NBA Power Rankings Week 11: Miami Heat continue to rise as the LA Clippers slip out the top 3

#3 Miami Heat - Record: 24-8

The Miami Heat have been the surprise package of the season so far

The Miami Heat were expected to contend for a playoff spot after signing Jimmy Butler during the offseason, although Erik Spoelstra's team has eyes on winning a championship after making a 24-8 start to the season. Miami has won five consecutive games to rise to second in the East standings, and their latest win came courtesy of an overtime victory over Philadelphia. This Miami team was never supposed to be this good, although, with more than a third of the season now played, they appear to be the real deal.

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#2 Los Angeles Lakers - Record: 26-7

Kyle Kuzma has been excellent for the Lakers over the past week

Following a frustrating Christmas Day defeat to the Clippers, the Lakers snapped their losing streak on Saturday night as they defeated the Trail Blazers in Portland - and the team followed that up with a win over the Mavs on Sunday. Despite their shaky recent form, Frank Vogel's team remains top of the Western Conference standings, and Kyle Kuzma has enjoyed a breakout week following his slow start to the season.

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#1 Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 29-5

The Milwaukee Bucks managed to win back-to-back games with Antetokounmpo

The Bucks opened the week with a defeat to the 76ers, although Mike Budenholzer's team managed to get back on track with comfortable wins over the Hawks and Magic. Milwaukee's star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Malcolm Brogdon missed both games, and the Bucks' roster remains arguably the strongest in the NBA. They enter 2020 with the NBA's best record (29-5) and the Bucks remain the favorites to advance from the Eastern Conference.