With the NBA resuming in Orlando in less than 40 days, basketball fans are excited to see their favorite NBA stars go head to head and how this complicated restart will play out. One team that, although they probably won’t win the ring, may go far is the Oklahoma City Thunder, and they have quite a couple of weapons to help them make a deep run.
First, we take a look at the 8 games that will determine seeding for the Thunder. They play the following teams:
- Jazz
- Wizards
- Grizzlies
- Nuggets (2x)
- Heat
- Suns
- Clippers
I can see the Thunder going 5-3 in these 8 games, which can safely put them in a decent playoff spot, either the 5 or 6 seed, although if the Jazz start to fall, you may see CP3 and co. make a surge into the top half of the bracket. Regardless of their seeding, the Thunder can make a playoff run for several reasons.
- Execution in big games: They’ve played fairly well against good teams all year, especially those in the Western Conference like the Nuggets, Jazz, and other lower teams like the Mavs and Trail Blazers. Because of their pure dominance against lower-ranked teams and weaker defenses, the power of the frontcourt in SGA and Chris Paul can easily make it past the first round, but who knows what will happen after.
- Playoff Experience: Veterans like Chris Paul, Denis Schroder, & Danilo Gallinari will really help the younger guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley, Nerlens Noel, and Terrance Ferguson stay persistent in playing long series. This combination of leadership and young zest will really push the Thunder to go as far as possible.
The last reason does not really go with the list, but each player on this squad has some special ability like no other guy. Chris Paul’s vision, Adams’ P&R game, Shai’s athleticism, even Abdel Nader’s three-point shooting.
Together, the Thunder can put together something really special this summer, and while they won’t be hoisting the Larry O.B. come to the end of the season, be on the lookout for this team you just can’t hate.
