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2015-16 NBA Power Rankings Through Week 6

It’s hard to believe that the 2015-16 NBA season has made it through six weeks already. It seems as if the season just started, yet most teams are through a quarter of their regular season schedules already. That being said, with another week of the schedule completed, it’s time for another edition of RantSports‘ 2015-16 NBA power rankings.

Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

30. Philadelphia 76ers (1-20) Last Week: 30

Philadelphia 76ers (1-20) Last Week: 30 Getty Images
The 76ers finally won their first game of the season on Tuesday with a 103-91 triumph over the Lakers. Unfortunately, Brett Brown's club followed the victory up with two straight losses to the Knicks and Nuggets to finish out Week 6 at 1-2.

The 76ers finally won their first game of the season on Tuesday with a 103-91 triumph over the Lakers. Unfortunately, Brett Brown's club followed the victory up with two straight losses to the Knicks and Nuggets to finish out Week 6 at 1-2.

29. Los Angeles Lakers (3-17) Last Week: 29

Los Angeles Lakers (3-17) Last Week: 29 Getty Images
The Lakers went 1-3 during Week 6, including a loss to the previously winless 76ers. Surprisingly, they followed that terrible loss up with a road win the next night over the Wizards. This season is now all about Kobe's farewell and getting as much experience as possible for D'Angelo Russell, as the Lakers will be lucky to win 15 games.

The Lakers went 1-3 during Week 6, including a loss to the previously winless 76ers. Surprisingly, they followed that terrible loss up with a road win the next night over the Wizards. This season is now all about Kobe's farewell and getting as much experience as possible for D'Angelo Russell, as the Lakers will be lucky to win 15 games.

28. Brooklyn Nets (5-15) Last Week: 28

Brooklyn Nets (5-15) Last Week: 28 Getty Images
It was nearly a really good week for the Nets as they held a second-half lead over the Warriors last evening. Eventually, the Warriors would prevail, sending the Nets to a 1-2 record during Week 6.

It was nearly a really good week for the Nets as they held a second-half lead over the Warriors last evening. Eventually, the Warriors would prevail, sending the Nets to a 1-2 record during Week 6.

27. Sacramento Kings (7-15) Last Week: 26

Sacramento Kings (7-15) Last Week: 26 Getty Images
The Kings started Week 6 off with a solid 112-98 victory over the Mavericks on Monday night, but proceeded to follow that victory up with three straight losses to finish another disappointing week. It's a shame because this team is extremely talented, but the individual talent is better than the sum of its parts.

The Kings started Week 6 off with a solid 112-98 victory over the Mavericks on Monday night, but proceeded to follow that victory up with three straight losses to finish another disappointing week. It's a shame because this team is extremely talented, but the individual talent is better than the sum of its parts.

26. Denver Nuggets (8-13) Last Week: 25

Denver Nuggets (8-13) Last Week: 25 Getty Images
The Nuggets played four road games during Week 6 and finished with a 2-2 record. Mike Malone's team came away with an impressive 106-105 win against the Raptors on Thursday night and followed that up with a 108-105 victory over the Sixers on Saturday.

The Nuggets played four road games during Week 6 and finished with a 2-2 record. Mike Malone's team came away with an impressive 106-105 win against the Raptors on Thursday night and followed that up with a 108-105 victory over the Sixers on Saturday.

25. Milwaukee Bucks (8-13) Last Week: 24

Milwaukee Bucks (8-13) Last Week: 24 Getty Images
It's amazing to watch a playoff team from last season, and a preseason Eastern Conference contender, continue to struggle out of the gates. Although Jason Kidd may have found a spark during Saturday night's victory over the Knicks by inserting O.J. Mayo into the starting lineup.

It's amazing to watch a playoff team from last season, and a preseason Eastern Conference contender, continue to struggle out of the gates. Although Jason Kidd may have found a spark during Saturday night's victory over the Knicks by inserting O.J. Mayo into the starting lineup.

24. New Orleans Pelicans (5-15) Last Week: 27

New Orleans Pelicans (5-15) Last Week: 27 Getty Images
Although the Pelicans only went 1-2 in Week 6, that one win came in their final game of the week against the Cavaliers on Friday night. With Tyreke Evans back, and Jrue Holiday getting healthier every game, the Pelicans look to be a team on the rise.

Although the Pelicans only went 1-2 in Week 6, that one win came in their final game of the week against the Cavaliers on Friday night. With Tyreke Evans back, and Jrue Holiday getting healthier every game, the Pelicans look to be a team on the rise.

