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NBA Power Rankings: Hot or Cold Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) congratulates guard Dion Waiters (23) after a 3 point shot against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) congratulates guard Dion Waiters (23) after a 3 point shot against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Oklahoma City Thunder

Previous: No. 15

Record: 18-19

Last Week: 1-1

Verdict: Lukewarm

Due to untimely injuries to Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City Thunder haven’t been able to develop the proper chemistry. Acquiring Dion Waiters has helped the offense, but chemistry remains an issue.

For now.

The Thunder downed a tough Utah Jazz squad 99-94, but it followed a 104-83 decimation at the hands of the Sacramento Kings. The loss to the Kings was just one game after the Golden State Warriors obliterated OKC 117-91.

That polarizing inconsistency makes it hard to justify placing faith in a turnaround. Nevertheless, the faith still exists.

With the reigning league MVP and a star in Westbrook, it’s hard to imagine Oklahoma City not making the playoffs. It’s 3.0 games back of the No. 8 seed and a very manageable 8.5 off the No. 3 spot.

OKC is too talented to continue playing at such a troubling level.

Next: Panic or Patience?