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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
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 19: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the fourth quarter of a NBA game against the LA Clippers at Smoothie King Center on November 19, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Week 6 NBA Power Rankings: 25. New Orleans Pelicans (5-17)

Rank last week: 29th

Last week: (2-2) – vs. MIN (L), vs. WAS (W), @ UTA (W), @ UTA (L)

Offensive rating: 103.6 (26th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 110.8 (27th in NBA)

The New Orleans Pelicans had their best week of the season by far this past week. In the process, they managed to take down two of the top teams in the league – the Wizards and the Jazz.

It has become clear, though, that they desperately need Brandon Ingram to play well in order to win. They won both games when he scored 20+ points, and lost both where he scored 11 or less.

Jonas Valanciunas has begun to come back down to earth, too. His three-point shooting took a major hit this last week, as he shot only 9.1 percent from deep.

That being said, a clutch shot from Devonte’ Graham really saved their week as a whole. Now, with Zion Williamson cleared for full activity, the rest of the season is looking up for New Orleans.

Season outlook: This year started off as a very disappointing one for the Pelicans, and right now, it still is. However, a 2-2 week last week gives them some hope for the rest of the season. If Zion Williamson can make a major impact upon his return, this team could push for the play-in. However, the more likely scenario is that they get stuck with a lottery pick once again.