Thunderous Intentions
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Deep Dive: OKC Thunder and west opponents stretch schedule analysis

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 08: Oklahoma City Thunder Forward Paul George (13) plays defense as Phoenix Suns Guard Devin Booker (1) looks to pass during the Oklahoma City Thunder game versus the Phoenix Suns on March 8, 2018, at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 08: Oklahoma City Thunder Forward Paul George (13) plays defense as Phoenix Suns Guard Devin Booker (1) looks to pass during the Oklahoma City Thunder game versus the Phoenix Suns on March 8, 2018, at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
SAN ANTONIO, TX – FEBRUARY 28: Kawhi Leonard /

San Antonio Spurs:

Record: 37-30

Current Seed: 10th

Games Remaining: 15

Back to Back Sets: Two, @Houston/Orlando (Mar. 12/13) and @LAC/@LAL (Apr. 3/4)

Road vs Home Games:  5 road (38.8 win percent)| 10 home (74.2 win %)

West vs. East Games:  11 West | 4 East

Games left vs. current lottery teams: 3

Games left vs. current playoff teams: 12

Strength of Schedule remaining: Rank 5th with .554 SOS

Toughest Teams:  Pelicans twice, Rockets, Warriors, Blazers

Easiest Teams: Magic, Kings, Lakers

Current Win Percent: 55.2%.

Last 10/streaks: 2-8, lost three in row

Tie Break Records: 

Jazz: Utah have won tiebreak up 3-0 with one game to play

Nuggets: Split 4-game season series

Clippers:  San Antonio lead series 2-0 with game to play April 3

Wolves: Series is split with one to play on March 17

Thunder: OKC lead series 2-1 with one to play March 29

Pelicans: Spurs are up 2-0 with two to play on March 15 and April 11

Blazers: Series is split one all with one to play on April 7

Notes: 

News out of San Antonio is Kawhi Leonard may return this week against the New Orleans Pelicans. Should that occur it would give him 14 games to round into form, get into game shape and prepare for the postseason.

If any other team was 3-11 in their last 14 and were facing 12 playoff squads in their final 15 games it’s very likely you predict they fall out of the seeding.

Yet, like death and taxes the third certainty (at least in my life) is never betting against the Spurs.

Let’s put it this way. A template for success and model of consistency was crafted in San Antonio. Until this season 20 consecutive campaigns with above .500 road records. Ignoring the strike shortened season 19 consecutive 50 (or more) win seasons. The Spurs would need to win 13 of their final 15 games to continue that streak.  The crazy thing is if I had to pick a long shot (outside the Rockets or Warriors) to complete that mission I’d place good money on the Spurs, especially if Kawhi does return.

Prediction:

It’s simple, the Spurs will make the playoffs. If they don’t it truly will signify a new era in the NBA. And, consider the fact the Warriors barely beat the Spurs last week without Leonard and were leading the opening game of last year’s playoff series until Pachulia pulled ‘a Zaza’.

On the positive side the Spurs will play ten of their final 15 games at home.

I wouldn’t be surprised to learn the Rockets and Warriors are hoping beyond all hope they avoid the Spurs in the opening round. Not because they don’t have belief in themselves, rather because they, like the rest of the NBA loving population know it’s death – taxes – and the Spurs.

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