23. Phoenix Suns (8-13) Last Week: 16

Phoenix Suns (8-13) Last Week: 16 Getty Images
The injury to Tyson Chandler has had a major impact on the Suns as they lost all four games during Week 6. While Alex Len is improving, he's not the rim protector that Chandler is, nor does he rebound as well.

The injury to Tyson Chandler has had a major impact on the Suns as they lost all four games during Week 6. While Alex Len is improving, he's not the rim protector that Chandler is, nor does he rebound as well.

22. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-11) Last Week: 20

Minnesota Timberwolves (8-11) Last Week: 20 Getty Images
The Timberwolves only had two games on the schedule during Week 6, but lost both of them at home. Expect streaky play from the young team the rest of the season, but this year will end up being extremely important for the development of the team in the future.

The Timberwolves only had two games on the schedule during Week 6, but lost both of them at home. Expect streaky play from the young team the rest of the season, but this year will end up being extremely important for the development of the team in the future.

21. New York Knicks (10-11) Last Week: 22

New York Knicks (10-11) Last Week: 22 Getty Images
The Knicks moved up a few spots this week thanks to a 2-1 showing. There's a possibility that the Knicks could steal a playoff spot this season, but the development of Kristaps Porzingis will be the most important thing to watch for the rest of the year. In my opinion, he's already passed Carmelo Anthony as the team's best player.

The Knicks moved up a few spots this week thanks to a 2-1 showing. There's a possibility that the Knicks could steal a playoff spot this season, but the development of Kristaps Porzingis will be the most important thing to watch for the rest of the year. In my opinion, he's already passed Carmelo Anthony as the team's best player.

20. Washington Wizards (8-10) Last Week: 21

Washington Wizards (8-10) Last Week: 21 Getty Images
The Wizards began the week with an impressive road victory over the Cavaliers, but they failed to keep that momentum as they followed it with a loss the next night at home to the Lakers. With injuries to Marcin Gortat, Nene Hilario, Kris Humphries, Drew Gooden and now John Wall, the Wizards could be in for a prolonged slide this week.

The Wizards began the week with an impressive road victory over the Cavaliers, but they failed to keep that momentum as they followed it with a loss the next night at home to the Lakers. With injuries to Marcin Gortat, Nene Hilario, Kris Humphries, Drew Gooden and now John Wall, the Wizards could be in for a prolonged slide this week.

19. Portland Trail Blazers (9-12) Last Week: 23

Portland Trail Blazers (9-12) Last Week: 23 Getty Images
The Blazers started the week with back-to-back losses to the Clippers and Mavericks before bouncing back with wins over the Pacers and Timberwolves. For a team that was projected to be one of the worst in the NBA, the Blazers have been awfully impressive.

The Blazers started the week with back-to-back losses to the Clippers and Mavericks before bouncing back with wins over the Pacers and Timberwolves. For a team that was projected to be one of the worst in the NBA, the Blazers have been awfully impressive.

18. Utah Jazz (9-9) Last Week: 15

Utah Jazz (9-9) Last Week: 15 Getty Images
With three home games last week, the Jazz had a real chance to get on a hot streak. Unfortunately, Quin Snyder's team couldn't take advantage with losses to the Warriors and Magic to start the week before pulling out an overtime victory over the Pacers on Saturday. With the loss of Rudy Gobert, the Jazz could be in for a rough stretch of basketball.

With three home games last week, the Jazz had a real chance to get on a hot streak. Unfortunately, Quin Snyder's team couldn't take advantage with losses to the Warriors and Magic to start the week before pulling out an overtime victory over the Pacers on Saturday. With the loss of Rudy Gobert, the Jazz could be in for a rough stretch of basketball.

17. Houston Rockets (10-11) Last Week: 19

Houston Rockets (10-11) Last Week: 19 Getty Images
After starting off the week with a road loss to the Pistons, the Rockets bounced back with three straight wins against the Pelicans, Mavericks and Kings. With the return of Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas, the Rockets could be ready to go on a serious run.

After starting off the week with a road loss to the Pistons, the Rockets bounced back with three straight wins against the Pelicans, Mavericks and Kings. With the return of Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas, the Rockets could be ready to go on a serious run.

16. Orlando Magic (11-9) Last Week: 17

Orlando Magic (11-9) Last Week: 17 Getty Images
After finishing Week 5 with three straight wins, the Magic began Week 6 with wins over the Timberwolves and Jazz to run their win streak to five games. A two-point loss to the Clippers on Saturday night ended the streak, but Scott Skiles' team is surprising a lot of people with the way they've played so far.

