @ SAC (L), vs. GSW (L)

Offensive rating: 111.6 (4th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 111.5 (28th in NBA)

The Portland Trail Blazers benefit from a few teams formerly above them playing poorly and move up three spots this week, despite going 1-2 in the past week.

However, they were playing some great basketball before their current two-game losing streak. Damian Lillard is finally starting to be Damian Lillard again.

Over the last week, Lillard is averaging over 24 points and shooting the ball closer to normal than he had been. At the same time, both CJ McCollum and Norman Powell were also hot.

There are two things that stand out as issues when looking at the Blazers, though – defense and playing on the road. Once they figure those things out, if they ever do, they’ll be a scary team to play.

Season outlook: With Lillard’s future in Portland on the balance, the Blazers needed to play great this year. While it hasn’t been a perfect season, they are finally starting to turn things around. With Lillard and McCollum at the helm, they should end up in the playoffs this year at the very least.