Oklahoma City scored a huge win over Golden State on Tuesday night that moved them just outside of the NBA’s Play-In Tournament. As things stand right now the Thunder (although tied with New Orleans) would be #11. With just over a month remaining on the schedule (17 games) the time is now to start making the move to secure a spot. Here’s how tonight’s slate could help, or hurt, the playoff push.
Last night’s game against the Warriors was huge for a couple of reasons. First of all, it moved the Thunder just to the cusp of the 10th seed but, secondly, is secured a third-consecutive win before OKC hits the road for three games in a row. They have a tall task ahead of them tonight in Phoenix, and then they’re off to New Orleans and San Antonio. Should they come home from this road trip 2-1 they’d be in pretty good shape. A 1-2 record or, even worse, 0-3 could be detrimental.
Portland @ Boston (6:30 PM) – The Trail Blazers are tied with OKC at 31-34 and with the Thunder being huge underdogs against the Suns tonight (+13.5), Oklahoma City fans need Boston to protect the home court.
Dallas @ New Orleans (6:30 PM) – This is a must win for the Mavericks if you’re an OKC fan. The Thunder, Pelicans, and Trail Blazers are deadlocked and with Oklahoma City and Portland being road dogs tonight a win by New Orleans would put them ahead of the pack by half a game. Dallas is on the second night of a back-to-back but they’re a 1.5 point favorite.
Oklahoma City @ Phoenix (8:00 PM) – We have this game covered on another post. Let’s just say OKC has it’s work cut out for them. A win could put potentially put them in the #10 spot and a loss could potentially drop them to the #13 spot.
Toronto @ Los Angeles Clippers (9:00 PM) – At 34-33 the Clippers are well within striking distance for the Thunder. The Russell Westbrook trade hasn’t necessarily worked in their favor, they are just 1-5 since acquiring him, and have fallen all the way down to the #8 seed. There’s room for OKC to move up but one of the things that needs to happen is for the Clippers to continue to fall.
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