Fansided

NBA Power Rankings: Who is headed for rock bottom?

By Ian Levy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz talk in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz talk in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- NOVEMBER 24: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder seen on court during the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 24, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- NOVEMBER 24: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder seen on court during the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 24, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

team. 149. . 12-7. Previous: 4th. oklahoma city thunder. 4

The Thunder have emerged as the best defense in the league and it’s helped them right the ship after an incredibly poor start to the season. Since his return, Russell Westbrook has been struggling to find his place in the offense, particularly as a scorer, but Paul George has been sensational and, in weeks like this where Dennis Schroder is more treat than trick, they have more than enough to win big games.

As the season goes along, the big question for the Thunder will be how their depth and the end of their rotation develops. Nerlens Noel is still finding his rhythm but has helped on defense and gives their second-unit an anchor on that end. Patrick Patterson and Alex Abrines haven’t seen consistent minutes and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Hamidou Diallo have been impressive at times with their energy and activity but neither is consistent enough to be counted on right now. When it gets to the playoffs, the Thunder will need more than the very solid top-end of their top-heavy rotation.

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