History dictates OKC Thunder are headed for postseason via the 20 game performance theory
At the quarter pole who makes the cut?
So, if you’re a team sitting with 12 wins your fanbase should be feeling pretty good. BUT… let’s take a bit of deeper dive into this theory. Schuhmann is dead on the money, but even he will freely admit this season has been anything but typical.
Which is why I wonder if this will be the one season which turns this benchmark on its heels.
Eastern Conference:
Based on the theory that east teams with a 9-11 record will advance then each of the currently seeded teams would advance. Those include:
- Raptors: 17-4
- Bucks: 14-6
- 76ers: 14-8
- Pacers: 12-8
- Pistons: 10-7
- Celtics: 11-10
- Hornets: 10-10
- Magic: 10-11
Again, based on this theory, even if the Heat won their 20th game they would still fall short with an 8-12 record. Likewise, the Wizards who sit at 8-12 would miss the postseason. Although the Wizards are embroiled in controversy they’ve been playing truer to their talent in recent weeks.
Since starting the season 2-9 the Wizards are 6-3 with the lone blowout of those three coming versus the league leading Raptors. Moreover, sticking with the “12 win” benchmark the current home court seeds would appear the safest bets.
Western Conference:
Still, the much more intriguing conference is the West where multiple elite teams are sitting on the outside of the 11-9 win margin looking in. Entering gameplay Tuesday these are the west squads who meet the historical standard:
- Clippers: 13-6
- Warriors; 15-7
- Nuggets: 13-7
- Grizzlies: 12-7
- Thunder: 12-7
- Blazers: 12-8
- Lakers: 11-8
LeBron James crew sits right on the edge though a win over the Nuggets tonight would push them up into the that golden “12 win” benchmark. Although the Kings are currently seeded eighth their 10-10 record would indicate they’ll come up short.
Look closely and several preseason top rated teams are missing the mark. So, let’s dive in and see which squads will be intent on re-writing history.