NBA: Raptors Top Power Rankings

1. Toronto Raptors (13-4): The Raptors have looked like the best team in the NBA to start the season, and a lot of that can be attributed to the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard over the offseason. Despite a three-game losing streak last week, Toronto has the best record in the league and has wins over the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, two of their four losses have come to teams that we'll have in the remainder of these rankings. The Raptors look poised to contend in the Eastern Conference all year long, and their +8.4 points per game shows they aren't playing a ton of close games. Toronto is scoring 116.8 points which tops the East. Leonard leads the team with 24.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

2. Milwaukee Bucks (12-4): The Bucks (along with the Raptors) are proving that the East has some teams that can keep up with the Western Conference. The biggest reason? Giannis Antetokounmpo. He leads the team in points (25.6), rebounds (12.7), and steals (1.3). Oh, and just for good measure, he's second in assists with 5.5 per game. He's inarguably one of the best players in the NBA, even if he hasn't figured out his shot yet, as he's hitting just 12.5 percent of his three-point attempts. Brook Lopez has actually been a nice addition as he's averaging 12.6 points to round out five players in double figures. The Bucks can hang their hat on a 134-111 win over the Golden State Warriors, but they're just 3-2 since then.

3. Portland Trail Blazers (11-5): The Trail Blazers aren't supposed to be the top team in a rough West, but they have the best record. Most expect them to fall off a bit and teams like the Warriors and Houston Rockets will gain ground. But until then, Portland can say they have the top record. And it's no fluke. This was a very good team last year. They were the 3rd seed last year and might be heading for a similar finish. The Blazers are 7-3 in their last 10 games, and are led by Damian Lillard (26.6 points and 6.1 assists per game) and C.J. McCollum (20.8 points and 36.1 percent from three) who create one of the most dangerous backcourts in a guard-heavy league. Portland will try to win their second game in a row against the New York Knicks.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-5): The Thunder haven't had superstar Russell Westbrook for more than half of their outings as he's missed time with a minor injury and for the birth of his twin daughters. While he's in there, Westbrook is averaging 24.1 points and and a team-high 8.9 assists per game. But it's arguable that the Thunder have been better with him out, and with Paul George taking more of the offensive responsibility, like his days with the Indiana Pacers. PG13 is also averaging 24.1 points, but is shooting way better from three-point range (+25.6 percent). Not to mention that he's also been better at the line (+20.0 percent). This team looks more comfortable this year and if Westbrook can start shooting more efficiently, they'll be scary.

5. Golden State Warriors (12-6): The Warriors are still the Warriors. Yes, even with the on (and off) court drama like Draymond Green and Kevin Durant feuding over a late-game decision, and then constant speculation that KD is preparing to leave this offseason. No matter the noise, Golden State has by far the best talent in the league, and it's going to stay that way at least for the remainder of this year. They've hit a miniature skid lately, dropping three games in a row and going just 5-5 in their last 10 outings. Part of that is because their defense has been lackluster. The Warriors are giving up a pathetic 110.4 points per game. They're going to get it figured out, and maybe all they need is Stephen Curry (and his 29.5 points) to come back.

Next Up:

6. Clippers (11-5)

7. Grizzlies (11-5)

8. Pacers (11-6)

9. 76ers (12-7)

10. Nuggets (10-7)

11. Pelicans (10-7)

12. Lakers (9-7)

13. Rockets (8-7)

14. Celtics (9-8)

15. Hornets (8-8)

Photo Credit: CBC Sports.