NBA Power Rankings: Brooklyn Nets rise after acquiring James Harden

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NBA Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

4. LA Clippers

Despite being somewhat of a disappointment in the playoffs last season, the LA Clippers have been quietly steady to start the season. They’ve gotten back to basketball and have put in work with their heads down. They’ve worried about what they can control and Kawhi Leonard is even playing in back-to-backs.

The Clippers are clearly focused on getting the bad taste of the playoffs last season out of their mouth and have gotten off to an impressive start to the season. All the attention in the Western Conference may be focused on the Lakers, but the Clippers shouldn’t be overlooked.

3. Boston Celtics

When healthy and at full strength, there might not be a better all-around team in the Eastern Conference than the Boston Celtics. They have the second or third-best duo in the NBA with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum and have one of the deepest rosters in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics have gotten off to a fast start, despite being limited due to COVID-19. At this point, the Celtics are viewed as one of the few teams in the East that many believe could make it to the NBA Finals and potentially win it all.