Toughest: 1. Memphis, 2. Detroit, 3. Oklahoma City
Easiest: 1. Orlando, 2. Philadelphia, 3. Atlanta
Schedule strength is based on cumulative opponent record, and adjusted for home vs. away and days of rest before a game.
Movement in the Rankings
Free falls of the week: Cleveland (-5), New York (-5), Portland (-5), Toronto (-5)
Week 7 Team to Watch
Atlanta — The Hawks are one of two East teams with a winning record (4-2) against the West. But two of those wins came against the Wolves and another came against the Clippers without Paul George or Kawhi Leonard. So this week will be a real test of the Hawks, who have won four of their last six games overall and currently sit in sixth place in the East. They’ll host the Lakers on Monday, the Mavs on Wednesday, and the Jazz on Thursday. Then they complete the four-game homestand with a visit from the Raptors, one of the East teams they may have to hold off come playoff time.