Tonight marks a fantastic opportunity for the OKC Thunder to show the League Carmelo wasn’t lying.
As we’ve all heard, there’s a fine line between making the Playoffs and hosting a first round series out West. The OKC Thunder currently sit on the positive side of that line, but a late-season tumble could push them to the other edge. That’s why tonight is an almost-essential win for Oklahoma City.
San Antonio is one of two teams a game behind OKC for the four seed. A win gives the Thunder the tie-breaker against San Antonio – more importantly it would create a larger cushion in the 4th seed with only six games left in the regular season. A loss would move OKC to the 5th seed and only 2.5 games out of missing the Playoffs entirely.
The good news is we’ve already been guaranteed a spot in the Playoffs. Well, kinda.
Melo makes a Playoff guarantee
I like that Carmelo Anthony has more confidence in his team than his shot. Jokes aside, I don’t mind his Playoff guarantee whatsoever. The Thunder need this pressure on themselves to ensure they come out with 110% intensity the last seven games of the season. Every game must be treated like it’s the Playoffs – if not they’ll fall to the 7 or 8 seed and lose in the first round.
"With seven games to go, ESPN’s BPI playoff odds put the Oklahoma City Thunder at 97.5 percent to reach the postseason. Carmelo Anthony says you can go ahead and make that an even 100 percent."
Related Story: Carmelo named finalist for PBWA humanitarian award
Thunder’s non-Playoff team record is not abnormal
If you want something to brighten your day even more, read Barry Tramel’s column. Russell Westbrook’s favorite writer unveiled that the Thunder not only have a solid record against elite teams, but that remains the case against all Playoff teams. Oklahoma City and Minnesota are the only 3-9 seeds with winning records against current Playoff squads, with the Thunder boasting a slightly better record.
That’s fantastic news for a team playing six more Playoff teams before the regular season is over.
"That portends well for the Thunder in the post-season, but the struggles against the losers makes the playoff seeding tougher."
Full preview to tonight’s classic contest
All this talk about the importance of today’s game so of course we’re ending with Alex McEwen’s preview. As always Alex killed her preview (especially her three keys), which include some interesting numbers on the Jerami Grant/Carmelo Anthony debate. Instead of hyping it up anymore I’ll just direct you to the best Thunder-Spurs preview on the World Wide Web.
"The OKC Thunder have historically gone with defense over offense. It will be interesting if they buck the trend and continue playing Melo or if Grant get’s the minutes it appears he deserves."
That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News! Make sure to check back with us after the game for our full report card. Of course, follow along during the game on Twitter for my immediate reaction and commentary.
"That portends well for the Thunder in the post-season, but the struggles against the losers makes the playoff seeding tougher."