NBA Power Rankings: Lakers, Bucks dominating through the first quarter

NBA Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James and Anthony Davis (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
NBA Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James and Anthony Davis (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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NBA New Orleans Pelicans
NBA New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

24. New Orleans Pelicans (6-17)

Much like the Hawks, many expected the New Orleans Pelicans to be better than they’ve been through the first quarter of the season. With a strong young core, led by Brandon Ingram and a sidelined Zion Williamson, the Pelicans are one of the better League Pass watches in the NBA this season. Although, that hasn’t really paid off with many wins.

Perhaps that will begin to change once Zion gets healthy, or maybe it won’t. Either way, the future is bright for the Pelicans – assuming their young talent begins to hit sooner rather than later.

23. Chicago Bulls (8-15)

The Chicago Bulls are a middle of the pack team, and that has to be a bit disappointing at this point. Zach LaVine has been great for the team and is perhaps putting together an all-star worthy season, but there are real roster issues with this team. And I’m not sure this front office is equipped to handle them.

No one really expected much for the Bulls this season, which I suppose is a good thing, but this franchise desperately needs some direction. And I’m not sure they have that right now.