Cleveland Cavaliers

2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Warriors Or Cavaliers On Top In Week 6?

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:46 p.m. ET

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In Week 6 of our 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers battle for the No. 1 spot.

Nov 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) high fives forward Kevin Durant (35) after a basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Just over a month into the 2016-17 NBA season, several teams are rounding into form as likely title contenders, while others are revealing themselves as unintentional tank jobs waiting to happen.

Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, you know which category you belong to. Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards, you know who you are as well.

However, there’s a ton of jostling in the middle, and there will be plenty of re-positioning at the top since the four best teams in the NBA have a win percentage of .778 or better.

The Clippers had a bit of a down week, leaving the door open for the Warriors and Cavs to steal the top spot. The question is, which one of these most likely Finals opponents snap the No. 1 ranking?

Here’s a look at our Week 6 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings.

Nov 27, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle argues a call with the referees during the second half of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Pelicans 91-81. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

3-13

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 30th

What’s ironic, however, is that owner Mark Cuban doesn’t think this is the kind of draft class worth bottoming out for…right when his team is in prime position to do so with the worst record in the entire league.

Nov 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Kings won 122-105. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

4-12

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 26th

Trevor Booker has played very well and Sean Kilpatrick continues to impress, but that surprisingly decent 4-5 start seems like a lifetime ago now.

Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (left) and Devin Booker against the Denver Nuggets at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

5-13

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 27th

What other conclusion can you draw after watching the Suns lose to the Wizards despite 30 from Devin Booker and a 29-9-6-2-2 stat line from Eric Bledsoe? How else should fans feel about their lone win being a victory in Orlando? What else can you say when they were outscored 31-10 in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Timberwolves, or when they dropped another home game against Denver featuring 30 points from Booker, a 35-6-6 performance from Bledsoe and one of their rare efficient nights shooting the ball from deep (11-for-22)?

Nov 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) scores past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) and guard J.R. Smith (5) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

4-13

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 28th

The frustration is understandable, as is the coaching staff’s dedication to not screwing around with that minutes restriction. Hopefully one day in the near future, we’ll be able to see what Embiid can do in extended time, since his Per 36 Minutes numbers (28.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 2.4 assists) are off the charts.

Next: No. 26

Nov 21, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) runs up the court after making three point shot during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated Phoenix Suns 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

5-10

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 29th

Unfortunately, those two wins came by a combined eight points over the lowly Suns and Magic. As the losses continue to pile up, the question begs to be asked: How do the Wizards fix their current predicament and actually put a competent ensemble around the long-suffering John Wall?

Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks to pass the ball while holding off Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Wizards won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

6-11

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 21st

It’s a long season, but the Magic really should have a better record than they’ve had to this point considering they have the lowest strength of schedule and relative percent index (RPI), per ESPN. But hey, it’s all about chasing that playoff spot that probably wasn’t going to happen anyway!

Nov 25, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) talks to head coach Erik Spoelstra during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

5-11

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 23rd

As Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow continue to miss time, Spo is left with Hassan Whiteside, Dion Waiters and Tyler Johnson‘s scoring punch off the bench to carry the load. The individual numbers look fine, but the win-loss column tells the real story for this short-handed, talent-deprived group.

Nov 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dunks the ball against Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

5-11

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 24th

That being said, these young Timberpups are still tons of fun. Thibs may be running his starters into the ground, but from Karl-Anthony Towns‘ height-defying step-back jumper to Zach LaVine‘s Slam Dunk Contest preview to Andrew Wiggins‘ inhumane massacre of JaVale McGee, the highlights are aplenty. Step 2: Matching them with wins.

Next: No. 22

Nov 27, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Pelicans 91-81. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

6-12

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 25th

With double-digit wins over both the Hawks and Wolves, the Pellies kept themselves within striking distance of a bottom-rung playoff spot (emphasis on the “distance,” though). Anthony Davis remains the league leader in scoring for the time being at 31.6 points per game, but don’t forget that it was Jrue Holiday‘s return that has sparked this 4-2 spurt back to semi-relevance.

