NBA Power Rankings Christmas: Bucks & Rockets on the Rise

Tier 1: The Legitimate Contenders

The top tier of the NBA deserves a ton of respect, but there's only a select group of teams who truly belong here at this point. Obviously, a lot can change in the span of one or two weeks, but right now it's hard to envision any team outside of a core three taking down the title, at least if all are healthy.

It's going to take a bit of time for any team to crack this top section, barring just an exceptional run. That's not to say that it can't and won't happen, but at this moment, there are three teams who can be considered the top-tier contenders.

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1. Golden State Warriors

Last week: 2

I was all set to give the Toronto Raptors the nod for the No. 1 spot. The reasoning seemed simple enough when you consider they've navigated injuries consistently as of late and have played without Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry sporadically.

Then, I realized that the Warriors didn't just do that as well, but did so for an extended period earlier this year. This isn't to say that the Raptors couldn't defeat the Warriors in a seven-game series, but right now, Golden State looks good. This week alone they defeated three teams on the last edition of power rankings – the Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers.

The Warriors deserve a tip of the cap for the recent play and that comes in the form of the top spot in the power rankings. It helps when you have one or two legitimate MVP candidates as well.

Upcoming week's schedule: vs. Lakers, vs. Trail Blazers, at Trail Blazers

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2. Toronto Raptors

Last week: 1

As stated above, figuring out how to rank the Raptors (whether it's No. 1 or 2) is tough to do right now. There's no denying that Toronto has an edge on the rest of the NBA with the exception of the Warriors. The injuries have made the situation somewhat tough to gauge, though, largely due to the fact that losses become a bit more understandable when multiple key pieces are out.

There's a strong argument to be made that Kawhi Leonard and company deserve to be in the top spot, and I wouldn't cause a scene arguing against it either. Unfortunately, the Warriors have simply looked better, largely due to the fact that they're playing at full strength. The Raptors are a force, and considering most of these injuries aren't overly series, it bodes well for their overall outlook.

If things continue to go the way they have to this point, the Warriors and Raptors could wind up battling for the top spot consistently throughout the year.

Upcoming week's schedule: at Heat, at Magic, vs. Bulls

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3. Milwaukee Bucks

Last week: 5

The Milwaukee Bucks have won seven of their last 10 games and the three losses came against the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat, with the last two on the road. The Bucks are legit and I wouldn't want to face this team in the postseason. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to build his MVP resume and doesn't seem to be showing any signs of slowing down.

Prior a loss against the surging Heat on Saturday last week, they had reeled off four-straight wins, including victories. This run included road wins against the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics as well as a win over Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans.

I'd love to see the Bucks and Raptors in a seven-game series to decide who goes to the NBA Finals. Either one of these teams have the talent to keep up with the Warriors as well, so general fans may be in for a fun finish to the year when the playoffs roll around.

Upcoming week's schedule: at Knicks, vs. Knicks, vs. Nets

Tier two is up next, headlined by a few on-the-rise teams.

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