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

Breaking down OKC’s schedule

Only two bad teams, at first glance (sorry, Lakers fans). But if you look at the Thunder’s and their competitors schedules a little closer, there are some adjustments to be made.

The Thunder’s last game against the Bucks becomes ARID. Their second-to-last against Houston is Houston’s last game, so that gets a 0.25 ARID.

The Wolves have already started to give up, but until they shut KAT down, they stay at a 0.5 MOIST/ARID. Until the last few games, that is, where one loss can improve their lottery odds by five to 10 percent. They drop to 0.75 ARID for the Thunder and Blazers at that point.

The Kings and Hawks, who continue to try and win some games, they’re at least dangerous, and they get a 0.5 MOIST-ARID. Dallas gets a .5 at home, but a straight ARID on the road (30.7 this season). The Grizzlies are trying, but they’re just too bad.

The Suns, Cavs, Knicks, Wizards, Hornets, and, yes, sorry again, Lakers, are just bad.

MOIST-ARID rankings for the Western Conference Playoff race

Rockets – 5-4 = 1.25
Clippers – 4.5-4.5 = 1
Blazers – 4.75-5.25 = 0.905
Thunder – 4-5 = 0.8
Spurs – 3-6 = 0.5
Jazz – 2.5-6.5 = 0.385

The Jazz, as expected, with their legendarily easy schedule, come out the best. The Spurs not far behind. But The Thunder have an advantage by this – again, totally unscientific – method over the Rockets, Blazers, and Clippers.

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Final Thought

Can they stay out of the 8th seed? Could they catch one of Portland or Houston? According to the team’s strength of schedule, the answer is no.

But the MOIST/ARID rating would tell you that it is possible. It was right last year, and let’s face it, it should make Thunder fans feel better this year. I know which one I’m choosing to believe, and it’s the one I pulled out of thin air.

Thunder Up.