Week 9 Power Rankings: Thunder claim top spot; Bucks crack Top 10

The stage is set for an epic showdown at the Emirates NBA Cup finals, as the Milwaukee Bucks go head-to-head with the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. The highly anticipated match will take place on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET, with fans eagerly awaiting to see which team will emerge victorious and claim the coveted trophy along with some additional cash prize.

Two nights later, the league will start to get busy again, with 45 games being played between Thursday and next Monday. This 10-day stretch with just 32 total games is almost over and it’s time to see which teams made the most of their opportunities to rest and (finally) practice.

Trade season has begun, and the league should have a sense of urgency.

Plus-Minus Players of the Week

Right Way: Jaylen Brown (BOS) was a plus-43 in two games last week.Wrong Way: Bub Carrington (WAS) was a minus-35 in two games last week.

Teams of the Week

Make It Last Forever: Oklahoma City (2-0) — The Thunder played two great teams and beat the both by double-digits on their way to the NBA Cup final.Something Just Ain’t Right: Philadelphia (0-1) — The Sixers didn’t just suffer more injuries on Friday. They lost at home to a team (Indiana) they really need to beat.

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East vs. West

The West is 57-42 (.576) against the East in interconference games after going 1-1 last week.

Schedule strength through Week 8

Toughest: 1. Washington, 2. Brooklyn, 3. UtahEasiest: 1. Cleveland, 2. Indiana, 3. MemphisSchedule strength is based on cumulative opponent record.

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Movement in the Rankings

High jumps of the week: Milwaukee (+7), Indiana (+5), Minnesota (+3)Free falls of the week: Golden State (-7), LA Clippers (-6), Philadelphia (-3)

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Week 9 Team to Watch

Miami — The Heat are playing their best basketball while in the midst of trade chatter regarding Jimmy Butler. Having climbed into fifth place in the East, they will get a visit from the fourth-place Magic on Saturday. Before that, they’ll host the Pistons and Thunder.

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Previously…

Last week: Cavs maintain lead; Grizzlies enter Top 5The 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 112.5 points scored per 100 possessions and 99.8 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, contact him via Bluesky.