OKC Thunder: TI editor power rankings week 18 – Stretch time

Week 18 NBA power rankings, finds the OKC Thunder firmly seeded in the upper echelon and preparing for the stretch run. Here’s how the teams line up.

Power rankings for week 18 examine how teams entered the break. Despite a loss just prior the OKC Thunder remained firmly seeded in third and closing the gap between themselves and the currently second seeded Nuggets.

The majority of players got a full week of rest while the select few who participated in Charlotte got between three to five days off. Twelve teams returned to the hardwood Thursday to kick off the stretch run with the remaining 18 teams returning Friday, February 22.

Most clubs have between 23 and 25 games remaining. The lone exception is the Pistons and Heat who have 26 games to play. Given the short week, most squads play two matches in week 19.

As for week 18 power rankings I’m throwing in a bit of a switch-up and diving deeper into the schedules. Whether teams are seeded, chasing a playoff berth or attempting to capture one of those coveted bottom three lottery placements schedules will play a huge factor.

To that end, the additional information dissects how many games occur on the road, quantity versus elite teams, back to back sets remaining and other relevant schedule details.

Week 18 served up games versus the Blazers and Pelicans. OKC took the tough game against Portland and then let one slip playing the very last game prior to the break commencing.

Moving forward, in addition to weekly performance and seeding my power rankings will also consider each clubs remaining strength of schedule as the stretch run carries us through the final weeks of the season.

Let’s do it!