Predicting the OKC Thunder’s March Schedule

Feb 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard

(0) is defended by Orlando Magic guard

(4) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Magic 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Schedule: vs. Chicago Bulls (Mar 15); at Dallas Mavericks (Mar 16); vs. Boston Celtics (Mar 18); vs. Atlanta Hawks (Mar 20).

With three home games, week three is a huge opportunity for the Thunder to rack up some wins. The week begins with a rematch with the Chicago Bulls but the Thunder should have a full roster (knock and wood) and the Bulls won’t. With Durant, Westbrook, and the home court advantage, expect another Thunder win.

On the second night of a back-to-back, the Thunder has the tough task of playing at Dallas. They have split with the Mavericks this season, although they have yet to play them with a fully healthy Durant. But, this is the second night of a back-to-back and it’s on the road, so this will be a tough game for the Thunder to win.

The Celtics have won three games in a row since acquiring Isaiah Thomas during the trade deadline but they simply do not have enough firepower to keep pace with the OKC Thunder. Atlanta probably is the toughest test for at Oklahoma City in March. The Hawks give up 96 points per game (good for second in the NBA) while OKC scored an average of 112 points per game in February.

By this point in the month, Durant should be back. In their first meeting, the Hawks won 103-93, and their bench outscored the Thunder’s bench 32-22. Since the trade, the Thunder bench has become a major strength, and that will be the difference this time around. Prediction: 3-1

Next: Week 4