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5 key factors in OKC Thunder schedule which could affect the win column

By Tamberlyn Richardson

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder gestures from the sideline during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder gestures from the sideline during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 7: Hamidou Diallo #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rest advantage:

The OKC Thunder have a rest advantage on 21 occasions which is precisely in the middle. Three squads land in the fewest rest advantage days with 16 (Knicks, Pistons and Blazers). Conversely, the Timberwolves are the lone team with an NBA high 26 games with a rest benefit.

Rest disadvantage:

While landing in the middle of gaining a rest benefit is a plus, it doesn’t mean the shoe can’t drop on the other side of this equation. Case in point: OKC are plagued with the third most games (25) where they enter with a rest disadvantage. Only three teams are hit harder (Raptors and Lakers have 26 while Blazers have 27) and the Celtics and Pistons join OKC with 25.

At the opposite end of the spectrum the Warriors will play just 14 games with a rest disadvantage.

This is a crucial area of the schedule particularly in terms of how Donovan addresses his roster’s minutes. One constant criticism of Donovan is that he doesn’t give his reserves enough run or opportunity to work through mistakes. Facing teams who are more well rested is the perfect opportunity for Donovan to not only capitalize on his added depth, but also have those players fully expecting to receive the minutes.

A good template to emulate would be how Popovich has used his young charges in San Antonio or the Raptors bench brigade. When youngsters expect time and know their roles there is a greater potential for them to prepare with a view for success.

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