Next: No. 21

Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson (10) reacts to a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

7-10

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 22nd

It’s still early, but Darren Collison and Ty Lawson have been inflicting some damage together (or at least they’re not terrible anymore). Boogie is still doing all the legwork, as his 36-13 double-double, his 32-9-5 performance and his 37-11-4 night will tell you, but with Rudy Gay playing some of his best basketball, the opening is still there for Sacramento to sneak out of its 10-year playoff drought.

Nov 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Michael Beasley (9) dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

7-8

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 20th

Speaking of which, we should remind the fans back home that the Greek Freak’s 21-10-10-5-3 stat line against the Magic this week was a feat matched only by two players in NBA history in a single game: Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon. Another reminder: Said Greek Freak is still only 21 years old.

Next: No. 19

Nov 23, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) high fives forward Jon Leuer (30) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

8-10

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 19th

Consistency, thy name is Jon Leuer. Though he’s never Detroit’s best player on the floor, the stretch-big is turning in the best season of his career, averaging 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game off the bench. If only the Pistons’ long range efficiency (31.9 percent, ranked 28th in the NBA) could be as ideal a fit for Stan Van Gundy’s system.

Nov 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

7-10

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 18th

However, this week was all about rookie Jamal Murray, who is making the most of his extra minutes with Gary Harris sidelined. Over the last five games, Murray is averaging 18.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game on 48.4 percent shooting from the field and 51.9 percent shooting from three-point range.

Nov 27, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts reacts to a call by referee Steve Anderson (35) during the third quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Rockets won 130-114. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

9-10

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 14th

So no, as much as it was comforting to see Damian Lillard shake off that temporary shooting slump and Maurice Harkless start putting in decent numbers, it’s hard to trust a team that’s given up 100 points or more in 12 straight games, not to mention the whopping 137 and 130 points they surrendered in games against the Cavaliers and Rockets this week.

Nov 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) gestures after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

8-8

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 16th

There are two main reasons why: 1) Hornacek playing Kristaps Porzingis at the 5 more and limiting Joakim Noah‘s minutes, and 2) the Knicks are an impressive 7-2 at home. It they can reconcile with their abysmal 1-6 record outside the confines of Madison Square Garden, they might be in good shape here.

Next: No. 15

Nov 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) celebrates after a play during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

9-9

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 15th

Jordan Clarkson has become a mini-me bench protege of Lou Williams, who should be leading the Sixth Man of the Year discussion. Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr.are blossoming, the Lakers keep finding ways to stay level without D’Angelo Russell and even Nick Young looks like a legitimate basketball player again. It’s too early to say for sure, but Walton may have been the best head coaching hire of the summer.

Next: No. 14

Nov 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Glenn Robinson III (40) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State beat Indiana 120-83. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

9-9

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 13th

Another encouraging sign: Al Jefferson, who put in 16-point performances in back-to-back games to close out the week. If he can be that effective in limited minutes off the bench, and if Glenn Robinson III can continue to contribute, the Pacers will have not one, but two scoring punches off the bench they can rely on.

Nov 26, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

10-8

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 12th

This week, he came two rebounds shy of a 34-13-10 triple-double in a loss to the Lakers that ended in a Nick Young game-winner…then he came one assist shy of a 31-11-10 triple-double in a 15-point loss to the Kings…then he had a 36-18-12 triple-double in a heroic overtime win over the Nuggets where he scored 24 points in the fourth quarter and OT…and then he wrapped things up with a 17-15-13 triple-double in an 18-point win over Detroit. The moral of the story? Russ has to keep getting triple-doubles for this team to win games.

Next: No. 12

Nov 25, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 95-68. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

9-8

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 17th

Even better, those two games served as a reminder about how good this team might be at full strength, with a 25-point rout of Denver and a 27-point massacre of Atlanta providing the exclamation points. Please get healthy, Jazz.

Nov 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) reacts during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 109-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

10-7

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 6th

Even worse, Atlanta’s three losses this week came by a combined 60 points to the Pelicans, Jazz and Lakers. The Hawks still have the league’s stingiest defense, but until they can go back to being the team that averaged 107.0 points per game through its first 11 games of the season, the struggles will continue.

