NBA Power Rankings: Reality begins to set in for LA Lakers, Brooklyn Nets

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OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

26. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder have essentially gotten off to the start that many expected them to. But, on the bright side, they do have two wins over the LA Clippers. If the Thunder could play the Clippers every night, perhaps they’d be on to something.

In all seriousness, the Thunder is having another good professional season. What comes next is the big question for this franchise.

25. Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have done a fair job in the absence of LaMelo Ball. Perhaps even a bit better than I expected them to. That said, I have a hard time believing that the Hornets will be better than a dark hose play-in tournament team in the Eastern Conference.

And that’s even if Ball comes back in a strong way. Even that’s no guarantee.