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

Like the Boston ranking, this may upset some who feel the 76ers are deserving of a higher slot. Three things kept them from ranking ahead of my next shocking selection.

First: the trade which delivered Jimmy Butler (making the 76ers a viable clutch time squad) also lost two of Philly’s better supporting cast members (Covington|Dario Saric). Even prior to the trade the loss of role players Ersan Ilyasova and Marco Belinelli had a negative impact on the team.

Second: Floor spacing is an issue now particularly without enough perimeter options. Hence, Joel Embiid‘s comments may be nothing, but I can’t imagine the brain trust want their generational star upset over his role. The quick answer is new General Manager Elton Brand will be actively looking to add depth. The question is at what cost?

Third: Road woes continue to plague this squad who are 5-8 away from the Wells Fargo Center. Week nine launches a schedule segment where the 76ers will play seven of nine games on the road.

Philadelphia 76ers:

Offensive Rating: 13th
Defensive Rating: 10th
Net Differential: 13th

Points per game: 113.8 (8th)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 46.3 percent (tied 10th)
Opponent points per game: 111.8 (21st)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 44.1 percent (three way tie for 3rd)

Record: 3rd in EC
Home: 13-1
Road:  5-8
Back to back sets: 5

• First game record: 4-1
• Second game record: 1-4

Versus the East: 13-8
West: 5-1
Week eight 1-1:  Lost @Raptors, won @Pistons
On tap for week 9: Pistons, Nets, Pacers, @Cavaliers