NBA Power Rankings: The Raptors are standing on top

By Ian Levy | Dec 4, 2018

TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) laugh during warm-ups as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans watches on before their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 2, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

69. . 12-13. Previous: 16th. New Orleans Pelicans. 11. team

The Pelicans can’t really seem to make up any ground, in part because they are essentially two teams — the one with Anthony Davis on the floor and the one with him on the bench. When he’s in the game, the Pelicans are outscoring opponents by 8.6 points per 100 possessions. When he heads to the bench, they’re outscored by an average of 12.3 points per 100 possessions, essentially transforming from one of the best teams in the league to one of the worst.

Nikola Mirotic and Jrue Holiday both have effective field goal percentages under 50 when Davis is on the bench. Julius Randle has been able to score well as an offensive fulcrum on the second-unit but the biggest problem is the defense cratering whenever Davis is out. This may be less of a problem when they get to the playoffs and can lean more heavily on Davis with a shorter rotation but they still need to figure out a solution for non-Davis minutes to ensure they can even get there.

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