NBA Power Rankings week 16: OKC Thunder and teams post deadline

Toronto Raptors:

Offense: (111.5) tied11th
Defense: (104.9) 2nd
Net: (plus +6.5)  4th

Results Week 16: (3-0) Won vs. Pacers: 119-118, at Pacers: 115-106, Nets: 119-118
Games Week 17: (2 games) Mon vs Wolves | Weds at Nets

For a club, many pundits ruled out of the mix preseason the reigning champs simply refuse to go away. In fact, this team just posted the franchise-best record ever through 51 games this past week. Two other franchise marks surpassed the previous best mark of 11 wins in a row (now at 14) and nine consecutive road wins (currently at 10).

And this is happening with Marc Gasol and Norman Powell (two of the team’s core players and best 3-point shooters) out injured. Kyle Lowry suffered whiplash in the second Pacers victory which hopefully won’t keep him out long since he truly is the leader of this club as well as their heart and soul.

Through the last 15 games, the Raptors boast the fourth-best offense, as well as the second-ranked defense and net ranking and, are seemingly improving with each game.

This week the Raptors faced a test via the home and home Pacers series. During the Utah Jazz 10 game win streak, they faced only one club with a record over .500 whereas the Raptors defeated the Thunder, 76ers, both games against the Pacers and the Nets (although they are sub 500 but are seeded seventh).