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

The fact the Bucks remain so high on many of the main categories keeps them among my top five. A big win in Toronto also boosts their rating. Although it’s doubtful the Raptors would be that cold from the floor combined with only getting seven trips to the stripe in multiple games.

In spite of that big win, there are concerns which will likely find the Bucks descending my list next week. For as much as the Bucks have produced quality wins they also let teams like the Knicks score 134 points against them. More importantly, they aren’t winning as much as they should be on the road.

Something else to keep an eye on is how consistent this squad is throughout the season. In the last 10 games the Bucks rank 13th offensively, 12th defensively but most concerning is their net differential which ranks 13th. For the better part of the season, the Bucks have boasted the best net differential (and remain ranked first (plus 8.4). But, in the past 10 games, that number regresses to plus 1.7, a substantial decrease.

In the same timeframe, the other top five teams in net differential (Raptors, Celtics, Nuggets, Thunder) are all still top five. Consistency for me is the most telling factor. Teams who improve will climb, but ones who fail to retain consistent production will fall down the list.

Milwaukee Bucks:

Offensive Rating: 2nd
Defensive Rating: 6th
Net Differential: 1st

Points per game: 119.4 (1st)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 48.0 percent (4th)
Opponent points per game: 109.8 (13th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 44.0 percent (2nd)

3-point efficiency: 35.4 percent (14th)
Opponent 3-point efficiency: 35.5 percent (tied 16th)

Record: 2nd in EC
Home:  12-3
Road: 5-5
Back to back sets: 3

Versus the East: 10-3

Versus the West: 7-5
Week eight 2-1:  Won Pistons, @Raptors, lost to Warriors
On tap for week 9: Cavaliers, @Pacers, @Cavaliers