Luka Doncic is out after initial problems

Six games into the season, the Dallas Mavericks are already looking like the contenders everyone thought they would be. Four of the team's wins have been impressive, including their recent win over the Orlando Magic.

Against an undermanned Magic team, the Mavericks took care of business and held a 20-point lead for most of Sunday night's game. Off the bench, Dereck Lively II had one of his best performances of the season as he finished with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Despite starting 4-2, Luka Doncic hasn't even done his best to help the Mavericks. Doncic has struggled mightily on offense, but Sunday's win over the Magic could have been the turning point Mavs fans were waiting for with the Slovenian star.

Doncic started the game by torching Magic defenders on almost every attempt from behind the arc. As the game progressed, Doncic tried to get his teammates more involved, which only increased Dallas' lead over the undermanned Magic.

With Doncic finally breaking out of the early season doldrums, his name could be one to keep an eye on as the MVP talks continue to heat up.

Last rank: 9

At the start of last week, Banchero dropped his first career 50-point performance. This performance not only put Banchero back on the map, but also made the Magic a possible Eastern Conference contender.

Unfortunately for Banchero, he suffered a serious injury that will sideline him for four to six weeks. Banchero's loss has already had a significant impact on the Magic, as they are 0-3 since losing their superstar.

Last place: 4th

LaMelo Ball continued to show why he could be one of the most underrated guards in the league. Despite an impressive start to the season, the Charlotte Hornets are 2-4 and have very little potential due to their disappointing record.

Last Rank: N/A

Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers were on a roll early in the season. The Cavs are off to a 7-0 start, thanks in large part to the performance of Mitchell and the progress of players like Evan Mobley. Expect Mitchell's name to appear on the list next week.

Last place: 7th

The Milwaukee Bucks are a situation to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season. After starting the season with a stunning win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Bucks have yet to win.

Despite starting 1-5, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the only positive thing to come out of Milwaukee.

Last place: 8

With a revamped roster led by Anthony Edwards after the team's appearance in the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves had some problems. Still, Anthony Edwards looks great after starting at 3-3.

Last place: 6

After an 0-2 start, the Denver Nuggets have gotten their season back on track. The team is now 3-1 in their last four games, thanks in large part to the progress of Michael Porter Jr. and the steady play of former MVP Nikola Jokic.

The team has overcome some issues as injuries played a large role in Denver's slow start to the season. Recently, point guard Jamaal Murry suffered a concussion that will sideline him for at least a week.

Despite the adversity the Nuggets have already faced, Jokic has been nothing short of brilliant. The former MVP already has several 40-point performances and has led the Nuggets to a .500 record.

Last place: 3rd

The Dallas Mavericks got off to a blistering 4-2 start. The team had a lot of problems, including a rebounding problem that arguably cost them the game against the Houston Rockets.

Although the team had a 4-2 record at the start of the season, it largely functioned without the help of superstar Luka Doncic.

Doncic had major problems on offense. The Slovenian star has relied on his 3-point shooting to provide most of his offense, although he shot 31 percent from behind the arc to start the season.

After the Mavericks' impressive win over the Orlando Magic, fans witnessed what could have been the turning point in Doncic's season. Doncic finished the game with 32 points and shot 50 percent from the field. Doncic also thrilled fans with a viral trash talk moment in which Doncic spoke German to some of Orlando's players.

Last place: 4th

To say that the Oklahoma City Thunder have started the season well would be a major understatement. The team is off to a 6-0 start and could well continue their winning streak tonight as they play an undermanned Orlando Magic team.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked like a future MVP with the way he led the Thunder to their historic start. Gilgeous-Alexander hasn't shown his full potential this season, which only makes the Thunder more dangerous.

Once Gilgeous-Alexander gets going, the Thunder could be the best team in the Western Conference.

Last rank: 2nd

Once again, the Boston Celtics appear to be the team to beat. With arguably the best starting five in the league, the Celtics have made it rain from deep and have already set several franchise records at the start of the season.

Although Jayson Tatum struggled at times, he still seemed like the potential MVP he could be this season. Tatum has led the Celtics to a 7-0 start and the team has a favorable schedule ahead of them.

If Tatum lights out, the Celtics could well be in the running for the franchise's first NBA Cup championship.

Last rank: 1

Anthony Davis is the first player to retain his No. 1 spot in the MVP Power Rankings this season. Even though the Los Angeles Lakers lost their first games this week, Anthony Davis has emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate under new head coach JJ Redick.

Davis has emerged as the Lakers' best offensive weapon and shows no signs of slowing down. Barring any freak injuries, Davis is set for a career-defining season even if he doesn't win MVP.