Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has lifted the Thunder to the No. 2 spot in this week’s Power Rankings.
• NBA All-Star 2024: Vote here
Sometimes, the stars align and you get the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the Power Rankings facing each other just eight hours after the rankings were published.
That’s the case this week, with the Boston Celtics visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night (8 ET, NBA League Pass). The Celtics have won 11 of their last 12 games, while the Thunder have won seven of their last eight, a stretch that includes three wins over the Nuggets and Timberwolves. Both teams are rested and healthy.
It’s a great way to start the new year.
Plus-Minus Players of the Week
- Right Way: Lu Dort (OKC) was a plus-66 in four games over the last seven days.
- Wrong Way: Nick Richards (CHA) was a minus-77 in four games over the last seven days.
Teams of the Week
- Make It Last Forever: Oklahoma City (2-0) — This is all happening so fast.
- Something Just Ain’t Right: Charlotte (0-4) — The Hornets are the new Pistons.
* * *
East vs. West
- The West is 72-56 (.563) against the East in interconference games after going 11-6 over the last seven days.
Schedule strength through Jan. 1
- Toughest: 1. San Antonio, 2. Golden State, 3. New York
- Easiest: 1. Phoenix, 2. Milwaukee, 3. Philadelphia
- Based on cumulative opponent winning percentage.
* * *
Movement in the Rankings
- High jumps of the week: Phoenix (+9), Indiana (+7), New Orleans (+4)
- Free falls of the week: Dallas (-6), Golden State (-3), Houston (-3)
* * *
Week 11 Team to Watch
- New York — The Knicks won their first game with OG Anunoby, beating one of the best teams in the league on Monday afternoon. The tests continue with games against the surging Bulls on Wednesday (8:30 ET, ABC) and the third-place Sixers on Friday (7:30 ET, ESPN).
* * *
Previously…
- Last week: Nuggets, Heat on rise in Top 10
- The archive: NBA.com Power Rankings
OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
The league has averaged 114.9 points scored per 100 possessions and 100.0 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes this season.
NBA.com’s Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man’s opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, send him an e-mail or contact him via Twitter.
