OKC Thunder: TI editor power rankings week 17 – At last, the break

Orlando couldn’t have picked a better time to put together a winning run. Even the trade for Markelle Fultz feels like a risk worth taking.

At the very least Fultz needed a new situation and location to wipe away his initial trials and tribulations. Although uncertainty about his thoracic outlet syndrome condition persists it’s hard to believe the Magic wouldn’t have checked him out thoroughly prior to making the trade.

Examining the cost for Orlando to get Fultz also felt like a no brainer. To wit, Jonathon Simmons next season is nonguaranteed while the first round pick sent to the 76ers was acquired via an OKC Thunder trade. So the biggest risk Orlando takes is giving up their second-round pick.

If Fultz succeeds it will be the 76ers who end up with egg on their face on both sides of the Fultz legacy in Philadelphia.

Offensive Rating: 24th (105.3)
Defensive Rating: 14th (108.5 )
Net Differential: 25th (-3.2)

Points per game: 105.2 (26th)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 44.9 percent (tied 22nd)
3-Point percent: 34.9% (18th)

Opponent points per game: 107.5 (tied 7th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 45.8 percent (tied 14th)
Opponent 3-point percent: 36.1% (tied 20th)

Record: 10th EC
Home: 15-15 | Road:  10-17 | Back to back sets: 1 1
Versus the East: 18-15| Versus the West: 7-17

Week 17: 3-1: Won vs. Wolves, @Bucks, @Hawks, Lost @Thunder
On tap for week 18: @Pelicans, Hornets