Brooklyn moves up in the NBA power rankings after a stunning 45-point win over the Bucks

After an 0-7 start to the season, Brooklyn Nets found their target during the quiet part of the schedule. The rebuilding team is 4-2 in its last six games with wins over the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks.

The Nets rank 14th in offensive rating (116.4), second in defensive rating (104.8) and fourth in net rating (11.6) during that span. Those figures were inflated by a stunning 45-point rout of the Bucks on Sunday at the Barclays Center.

A recent hot streak dropped the Nets’ record to 7-11 and landed them 23rd in the The Athletic’s latest NBA power rankings.

“Brooklyn has won four of six after a 3-19 start. Much like Will Hardy in Utah, the Nets will have to deal Jordi Fernandez a player if they hope to stay in prime position for a lottery spot. The question is, who would Brooklyn part ways with?” Lou Murray wrote.

Brooklyn came in ahead of the Bulls, Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Pelicans, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings on the list.

Nets rise in NBA power rankings, fall in draft lottery amid hot streak

While the Nets’ front office is likely pleased to see the team get some continuity after a dysfunctional start, the 4-2 stretch has dropped them to sixth place in the lottery table. They are 1.5 games behind the Los Angeles Clippers (the pick is owed to Oklahoma City), the Indiana Pacers and the Sacramento Kings, who are tied for third.

As Murray noted, the trade deadline will offer Brooklyn an opportunity to bolster his tank while potentially raising funds and opening up rookie minutes. With a rotation loaded with plenty of veterans, the Nets struggled to find minutes for their NBA-record five rookie first-round picks earlier this season.

Michael Porter Jr. will likely be the team’s most sought-after veterans. Porter Jr. was among the most efficient scorers in the NBA this season, averaging 25.6 points and 3.2 assists on .497/.399/.813 shooting. meanwhile, Nic Clacton he’s also off to one of the best offensive starts of his career, averaging 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists on 55.2 percent shooting.

The Brooklyn tank should benefit from a tough upcoming schedule. The Nets next six games are against the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. They have the eighth heaviest in the NBA remaining schedule.