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NBA Power Rankings week 17: OKC Thunder and peers enter break

By Tamberlyn Richardson

FEBRUARY 11: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the OKC Thunder handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY 11: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the OKC Thunder handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder, NBA Power Rankings W17
OKC Thunder, NBA Power Rankings W17: D’Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a three (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

. 16-37. Previous: 26th. Minnesota Timberwolves. 26. team. 86

Minnesota Timberwolves:

Offense: (107.1) 23rd
Defense: (110.4) 17th
Net: (minus -3.3) 24th

 Results Week 17: (0-2) Won vs. Lost vs. Raptors: 126-137, Hornets: 108-115
Games Week 18: (2 games) Fri vs Celtics | Sun at Nuggets

While Karl-Anthony Towns was thrilled by the arrival of BFF D’Angelo Russell there is an elephant in the room to address — namely defense.

Trae Young has all his peers beat ranking dead last (490) for his defensive real plus/minus. However, the Timberwolves should be equally alarmed by their dual superstars who find themselves among the worst in the NBA. DLo’s DRPM is minus 3.12 ranking 482nd while KAT’s DPRM is minus 3.56 ranking 486 of 490 players.

With two players in the bottom ten in the league, it will be difficult for the Wolves to capitalize on their offense to win games. Again — consider the Wolves the Wizards of the Western Conference!

In week 17 the Raptors exposed Russell on defense and the Hornets beat Minnesota at their own game. Things won’t get any easier in week 18 with the Celtics and Nuggets on tap.

Even more concerning is KAT’s wrist injury will keep him off the floor indefinitely.

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