Despite dropping three of their last five games, the Oklahoma City Thunder are holding steady at No. 13 in the latest edition of ESPN’s Power Rankings.
The Thunder showcased their youth movement in Saturday’s win over the Trail Blazers, giving folks a glimpse of what they could be without Danilo Gallinari, who figures to be OKC’s most coveted player as the Feb. 6 trade deadline draws closer.
Oklahoma City also got limited contributions from Steven Adams, whose name has been mentioned in connection with both the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers, as he was on a minutes restriction in his first game back after suffering a right knee contusion.
It’s because of this success coupled with the will they or won’t they trade questions that Royce Young believes that OKC is the “most interesting team in the league”.
They could be influential in stacking contenders with difference-making players if they decide to sell, they could buy on the short term themselves, or they could stand pat. All appearances suggest they want to make the playoffs, and with a bit of a head start, they could do a little selling and make it anyway.
Three of their next four games are on the road, including Monday’s matchup at Houston.
The Rockets took a tumble in the Power Rankings, down to No. 12 after falling five spots from No. 7 a week ago. Their recent slide is something that Tim MacMahon attributes to fatigue.
Their two starters who have logged the most minutes this season have really struggled during the five-game span. James Harden has averaged 27.4 points — down almost 10 points from the NBA-best season average — on 35.9% shooting from the floor. P.J. Tucker, who is battling a stinger in his right shoulder, has averaged 2.4 points on 23.5% shooting.
Despite not playing Saturday, Gallinari is expected to be back on Monday afternoon, however, the Thunder are 6-1 this season without him.
Oklahoma City and the Rockets have split the two games they’ve played this season, the last a 113-92 win in OKC on Jan. 9.