This weekend marks the beginning of an eleven-game gauntlet for the OKC Thunder.
The Western Conference playoff race has yet to become any clearer since the day the season began. Outside of the top two seeds, it is anyone’s guess who will occupy the last six Playoff spots. Thankfully for the OKC Thunder, they currently sit pretty in the 4th seed, a spot that seemed pretty insurmountable given the up-and-down play of this roster.
While that is nice and all, the season is far from over. If the OKC Thunder want to hold their spot, or even climb to the coveted 3rd seed, they must win against some tough opponents. Oklahoma City’s next 11 opponents all have winning records and are a threat to derail their playoff hopes.
These facts are why this weekend’s games against the LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors are so important for the OKC Thunder. Expect some big performances from many players, as these games are just as meaningful for the opposition. It should be a fun weekend for fans and fantasy players alike.
Here are my fantasy picks for the week:
Jerami Grant
The Thunder bench has been a weak spot for most of the season. But thanks to Jerami Grant, it hasn’t been a complete Achilles Heel. Grant is coming off perhaps his best game of the season, a 20 point 5 rebound effort against the Hawks.
With the Thunder possibly without Steven Adams for a game due to injury, expect Grant to get valuable playing time. He as scored in double digits in 6 of the last 9 games, so also expect his scoring output to remain solid.
DeAndre Jordan
It always seems like DeAndre Jordan plays well against the OKC Thunder for some reason. Even when the Thunder are victorious, it seems like Jordan still ends up with 15 plus rebounds. THat’s probably because he’s one of the better centers in the league.
What is clear is that Jordan is keeping the Clippers playoff hopes alive. He is averaging 12.2 points and 15.3 boards per game. One can expect DJ to light up the stat sheet once again Friday night in Oklahoma City.
Demar Derozan
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In what could be one of the better games of the NBA season, the Thunder travel north to face the Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors on Sunday. One of the main reasons the Raps have been so good this year is their all-star Demar Derozan.
The USC-product is averaging 23.6 points per game and is always a threat to gouge an opponents defense. Without the services of Andre Roberson, I foresee Derozan being a potential thorn in the OKC Thunder’s side on Sunday afternoon.
Paul George
I list Paul George in the final spot hoping he can still play this weekend with his alleged groin injury. It has been reported that George expects to play Friday, but we’ll see when the day comes. Assuming that is the truth, I think George could actually have a nice couple games this weekend.
The Clippers lack any real defender for him at his position and he could pad some stats against the Raptors vaunted bench unit. It could be a long shot, but expect George to get it rolling for the Thunder.