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OKC Thunder: Analyzing stretch run schedules with view to seeding

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 26: Anthony Davis
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 26: Anthony Davis /
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Western Conference:

The following breaks down each of the 10 west teams contending for seeds in the postseason while the east breakdown just looks at the eight who’ll make it with a view to seeding.

In each case this segment features what occurred in week 22 of action, remaining schedule and how it breaks down in terms of home/road, back to backs, playoff seeds and pivotal games with far reaching effects. Finally, each west team is examined as their schedule correlates or affects the OKC Thunder.

Houston Rockets:

In week 22 the Rockets got a big win over the Blazers and followed it up with an overtime victory against the Pistons. Houston helped OKC by beating the Pelicans and finished off by defeating the Hawks.

With the Curry news, injuries to the Warriors core and a five and a half game lead on Golden State it’s likely the Rockets secure the top seed this coming week.

Remaining schedule includes:

  • Chicago Bulls, Tuesday 27
  • Phoenix Suns, Friday 30
  • At San Antonio Spurs, Sunday April 1
  • Washington Wizards, Tuesday  3
  • Portland Trail Blazers, Thursday 5
  • OKC Thunder, Saturday 7
  • At LA Lakers, Tuesday 10
  • At Sacramento Kings, Wednesday 11

Eight games remain for the Rockets with four potential playoff seeds, three road games and completed their last back to back set this weekend.

At this point it will be interesting to see if the Rockets decide to get Harden some rest or limit his minutes. Harden tends to be a fluid player who relies on timing, so odds are they play him in at least six of the eight games (even if minimal minutes —see that is the proper use of minimal) . After Curry went down Friday, Houston may want to error on the side of caution.

Chris Paul (currently out with hamstring issues) is the player more likely to get ample rest. Lest we forget CP3 has a history of getting injured in the playoffs. And, since he’s never been past the second round he and the team will want to make sure Paul enters as close to 100 percent as possible.

Of the eight games remaining the three which Houston may want to play everyone are the west games versus seeds (Spurs/Blazers/Thunder). Since each of these squads could face the Rockets at some point in the postseason it’s vital to send the message – you can’t beat us. Although the counter argument to this is conceding a win to avoid playing that team in the first round.

Imagine delivering the type of season the Rockets have to land the first seed only to meet up with the Spurs who could have Kawhi Leonard back. Sure doesn’t feel like much of a reward right?

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