OKC Thunder: Final seeding far from resolved in Western Conference
The OKC Thunder enter game action in week 25 seeded eighth but other than the participants all eight teams could end up shifting seeding.
Entering game action for April 2nd the Western Conference seeding is far from decided. No team has cemented their positions however the eight participants are locked in. The OKC Thunder currently match up with their nemesis the Golden State Warriors. And despite so few games remaining there is still ample movement expected.
At the top of the bracket the Golden State Warriors hold the top seed, however, Denver can still catch them to earn that privilege. Since the Warriors defeated the Nuggets twice already it means Denver probably needs to win tonight (Tuesday, April 2) if they want a shot at the top seed.
Normally, I’d say it’s a given the Warriors take this, but they’ve been anything if not confusing this year as they seem to be just going through the motions until the playoffs start.
Like the Spurs and Thunder the Blazers and Rockets have virtually identical records. But, the Spurs and Blazers each lead the respective series 2-1 and won’t play again so a tie would give them the edge on seeding.
There are, however, a number of these seeded teams who will play again in the final four to six games of the season. Heading into April 2nd if the playoffs started today here are the matchups and the games they have remaining.
1. Warriors (52-24):
- Nuggets
- @ Lakers
- Cavaliers
- Clippers
- @Pelicans
- @Grizzlies
Warriors lead season series 2-1
8. Thunder (44-33):
- Lakers
- Pistons
- @Timberwolves
- Rockets
- @Bucks
2. Nuggets (51-25) :
Of all the seeded teams the Nuggets have the most games versus other seeded teams and while it’s unlikely they’ll be caught it’s equally likely they won’t overtake the Warriors in first.
- @Warriors
- Spurs
- Blazers
- @Blazers
- @Jazz
- Wolves
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Spurs lead season series 2-1
7. Spurs (44-33):
- Hawks
- @Nuggets
- @Wizards
- @Cavaliers
- Mavericks
3. Blazers (49-28):
- @Wolves
- Grizzlies
- @Nuggets
- Nuggets
- @Lakers
- Kings
Blazers lead season series 3-1
6. Clippers (47-31):
- Rockets
- Lakers
- @Warriors
- Jazz
4. Rockets (49-28):
- @Kings
- @Clippers
- Knicks
- Suns
- @Thunder
Teams split four-game season series of 2018-19
5. Jazz (47-31):
- Hornets
- @Suns
- Kings
- @Lakers
- Nuggets
- @Clippers
At this stage, it’s unlikely to believe the Thunder could catch up to the Clippers to capture the sixth seed. That in itself is disappointing given how well the Thunder match up versus the Blazers. Moreover, landing in the sixth seed would mean avoiding the Warriors until the Conference Finals should both teams win in their respective brackets.
Next. Thunder half-court offense more sophisticated than imagined. dark
Still, at this point, the Thunder need to put their focus on regaining their defensive prowess and getting Paul George healthy. Thunderous Intentions will keep you posted of any major shifts as these final games play out.