NBA Eastern Conference power rankings: Sixers, Celtics neck and neck as Christmas matchup approaches

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The Raptors look mortal, the Celtics are moving up and the Sixers have a brutal stretch looming.

Here’s the latest edition of our NBA Eastern Conference power rankings.

1. Raptors (25-9) Last week: 1
The Raptors have come back down to earth just a tad, dropping four of their last eight. They’ve been dealing with injuries so surely that’s a big part of it. They take on the Sixers Saturday night in the second of a back-to-back.

2. Bucks (22-9) Last week: 2
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to play at an MVP level and carry Milwaukee. The Bucks’ decisive win over the Celtics Friday solidifies their standing here.

3. Celtics (18-13) Last week: 4
Sixers fans will likely not be thrilled at this ranking, but it seems appropriate. Before dropping three in a row, the Celtics reeled off eight straight wins. Boston’s early-season struggles are mostly behind them and they simply boast a deeper lineup than the team below. Christmas day should be a lot of fun.

4. Sixers (21-12) Last week: 3
Outside of the team’s big three — and JJ Redick — you have no idea what you’re getting from the rest of the roster. It’s seems like the Sixers get out to great starts but as soon as the bench comes in, the lead quickly evaporates. They need help if they want to keep pace with the top three. The Toronto squad they take on Saturday will likely be pretty shorthanded.

5. Pacers (21-12) Last week: 5
They beat the Sixers, but it was without Jimmy Butler. The Pacers’ depth is impressive but — Victor Oladipo aside — they lack the star power of the top four teams.

6. Hornets (16-15) Last week: 6
There is such a huge drop off from the Pacers to the Hornets. Unless Kemba Walker is playing and on fire, I don’t know how Charlotte wins games and stays so high in the conference.

7. Pistons (15-15) Last week: 7
Basically the same as for the Hornets, just sub Blake Griffin for Walker.

8. Magic (14-17) Last week: 8
To keep Nikola Vucevic and fight for the eighth seed or move his expiring deal and perhaps get a decent asset for him? I’d vote asset, but who knows.

9. Nets (15-19) Last week: 10
The Nets are on fire and I think there’s legitimacy to it. After losing eight straight, the Nets ripped off seven straight wins before losing to the Pacers Friday. Hot take: This team will make the playoffs.

10. Heat (14-16) Last week: 11
They haven’t been good and now Goran Dragic is out. I just don’t see enough that leads me to believe they’ll go on a run.

11. Wizards (12-20) Last week: 9
This team continues to underachieve even after showing some signs of life. They’ve lost five of their last six and for some reason traded for Trevor Ariza. They have talent but they’re a mess.

12. Cavs (8-25) Last week: 13
The Cavs have lost four of five but the schedule was pretty brutal and they’ve looked much better recently. Plus, they beat the Knicks, so I’ll give them the slot above.

13. Knicks (9-25) Last week: 12
They’ve lost nine of their last 11 and after seeing what the Sixers did to them, I’m not sure how they’ve won nine games this season.

14. Hawks (8-23) Last week: 14
After they beat the Knicks Friday, I considered moving them up a spot. They’ve won two straight and look better with John Collins back in the lineup, but let’s give it another week.

15. Bulls (8-25) Last week: 15
The Bulls are also coming off a nice win over the Magic with Lauri Markkanen starting to round into form. This spot seems destined for the Knicks, but not quite yet.

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