Power Rankings round-up: 3-0 week gives Bucks a boost

Wins over the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers, the former on the road, keyed a 3-0 week that pushed the Bucks back up the ladder in Power Rankings around the web. They could be headed even higher after last night's win in Toronto. Here's a look at where Milwaukee stands in the eyes of the internet.

ESPN.com

Bucks rank: 15

The Bucks are one of just three teams with a winning record (along with Dallas and Phoenix) that can't claim at least one All-Star. In related news, Brandon Knight is having a career year in APG (5.3), RPG (4.2) and PER (18.45) and isn't far off in scoring (17.7 PPG compared to last season's 17.9 PPG).

Last week: 18

There's still an outside shot for Knight to make the All-Star team as an injury replacement if Dwyane Wade is forced to sit out due to injury. But he has to contend with a number of other deserving candidates, including Nikola Vucevic, Kevin Love, and Kyle Korver. Korver's historic shooting this season might make him the frontrunner.

CBSSports.com

Bucks rank: 15

No one's talking about the Bucks, and they're sitting as a dangerous sixth seed. Avoiding the 4-5 scary matchup may be surprisingly treacherous. And they've done this without Jabari Parker and Larry Sanders.

Last week: 17

The Bucks are a substantially different team with Larry Sanders on the court compared to without him, and while his defense remains stout, doubt is stewing over whether Sanders is such a critical piece of Milwaukee's future.

SB Nation

Bucks rank: 15

ANOTHER REASON TO WATCH GIANNIS DUNK.

Last week: 16

Yahoo Sports

Bucks rank: 15

So why didn’t the Knicks re-sign Bucks forward Kenyon Martin during the offseason? New York didn’t think he fit its new triangle offense.

Last week: 16

Kenyon Martin, making people take notice. Ehh...

NBA.com

Bucks rank: 15

Saturday's win over the Blazers was both a preview of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the dunk contest and the latest example of how good the Bucks' defense is. The offense hasn't been so great, but Jared Dudley shot 13-for-21 in two starts for the injured Ersan Ilyasova last week. Milwaukee has won three straight for the first time since November.

Last week: 17

The Bucks had a 110.0 offensive rating and 100.0 defensive rating in their three games last week.