NBA Power Rankings week 10: OKC Thunder vault up ladder

Brooklyn Nets:

Offense: (106.5) 22nd
Defense: (107.1) 14th
Net: (minus 0.6) 15th

Games Week 10 (0-2): Lost to Knicks 82-94, Rockets 98-108
Games Week 11 (3 games): Mon at Wolves | Thurs at Mavericks | Sat vs Raptors

Although Spencer Dinwiddie has feasted in the absence of Kyrie Irving the Nets are starting to show signs of wear and tear. The initial success Brooklyn experienced without Irving (as previously stated) truly felt like it had more to do with the strength of schedule and those considerations are being proven accurate with their recent decline.

As of the start of week 11, Kyrie Irving has missed 20 consecutive games with his shoulder impingement. Brooklyn has registered a respectable 12-8 in that timeframe. BUT— the Nets are losers of three of their last four games. Of those 12 wins three came against top teams (Celtics, Nuggets, 76ers). Six of the eight losses were against seeded teams.

Looking ahead week 11 serves up two tough opponents and one team desperate to win. In fact, 10 of their next 12 games are against currently seeded teams.

Again, for as good as Dinwiddie has played he needs some help and should Irving return now while the team is losing it would also be a positive spin for the enigmatic point guard who could gain some shine if he can help the team pick up wins over the next 12 games. Having said that, there is no indication from the Nets brass on when Kyrie will be back.