NBA 2018-19: Eastern Conference Power Rankings Week 9

#1 Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard

We said last season and the season before that. But this time, it feels real. The Raptors are the best team in the Eastern Conference. At 23-9, the Raptors have the first seed at Week 9.

While a cynical fan would worry - the Raps have lost three of their last five to the Bucks, Nuggets and Blazers, I wouldn't worry. Toronto won't face Portland or Denver in the Finals, and the Kawhi-less Raptors just won away against Golden State at the Oracle Arena in a 113-93 blowout.

Pascal Siakam (14.4 ppg, 36.7 3PT%, 60.4 FG%) is a strong candidate for Most Improved Player, and Kyle Lowry has regained his formerly worrisome form, averaging 22 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists over his last two games against the Clippers and Warriors.

The Raptors have lost two straight, and somehow still have three more wins than anyone else in the league. The first seed in the East looks like a real NBA Finalist this time around.