Philadelphia’s 8-1 Start Claims the NBA’s No. 1 Spot

Thursday’s latest results: Phoenix beat Orlando 117-104, and Golden State beat Miami 120-100. Philadelphia owns the biggest early storyline, opening 8-1 and holding No. 1 in the Power Index at 65.2; Tyrese Maxey leads the 76ers with 252 points. Portland is 6-1, ranked No. 4, and 5-0 on the road, setting up a test at the Lakers, who are 7-2 and No. 3. Friday’s nine-game slate: Wizards at Hawks, Celtics at Hornets, 76ers at Cavaliers, Jazz at Mavericks, Thunder at Grizzlies, Raptors at Bucks, Timberwolves at Pelicans, Trail Blazers at Lakers and Spurs at Kings.