Nov 19, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) celebrates during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

9-7

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 11th

Isaiah Thomas is somehow having an even better season than his All-Star year last season, Avery Bradley leads all guards not named Russell Westbrook in rebounds, and Boston’s only losses with both Crowder and Horford in the lineup have come against the Bulls and perfect-on-the-road Spurs. It’s still early, but the Celtics are going to be just fine.

Nov 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives past New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Hornets win 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

9-7

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 5th

In any case, the Hornets were able to regroup from a tough OT loss to New York with a revenge win over those same Knicks, only this time, without Nicolas Batum. It certainly didn’t hurt to see Jeremy Lamb healthy and filling in for Batum as the starter, marking the first time we’ve seen a Kemba Walker-Jeremy Lamb starting backcourt since their NCAA championship victory for UCONN.

November 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) during a stoppage in play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

10-6

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 8th

Their 10-6 record and that kind of a successful road trip — especially for a team whose lack of shooting was supposed to hold them back — has been made possible by Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade setting the tone every night. It might not make sense, but 16 games into the season, it might be time to start considering the possibility that the Three Alphas can make this work.

Nov 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates with forward Pascal Siakam (43) after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

10-6

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 10th

When does Toronto’s 23rd-ranked defense — by far the worst among the teams expected to compete for a spot in the conference finals — become a legitimate concern? If these defensive problems continue, and if DeRozan and Kyle Lowry face their typical playoff demons, the Raptors might not be able to claw their way back to the conference finals in an improved East this time around.

Nov 27, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket on Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) during the first quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

11-6

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 9th

With Patrick Beverley back in the lineup and Trevor Ariza averaging 15.3 points per game on 48.6 percent shooting from deep in his last four contests, it’s not entirely out of the question for the Rox to continue their improbable, offensively fueled ascent either.

Next: No. 5

Nov 26, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) controls the ball around Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

11-6

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 7th

Conley’s brief one-game stint coming off the bench set off some alarm bells, but he immediately returned to the starting unit in Memphis’ last game of the week, finishing with 21 points — including an 11-point blur in the game’s final 3:06 to help seal David Fizdale’s first victory against his former team.

Nov 25, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) and forward Blake Griffin (32) react after a play during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

14-4

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 1st

The worst news, however, is that Blake Griffin is dealing with some swelling in his left knee. It’s scary how quickly the Warriors were able to overtake the Clips for the league’s best win percentage, point differential and Net Rating, but any potential injury to Griffin is the worst-case scenario for a team that may be facing its last hurrah together.

Nov 26, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jonathon Simmons (17) dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Spurs won 112-100. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

14-3

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 4th

The best part is, it’s no longer Kawhi Leonard carrying the team in his oven mitt-sized hands. Tony Parker looks more like his normal self, David Lee had a 15-12 double-double off the bench against Boston, Jonathon Simmons pitched in 15 bench points against Washington, Patty Mills had 17 off the bench in a win over Dallas…you get the idea. The Spurs’ bench is still really frickin’ good.

Nov 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) makes a three point basket in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

13-2

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 2nd

However, a story just as important might come in the form of the following question: What the hell has gotten into Kevin Love lately? Aside from averaging 22.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game on the season, Love has posted 92 points and 19 three-pointers in his last three games…including that 40-point explosion on the Blazers, that featured a 34-point first quarter.

Next: No. 1

Nov 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) high fives a teammates after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

15-2

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 3rd

Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are all clicking. Draymond Green‘s absence for a game didn’t matter. The bench is getting valuable experience in protecting leads early on. The Warriors lead the league in assists per game (31.5) by a gargantuan margin (second-most is the Rockets at 24.8 per game). How’d they get there? A franchise-record nine straight games with 30+ assists — including a 47-assist night in their 43-point slaughter of the Lakers — didn’t hurt. Oh, and the Warriors now rank seventh in defensive rating. Good luck, rest of the NBA!

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 5 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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