Heavy’s NBA Power Rankings for Week 8


10. Chicago


Record: 13-10


Last week: Unranked


After getting off to a hot start from the perimeter, the Bulls have struggled in that area of late. So how has Fred Hoiberg's team made up for the spotty perimeter shooting, which was due in part to the absence of Doug McDermott (concussion)? The foul line. Chicago currently ranks eighth in the NBA in free throw rate (.292), and they're also second in the league in "defensive" free throw rate (.208). Simply put, with Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade leading the way the Bulls routinely get to the foul line while keeping their opponents off of it. Chicago's a top ten defense, ranking fifth in points allowed per game (99.9) and ninth in defensive rating (104.7), which is why they've managed to be relatively successful despite ranking dead last in the NBA in three-point percentage (30.8 percent). (Getty)