NBA Power Rankings Week 5: LA Lakers, Boston Celtics come out on top

As the NBA 2019-20 season completes another week, the Los Angeles Lakers have come out on top. Anthony Davis, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, played 64 minutes after missing one game and shot 2-for-14 from outside the paint. LeBron James has played 13 games. With many roster turnovers all-around teams this season, the Lakers are on their way to developing good chemistry among their players. On the table, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks follow the Lakers.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers currently have NBA's top-ranked defence. This week, their offence also made its way into the league's top 10 after scoring 120 points for every 100 possessions in three of their last four matches. Kyle Kuzma has been heating up, shooting 12-for-25 from the three-point range. LeBron James has shot 49% from the mid-range which has given him his highest effective field goal percentage from outside the paint in his NBA career. The Lakers are currently at 4-0 (win-loss record) outside of Staples Center. 

Also read | ZAL vs PAN Dream11 Euro League: Match prediction, squad details and injury updates

2. Boston Celtics

The Celtics' winning streak ended with their 100-99 loss against the Sacramento Kings' on Sunday night. The Celtics have seen tremendous improvement in their shot percentage, especially the free throw rate and turnover percentage. However, their last two games have been their worst offensive performance since their season-opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. The next three teams the Celtics will be facing have defences that rank higher than them in the league. 

Also read | NBA: LeBron James talks similarities with Kobe Bryant, Anthony Davis left starstruck

3. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are currently on a three-game winning streak, where they doubled their opponents in the paint (192-96). They have allowed 23.5 points per game in the restricted area. However, their last five games have been their worst offensive performance with 105.5 points scored for every 100 possessions. They have been shooting less than 30% from the three-point range in three matches. After their visit to Atlanta and Chicago, the Bucks will have played 10 out of their 14 games on the road with only 4 remaining.  

Also read | Kobe Bryant salary, net worth, LA Lakers days and future NBA plans

Denver Nuggets follow the Bucks in this week's rankings, while the Houston Rockets have moved up to the fifth spot. Miami Heat are sixth, and the LA Clippers are now seventh. Paul George made his debut against New Orleans Pelicans and scored 7-points in 44 minutes. However, they have been plagued by injuries as Landry Shamet, Patrick Beverley and Kawhi Leonard have been sidelined due to injuries. Utah Jazz have scored more than 110 points per 100 possessions in 267 minutes with five of their top six players on the court. Toronto Raptors are now ninth, followed by Phoenix Suns, who round up the top 10 of the NBA Power Rankings Week 5. 

Also read | NBA trade rumours: Chris Paul could be the perfect trade target for NY Knicks