NBA Power Rankings: Sixers rise with James Harden; Nets tumble

Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

14. Denver Nuggets

It’s tough to grade the Denver Nuggets on a season without Jamal Murray, especially if the expectation is that he’s going to be back for the postseason. And if Michael Porter Jr. returns too, there’s a chance this team can be playing its best – and most complete – basketball in the postseason.

13. Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have fallen all the way down to 8th in the Eastern Conference standings. It’s not only a testament to how good the East is this season but also to how bad the team has been over the past few weeks.

The hope is that when Kevin Durant gets healthy, he’ll cure-all. But I’m not so sure anymore, especially now that they also have to figure out how to get Ben Simmons rolling.