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Ranking OKC’s Preferred First Round Playoff Opponents

By Austin Sternlicht

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 01: Russell Westbrook
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 01: Russell Westbrook /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 4: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on January 4, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 4: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on January 4, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

It is highly unlikely the OKC Thunder end up playing one of these two teams in the first round. But if they do, that would be great news.

2. Denver Nuggets

When Paul Millsap returned from his wrist injury that kept him out three months, things were supposed to start getting better. It’s clearly been an adjustment since his return, as the Nuggets have gone just 6-5 with him back in the lineup, including a loss to the Grizzlies who had dropped 19 straight games. Now with Gary Harris ruled out for the next week with a knee injury, Denver’s playoff chances are on life-alert.

There are a couple of reasons Denver is not the most preferred Thunder opponent. First of all, playing the high altitudes of Denver can be a challenge. Second, the Nuggets do have a bunch of quality pieces that if put together, could pose a real challenge. Nikola Jokic is an emerging star at center while Harris and Jamal Murray are a nice backcourt duo. Denver most likely will not be in the playoffs. But if by some miracle, they go on a nice run and get in, the Thunder would be lucky to face them and avoid other teams with much higher ceilings.

1. Los Angeles Clippers

Without a doubt, the Clippers are the team the Thunder would most want to see in round one. The Thunder beat the Clippers all three times this season, with an average margin of victory of nine points. The Clippers have been banged up all season and just lost Avery Bradley for the season with a wrist injury.

Just like Denver, the Clippers would need to go on a major hot streak to get in and be in a position to face the Thunder. With streaky scorers like Lou Williams and Tobias Harris, this is certainly in the realm of possibility.

Next: Laying out the Thunder's offseason wishlist

The Thunder match up well with the Clippers at all five positions and have shown to be the superior team all season, even when things were looking shaky. A first round matchup with the Clippers would be the dream scenario for the Thunder.

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