After finishing Week 5 with three straight wins, the Magic began Week 6 with wins over the Timberwolves and Jazz to run their win streak to five games. A two-point loss to the Clippers on Saturday night ended the streak, but Scott Skiles' team is surprising a lot of people with the way they've played so far.

15. Boston Celtics (11-9) Last Week: 17

Boston Celtics (11-9) Last Week: 17 Getty Images
The Celtics are beginning to play like we all thought they would. With wins over the Heat and Kings to start the week, the Celtics almost pulled out a surprise road victory over the Spurs on Saturday before eventually losing by three. There's a lot to like about this team in 2015-16.

The Celtics are beginning to play like we all thought they would. With wins over the Heat and Kings to start the week, the Celtics almost pulled out a surprise road victory over the Spurs on Saturday before eventually losing by three. There's a lot to like about this team in 2015-16.

14. Detroit Pistons (12-9) Last Week: 18

Detroit Pistons (12-9) Last Week: 18 Getty Images
The Pistons put an exclamation point on a 4-0 week with a 20-point win over the Lakers yesterday. Stan Van Gundy has his team playing extremely well right now.

The Pistons put an exclamation point on a 4-0 week with a 20-point win over the Lakers yesterday. Stan Van Gundy has his team playing extremely well right now.

13. Toronto Raptors (12-9) Last Week: 9

Toronto Raptors (12-9) Last Week: 9 Getty Images
The Raptors went on the road and beat the Hawks on Wednesday night, but they followed that up with two home losses to the Nuggets and Warriors. Without Jonas Valanciunas, the Raptors have been forced to play more small-ball which has hurt them a bit.

The Raptors went on the road and beat the Hawks on Wednesday night, but they followed that up with two home losses to the Nuggets and Warriors. Without Jonas Valanciunas, the Raptors have been forced to play more small-ball which has hurt them a bit.

12. Charlotte Hornets (11-8) Last Week: 13

Charlotte Hornets (11-8) Last Week: 13 Getty Images
The Hornets were hoping to become the first team to knock off the Warriors on Wednesday night, but it never came to fruition as Stephen Curry scored 40 points in only three quarters of play. Despite the loss, the Hornets bounced back with a big road win against the Bulls on Saturday. With Al Jefferson out for another week or more, the Hornets will need to continue to tread water until the big man can return.

The Hornets were hoping to become the first team to knock off the Warriors on Wednesday night, but it never came to fruition as Stephen Curry scored 40 points in only three quarters of play. Despite the loss, the Hornets bounced back with a big road win against the Bulls on Saturday. With Al Jefferson out for another week or more, the Hornets will need to continue to tread water until the big man can return.

11. Los Angeles Clippers (11-9) Last Week: 7

Los Angeles Clippers (11-9) Last Week: 7 Getty Images
The Clippers need to figure things out quickly. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are the only consistent players on a nightly basis, and Paul is currently battling a rib injury. There isn't enough help coming from the rest of the team, and that's going to be a huge problem all season long.

The Clippers need to figure things out quickly. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are the only consistent players on a nightly basis, and Paul is currently battling a rib injury. There isn't enough help coming from the rest of the team, and that's going to be a huge problem all season long.

10. Atlanta Hawks (13-9) Last Week: 12

Atlanta Hawks (13-9) Last Week: 12 Getty Images
The Hawks took down the Thunder and Lakers but lost to the Raptors during three home games in Week 6. Mike Budenholzer's team could use another shooter or two before the trade deadline, as well as some help on the wing with the departure of DeMarre Carroll.

The Hawks took down the Thunder and Lakers but lost to the Raptors during three home games in Week 6. Mike Budenholzer's team could use another shooter or two before the trade deadline, as well as some help on the wing with the departure of DeMarre Carroll.

9. Dallas Mavericks (12-9) Last Week: 10

Dallas Mavericks (12-9) Last Week: 10 Getty Images
The Mavericks had a bit of an uneven week with road wins over the Blazers and Wizards coupled with a home loss to the Rockets and road loss to the Kings. Deron Williams and Zaza Pachulia are having career rebirths this season, and Dirk Nowitzki continues to show that age is only a number.

The Mavericks had a bit of an uneven week with road wins over the Blazers and Wizards coupled with a home loss to the Rockets and road loss to the Kings. Deron Williams and Zaza Pachulia are having career rebirths this season, and Dirk Nowitzki continues to show that age is only a number.

8. Memphis Grizzlies (12-9) Last Week: 11

Memphis Grizzlies (12-9) Last Week: 11 Getty Images
The Grizzlies beat the Pelicans and Suns in Week 6 while losing at home to the Spurs. It's rather obvious that the team is devoid of a consistent outside shooting option which should be a priority on the trade market.

