By Michael Doutey
We are officially coming down the stretch on the 2017-2018 season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. It hasn’t been anything like what we all expected. And, if the Thunder were given some of Jim Traber’s truth serum, they would agree with us. OKC sits at 41-29 on the season, which is the best they’ve been all season. The Thunder currently sits 4th in the Western Conference standings, which isn’t a bad spot to be with 12 games remaining. We all know how tight the playoff race is in the West. While OKC is sitting pretty today and are looking at hosting home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, that all can change with a couple losses in a row. The Thunder are sitting just two games in front of the 10th place team. The margin of error for OKC to keep a first round bye is razor thin. But now OKC is about to enter a 12 game gauntlet to close out the season and the next 11 games are either against playoff teams or teams who are on the verge of being in the playoffs. Lets take a look at the next 12 games and make a prediction on what OKC’s record will be over these next several weeks.
1. Friday March 14th vs the Los Angeles Clippers
It all gets underway tonight for the Thunder with OKC playing at home against the Clippers, who are playing on the second night of a back-to-back after losing the the Rockets last night. This is a game the Thunder must win.
Prediction: Win.
2. Sunday March 18th @ the Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are one of the best NBA teams that nobody is talking about. They are really, really good and are the front runners to win the East and make their way to the NBA Finals. With this game being on the road, it would be really tough to win. If OKC were to find a way to win this game, it would be the best win of the season, hands down.
Prediction: Loss.
3. Tuesday March 20th @ the Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart is the Andre Roberson of the Celtics. And Smart is likely out for the season with a hand injury. Guys have been beat up for the Celtics, who are still really good. But I have a strange feeling OKC can capitalize on the Celts being with out their defensive stopper.
Prediction: Win.
4. Friday March 23rd vs the Miami Heat
The Heat are a really tough team. They are well coached and are not easy to beat. But there isn’t a ton of talent on the team, especially without Dion Waiters. I would put this in in the category of a must win for OKC.
Prediction: Win.
5. Sunday March 25th vs the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is one of the hottest teams in the NBA and Damian Lillard is playing at a Superstar level. OKC really struggles with Portland and their dynamic duo of Lillard and CJ McCollum, especially without Roberson.
Prediction: Loss.
6. Thursday March 29th @ the San Antonio Spurs
There is no telling what will be going on in the Kawhi Leonard saga in a couple weeks. If he is playing, will he be ready to be full go? Or will the Spurs struggle trying to find their rhythm? Heck, it wouldn’t shock me that the Spurs would just jump to NBA Title Contender status with him back in the lineup. So, this is a really tough game to dissect. But, I like OKC’s matchup with the with the Spurs.
Prediction: Win.
7. Friday March 30th vs the Denver Nuggets
Denver is another team that always plays OKC close. Guys like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray drive OKC nuts. They also recently got Paul Millsap back from injury. This one is a tough game, but OKC needs to win as many home games as possible.
Prediction: Win.
8. Sunday April 1st @ the New Orleans Pelicans
OKC has lost the season series with the Pelicans, but this is still a pivotal game. The Pels and Thunder are competing for the 4th spot in the West. But Anthony Davis has been playing the best of his entire career in recent weeks. He’s doomed OKC in the playoff race before and with this game being on the road, I find it hard to pick OKC here.
Prediction: Loss.
9. Tuesday April 3rd vs the Golden State Warriors
There are some key injuries to the Warriors stars, including Steph Curry (ankle) and Klay Thompson (hand). So, if these injuries linger, OKC could be in a good spot. But predicting injuries that far out is really hard to do. As always, that game is a high intensity game, which could favor the home team. But I find it hard to see the Thunder winning the season series against those guys.
Prediction: Loss.
10. Saturday April 7th @ the Rockets
The Rockets are one of the best regular season teams in recent memory, especially when Chris Paul, James Harden and Clint Capella are all playing. I don’t see the Thunder changing that here.
Prediction: Loss.
11. Monday April 9th @ the Miami Heat
After losing three straight, OKC will come to play. I see a win and the season sweep over the Miami Heat.
Prediction: Win.
12. Wednesday April 11th vs the Memphis Grizzlies
With the tank going strong in Memphis and OKC needing wins, OKC will win this one easily in the last regular season game.
Prediction: Win.
My predicted record over the next 12 games for OKC is 7-5. Is that enough to hold home court advantage in the first round? Is that even enough to make the playoffs? I guess we’ll start to find out tonight when OKC begins this tough stretch with the Clippers.
