Breaking down the OKC Thunder schedule using the MOIST-ARID analysis

MOIST-ARID explained

There are games that both teams care about – games against other good teams, games that matter for seeding. This late in the season, it can’t be taken for granted that every game qualifies. These games are referred to as Matchups Of Important Strategic Timing (MOIST).

There are other games that matter less, even if they may be against good teams. These are known as games Against Relaxed or Inept Dudes (ARID).

Having more MOIST games is bad. You’re playing more good teams or at least teams who want to beat you. More ARID games are good. Bad teams, or teams who don’t care. The effort is the great equalizer. So, who will care?

Here’s the Thunder’s schedule for the rest of the year:

All games heading toward the playoffs matter given seeding is at stake and with Oklahoma City dropping games left, right and center, they will need to win just about every single one to get a decent seeding.

Still, let’s break down the Thunder’s remaining schedule on a game by game basis and apply the concept above.