The Grizzlies beat the Pelicans and Suns in Week 6 while losing at home to the Spurs. It's rather obvious that the team is devoid of a consistent outside shooting option which should be a priority on the trade market.

7. Indiana Pacers (12-7) Last Week: 5

Indiana Pacers (12-7) Last Week: 5 Getty Images
After a big road win over the Clippers on Wednesday, the Pacers finished out the week with back-to-back disappointing losses to the Blazers and Jazz. Paul George desperately needs some help shouldering the scoring load with Monta Ellis being the player who needs to step up the most.

After a big road win over the Clippers on Wednesday, the Pacers finished out the week with back-to-back disappointing losses to the Blazers and Jazz. Paul George desperately needs some help shouldering the scoring load with Monta Ellis being the player who needs to step up the most.

6. Chicago Bulls (11-6) Last Week: 8

Chicago Bulls (11-6) Last Week: 8 Getty Images
The Bulls started off Week 6 with impressive wins over the Spurs and Nuggets but finished it with a disappointing home loss to the Hornets. Head coach Fred Hoiberg was brought in to fix the team's offensive issues, but those still remain.

The Bulls started off Week 6 with impressive wins over the Spurs and Nuggets but finished it with a disappointing home loss to the Hornets. Head coach Fred Hoiberg was brought in to fix the team's offensive issues, but those still remain.

5. Oklahoma City Thunder (12-8) Last Week: 4

Oklahoma City Thunder (12-8) Last Week: 4 Getty Images
The Thunder bounced back from road losses to the Heat and Hawks with a 98-95 win over the Kings last night. Although both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are playing well, the team is missing a consistent third option.

The Thunder bounced back from road losses to the Heat and Hawks with a 98-95 win over the Kings last night. Although both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are playing well, the team is missing a consistent third option.

4. Miami Heat (12-6) Last Week: 6

Miami Heat (12-6) Last Week: 6 Getty Images
The Heat are actually percentage points ahead of the Cavaliers for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference following a week that featured wins over the Thunder and Cavs. Although the Cavaliers were playing without LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, the Heat proved that they're the second-best team in the Eastern Conference.

The Heat are actually percentage points ahead of the Cavaliers for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference following a week that featured wins over the Thunder and Cavs. Although the Cavaliers were playing without LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, the Heat proved that they're the second-best team in the Eastern Conference.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (13-7) Last Week: 2

Cleveland Cavaliers (13-7) Last Week: 2 Getty Images
Although there shouldn't be any long-term concerns about the Cavaliers, going 0-3 during any week for a team this talented is a bit disconcerting. Kevin Love had one of his famous disappearing acts during Week 6, while LeBron rested against the Heat on Saturday. Until Kyrie Irving gets back, the Cavaliers may struggle like this from time to time.

Although there shouldn't be any long-term concerns about the Cavaliers, going 0-3 during any week for a team this talented is a bit disconcerting. Kevin Love had one of his famous disappearing acts during Week 6, while LeBron rested against the Heat on Saturday. Until Kyrie Irving gets back, the Cavaliers may struggle like this from time to time.

2. San Antonio Spurs (17-4) Last Week: 3

San Antonio Spurs (17-4) Last Week: 3 Getty Images
Following a Monday night road loss to the Bulls, the Spurs bounced back with three straight wins against the Bucks, Grizzlies and Celtics. With the Cavaliers struggling a bit, the Spurs have asserted themselves as the second-best team in the NBA.

Following a Monday night road loss to the Bulls, the Spurs bounced back with three straight wins against the Bucks, Grizzlies and Celtics. With the Cavaliers struggling a bit, the Spurs have asserted themselves as the second-best team in the NBA.

1. Golden State Warriors (22-0) Last Week: 1

Golden State Warriors (22-0) Last Week: 1 Getty Images
What can one say about the Warriors that hasn't already been said? Luke Walton's team began a seven-game road trip on Monday night against the Jazz and have won the first four games of that trip. In Week 7, the Warriors will finish that trip against the Pacers, Celtics and Bucks. The Pacers and Celtics could be tough opponents, but the best team in the NBA seems unbeatable at the moment.

What can one say about the Warriors that hasn't already been said? Luke Walton's team began a seven-game road trip on Monday night against the Jazz and have won the first four games of that trip. In Week 7, the Warriors will finish that trip against the Pacers, Celtics and Bucks. The Pacers and Celtics could be tough opponents, but the best team in the NBA seems unbeatable at the moment.

    Jason Fletcher is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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