OKC Thunder: National and TI editor power rankings week 8 – hot takes in top tier

Of the teams who’ll be actively seeking a trade one has to believe the Trail Blazers are near the top of the food chain. Much like every season, they charged out of the gate and then seemingly curled up in a fetal position. Specifically, they boasted a 12-5 record early. One glance above will tell you they’ve won just three times since while losing six (eight if we count week 9).

Things won’t get much easier as their upcoming schedule features some major challenges. Beginning week nine and counting forward 14 games the Blazers play are against 10 seeded teams. The four which aren’t are vying to move up (Rockets and Jazz twice each).

Given the Blazers struggles on the road, it’s fortunate the majority of these games come at the Moda Center. Still, I can’t help but feel barring a major trade the Blazers could continue to slide.

Portland Trail Blazers:

Offensive Rating: 8th
Defensive Rating: 19th
Net Differential: 12th

Points per game: 112.3 (10th)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 45.8 percent (tied 15th)
Opponent points per game: 110.4 (15th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 45.3 percent (14th)

Record: 7th in WC
Home: 10-4
Road: 5-7
Back to back sets: 4

Versus the West: 8-8
Versus the East: 7-3

Week eight 2-1:  Lost @ Mavericks,  beat Suns, Timberwolves
On tap for week 9: @Rockets, @Grizzlies, Raptors