8. Philadelphia 76ers (21-10)
There isn’t a more talented team, 1-5, in the Eastern Conference. Though, the Philadelphia 76ers have certainly looked human over the last couple of weeks. Recently, they’ve lost to the Mavs (without Doncic), Heat (at home) and against the Nets.
7. Dallas Mavericks (19-9)
Led by Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks look every bit as good as advertised. And with every passing day, Kristaps Porzingis is looking better and better as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL that he suffered a couple of years ago.
However, as Doncic continues to recover from a sprained ankle that he suffered last week, the Mavs have looked formidable. Which is a testament to this team, beyond Doncic at the top of their depth chart.