Power Rankings, Week 3: Raptors still tops, goal Bucks and Warriors gain ground



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August, you probably did not circle Toronto-Milwaukee on Oct. 29 as your most anticipated games. Here we are, two weeks in the season with two undefeated teams remaining: 6-0 Toronto Raptors and 6-0 Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks have the best point differential and have played a slightly tougher schedule. The Raptors have a better win and a signature win over Boston in Week 1. The Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Two Guys – Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez – in the top 10 in effective field goal percentage. The Raptors have Kawhi Leonard and the guy – Kyle Lowry – who has been the league's third most effective shooter (71 percent) through the first two weeks.

While several teams are struggling one end of the floor or the other, both of these teams have started strong under new coaches. But only one will remain undefeated after Monday's game in Milwaukee (8 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass).

Previously …

Plus-Minus Players of the Week

Teams of the Week

  • Make It Last Forever: Milwaukee (4-0) – The Bucks certainly did not have the toughest schedule, but they did beat the Sixers pretty comfortably on Wednesday.
  • Something Just Is not Right: Phoenix (0-4) – Poor shooting from their fellow veterans, another Devin Booker injury, and the Suns' plans to be competitive this season.

East vs. West

Movement in the Rankings

  • High jumps of the week: Sacramento (+8), Chicago (+6), Memphis (+5), Miami (+5)
  • Free falls of the week: Washington (-7), Houston (-6), New York (-6), Phoenix (-6)

Week 3 Team to Watch

  • Milwaukee – If Anthony Davis were healthy (he's questionable for Monday's game in Denver), the Pelicans would reside in this space, as well as continue through Golden State, Portland, San Antonio and Oklahoma City (next Monday). The Bucks have just two feature games, but they're as good as it gets. After hosting the Raptors on Monday, they'll visit Boston for the first game of TNT's double-header on Thursday, finishing the week with a Sunday morning against the Kings.

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Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Differential point per 100 possessions (League Rank)

The league has averaged 102.7 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes and 108.8 points scored per 100 possessions this season.

Any stats marked with an * are based on an estimate for possessions. All other stats are based on true possession counts.

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NBA.com's Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man's opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, send him an email contact him via Twitter.

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