NBA Power Rankings Week 9: Milwaukee remain on top as Philadelphia 76ers continue to climb

#7 Boston Celtics - Record: 17-7

Gordon Hayward returned for the Celtics last week

The Celtics endured a frustrating week as they lost to two Eastern Conference contenders in the form of Indiana and Philadelphia. Boston's lone win came against the dismal Cavaliers, although Brad Stevens' team still possesses a 17-7 record and Gordon Hayward has looked increasingly sharp since returning.

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#6 Miami Heat - Record: 19-7

Jimmy Butler has excelled since joining the Heat during the offseason

The Heat ended Week 8 with a 2-1 record as the Lakers inflicted a first home defeat of the season. Nevertheless, Miami looked like the better team for long periods, and if not for a huge second-half performance from LeBron James, the Heat's record would be intact. They bounced back with a win against the Mavericks, and other than a mid-week game against the Sixers, Miami should have few problems this week.

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#5 Dallas Mavericks - Record: 17-8

The Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic this week

The Mavericks opened the week by beating the Pistons in Detroit, but the team suffered a serious setback over the weekend as Luka Doncic left the court just two minutes into the game against the Heat. The Mavs put on a brave showing without their MVP candidate, and still boast an impressive 17-8 record. However, they now face a tough week as they take on the Bucks, Celtics, 76ers, and Raptors without their star man.

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#4 LA Clippers - Record: 20-8

Paul George enjoyed a strong week for the Clippers

After weeks of contending with injury issues, the Clippers are beginning to look like the real deal. While Doc Rivers' team suffered a surprise defeat to the Bulls, they were mostly excellent as they picked up wins over Indiana, Toronto, and Minnesota. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard combined for 88 points in the win over the Timberwolves, and the Clippers are now three games clear of the third-placed Mavericks - and the gap will only get bigger.