NBA Power Rankings: Celtics claim top spot; Pelicans, Kings make huge leaps; Lakers climb out of cellar

The early season continues to yield surprising results ... except for the Celtics

A few weeks into the 2022-23 NBA season, and we still have no idea what's true and what's a mirage. The Utah Jazz were the top team in the Power Rankings last week, but they've dropped significantly this time around after three straight losses. The Golden State Warriors entered the season as the favorite to come out of the Western Conference, but they're currently mired in mediocrity, at best, and disaster at worst.

But then there are the Boston Celtics, who shook off a few early losses to win eight straight games and emerge as the No. 1 team in this week's rankings. Everybody thought they'd be good -- and they are, indeed, good. We can all breathe a welcome sigh. Below them, however, the surprises keep coming, as the Pelicans jumped all the way to the No. 2 spot after a strong week. And let's not forget the fightin' Sacramento Kings, who have been one of the more entertaining teams in the league recently while producing a winning streak of their own.

Of course we can't get through an intro blurb without at least mentioning the Los Angeles Lakers, who aren't the worst team in the NBA this week since they actually won a game. We should also give a special shout-out to Joel Embiid, who's keeping the 76ers afloat nearly single-handedly with his gargantuan scoring efforts.