Eastern Conference Power Rankings: A new No. 1 after opening week

Plucky playoff hopefuls

8. Orlando Magic (Last: 11)

Yes, the Magic are 2-0 and have the NBA’s best point differential at plus-17.5, but they’ve also played the lowly Rockets and Trail Blazers to start the season. Monday night’s game in Los Angeles might provide a test if LeBron James and Anthony Davis play the second night of a back-to-back set after the Lakers lost in overtime to the Kings on Sunday.

9. Toronto Raptors (Last: 9)

The Raptors are 1-2 but lost to the Bulls by one points in overtime and by seven to the 76ers. This team could easily be 2-1 or 3-0 and have the seventh-best point differential in conference despite the record. Scottie Barnes is taking more control of the offense, posting a career-high usage rate of 24.6% while maintaining his efficiency (21 points on 56.5% shooting, 8.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists).

10. Detroit Pistons (Last: 14)

The Pistons are out to a 2-1 start, with their only loss coming in Miami on opening night. Since then, they’ve beat the Bulls and Hornets. Not exactly world-beaters but enough to lift the Pistons over them in this week’s power rankings. Cade Cunningham, after missing most of his second season, looks the part of a franchise building block in his third season, averaging 22.3 points and 8.3 assists. Jalen Duren is averaging a double-double through three games (18 points and 15.3 rebounds) and rookie Ausar Thompson has shown flashes of impressive two-way potential. Detroit Basketball is fun again!

11. Atlanta Hawks (Last: 7)

The Hawks got off the schneid with Sunday’s impressive win over the Bucks, but were helped in part by Lillard shooting 2 for 12 from the field. Atlanta’s Trae Young has been dealing with his share of misses, shooting just 26.5% through three games this season. The good news in Atlanta? Forward Jalen Johnson seems to be delivering on his promise, averaging 15.3 points and 7.7 rebounds to start the season.

12. Charlotte Hornets (Last: 13)

The Hornets are 1-1, with a win over the Hawks and a loss to the Pistons. Both games were played at home, as will Monday night’s game against the Nets. The Hornets won’t play their first road game until a full week into the season (Wednesday at Houston). Nothing really jumps out about this team. LaMelo Ball is off to a wobbly start (25% shooting) but June’s No. 2 pick Brandon Miller looks the part (15 points on 50% shooting, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 assists).

Yikes

13. Chicago Bulls (Last: 12)

World record holders for the earliest players-only meeting.

14. Brooklyn Nets (Last: 8)

Bottom of the standings as the East’s only 0-2 team. Cam Thomas leading the team in points and shot attempts is probably not a winning formula and speaks to this team’s lack of scoring options.

15. Washington Wizards (Last 15)

Allowed 143 points to the Pacers in their season opener, but bounced back with a 113-106 win over the 0-3 Grizzlies on Saturday. Jordan Poole is averaging 22.5 points, but on 36.6% shooting with an upside-down assist-to-turnover ratio (3.5 assists to 4.5 turnovers).