History dictates OKC Thunder are headed for postseason via the 20 game performance theory

What will happen?

Let’s face it this season isn’t typical, so imagining those six west teams won’t make the cut and/or the Heat and Wizards seems far fetched.

Much will depend on health especially for the Pelicans (Anthony Davis), Rockets (James Harden) and Lakers (LeBron James). Should any of those players sustain injuries requiring extended absences it would likely cost them a playoff berth.

As much as I enjoy a good underdog story, the question is who precisely are the underdogs this season? Is it teams like the Magic, Kings and Nuggets who’ve failed to reach the postseason for years?  Or is it pulling for the injury ravaged and revamped Spurs squad vying to keep their playoff streak alive by reaching their 22nd consecutive postseason?

For OKC Thunder fans there is credence in the historic trend given they’ve reached the 11-9 and 12 win benchmarks without Russell Westbrook in the lineup for eight matches (five of which the Thunder won). Moreover, the team sits atop the Association with the best defensive ranking.

Tougher segments of the schedule await OKC, but the other major plus to focus on is Andre Roberson should be returning hopefully early in the New Year. That factor alone will improve the starting lineup and bolster the already phenomenal OKC Thunder defense.