OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings week 10 – All-Star break edition

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder
Theo Maledon. OKC Thunder. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

2. team. 147. . 22-13. Previous: . Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets:

Week 10: 2-1
Won vs:  Kings 127-118, Magic 129-92
Lost to: Mavericks 98-115

Opponents this week: Spurs, Rockets

Offensive Rating: 117.7 (2nd) | Defensive Rating: 113.6 (26th) | Net Differential: +4.1 (7th)

I’m not necessarily convinced the Nets will be the club who’ll come out of the East. Part of the uncertainty is tied to witnessing the Big 3 on the floor together. There simply hasn’t been a large enough sample to evaluate.

With KD out nursing the hamstring injury the Nets have feasted winning eight in a row until the loss to the Celtics. James Harden and Kyrie Irving capitalized on these games to build their chemistry. Harden accepted the primary playmaking role while Irving was happy to assume more of a primary scoring role.

When Durant is back in the lineup the question won’t just be about getting all three shots but also how it will affect the others on the team who’ll experience fewer shots with the Big 3 all playing.

The greatest unknown is the defensive side of the floor. The refs are giving Harden and Irving a wide berth in terms of what they’re allowing them to get away with but will that whistle be as liberal in the postseason?

Bottom line, it’s a problem 29 other teams would be happy to have.