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

#3 Philadelphia 76ers - Record: 20-8

Ben Simmons is making a bigger impact on the offensive end

Philadelphia has still yet to hit top form following a mixed start to the season, although they continue to be heading in the right direction and now possess a 20-8 record. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are currently playing their best basketball of the season, and the Sixers picked up a notable win last week as they beat the Celtics in Boston. This is a team heading in the direction, and they will be a force in the new year.

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#2 Los Angeles Lakers - Record: 24-3

Anthony Davis is among the contenders to be named Defensive Player of the Year

The Lakers played three consecutive road games over the past seven days, although Frank Vogel's team managed to finish the week with a 3-0 record thanks to wins over Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta. The win over a Heat team that had been unbeaten at home was especially impressive, and the superstar duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James is looking increasingly unstoppable.

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#1 Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 24-3

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have won 18 consecutive games

The Bucks took advantage of a favorable schedule in Week 8, and Milwaukee's win streak now stands at 18 games following wins over the Magic, Pelicans, Grizzlies, and Cavaliers. Nevertheless, while Giannis Antetokounmpo has returned from injury, the influential Eric Bledsoe faces two weeks on the sidelines and Milwaukee's streak will be under threat as they face the Lakers later this week.