At this level in the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder maintain the tenth seed in the NBA. If the season ended at the moment, the Thunder would have one final try at making the playoffs the place they must win two video games. Nonetheless, they’d get postseason motion.
To take into account the Thunder’s scenario with schedule and accidents, it’s been spectacular for the Thunder to be in the place they’re in now. The final two seasons, the Thunder had a complete of twenty-two and 24 wins respectively. Those have been each season totals. Now, simply previous the mid-way mark of the season, the Thunder have 21 wins to their 23 losses. They’re on tempo to exceed their expectations with ease.
As they push to surpass their win totals from the previous two seasons, the Thunder discover themselves just one recreation again from the sixth seed in the Western Conference. For reference, that place would permit the Thunder to make the Playoffs straight up and keep away from the Play-In Tournament.
While it appears unlikely, there’s a path for the Thunder to take a straight up playoff spot. They’ve received the best remaining schedule whereas being more healthy than different groups.
Looking above the Thunder, it solely appears like three groups are secure of their playoff spots, and that’s the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans. Beyond that, the Sacramento Kings maintain the fourth seed, and anybody under that might realistically fall.
It would take an unimaginable stretch for the Thunder to climb the seedings, however that does not imply it might be out of the realm of prospects. Obviously, well being is an element, and the Thunder would wish to take care of their strengths and what’s permitting them to win video games this far into the season. Josh Giddey might want to stay unimaginable, as he’s been for the previous month, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might want to proceed placing his All-NBA case collectively.
Aside from the high two guys in Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander, their supporting solid must proceed having their “next man up” mentality. If they’re persistently seeing assist from somebody on the squad night time in and night time out, they’re a tough crew to beat.
The subsequent month of basketball might be telling, and by the finish of February might be when the Thunder get a greater grip of their capabilities on the season.
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