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NBA playoff seeding structure and schedule remain hot buttons – how changes would affect OKC Thunder

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. (Photo by Seyllou / AFP) (Photo credit should read SEYLLOU/AFP/Getty Images)
OKC Thunder: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. (Photo by Seyllou / AFP) (Photo credit should read SEYLLOU/AFP/Getty Images) /
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NOVEMBER 9: The OKC Thunder stand during the National Anthem before the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 9, 2019 (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Playoff Seeding:

In terms of playoff seeding changes the league is looking at changes that would have seeds finishing seventh through 10th playing for the final two playoff berths.

Last year, for example, in the Western Conference this new play in would’ve equated to:

  1. Seventh seed San Antonio Spurs ( 48 wins) vs. 8th seed LA Clippers (48 wins)
  2. Ninth seed Sacramento Kings (39 wins) vs. 10th seed LA Lakers (37 wins)
  3. The winner from Spurs/LAC taking seventh seed and …
  4. The winner from Kings/Lakers would play loser for Spurs/LAC for the eighth seed.

In other words, a team that won 37 games could knock out a team that battled all season to collect 48 wins. And in the above scenario if that team ended up being the Lakers there would be a lot of NBA fans unhappy their favorite team who rightfully earned that spot got the shaft to a team who lost 11 more games. And, given how whistles can adversely affect one game imagine the effect that could have on fans if the officiating wasn’t spot on.

For the OKC Thunder, again this projected change would offer an opportunity to play in the postseason even if they can’t capture the typical top-eight berth. I’m not sure the fans would be overly excited as it would still likely result in an early first round exit. Conversely, for a team like the OKC Thunder who’ve played virtually every team to the buzzer this could afford them the chance at getting into the playoffs while retaining their lottery seed and getting the youngsters experience at the next level.

Again, this change only benefits lower tier teams, owners (revenue) and TV partners (advertising dollars).

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