OKC Thunder: Dissecting 16 playoff seeds and 4 WC team records

The four Western Conference teams chasing the Grizzlies:

Each of these four clubs has a vested interest in playing games since they all want a shot at the playoffs. It should be noted so much emphasis is being placed on these four clubs being afforded an opportunity to make the playoffs but it’s equally important for the teams who are seeded to get the shot at moving up.

This is the first of many decisions Adam Silver has to make and as important as the format the playoffs will take. Players need to shake off the rust from being off the hardwood for over two months.  While the NBA wants to deliver a quality product they also have to keep in mind easing players back slowly in order to avoid soft tissue injury is essential

As for these four teams it’s noteworthy they all performed poorly against seeded clubs and none have a winning road record. The Blazers dealt with numerous injuries to their core and Zion Williamson was out for a large portion of the Pelicans schedule.

Of the quartet, the Pelicans have the best road record and the Kings performed the best in back-to-back sets.

Blazers:

• 66 games played ( 29-37)
• Record versus seeded teams: 35 occasions (12-23)
• Record versus lottery teams: 31 occasions (17-14).
• Home record (18-14)
• Road record: (11-23)
• Back to back sets: 11 played (7-15)
  •  three sets with both teams seeded (2-4)
  • seven with one seed/one lottery seed (5-9)
  • one with both teams in the lottery (0-2)

Pelicans:

• 64 games played (28-36)
• Record versus seeded teams: 41 occasions (11-30)
• Record versus lottery teams: 23 occasions (17-6).
• Home record (13-19 )
• Road record: (15-17)
• Back to back sets: Nine played (7-11)
  • three sets with both teams seeded (2-4)
  • six sets with one seeded team and one lottery team (5-7)

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Kings:

• 64 games played (28-36)
• Record versus seeded teams: 36 occasions (12-24)
• Record versus lottery teams: 28 occasions (16-12).
• Home record (14-17)
• Road record: (14-19)
• Back to back sets: 10 played (10-10)
  • four sets with both teams seeded (4-4)
  • five with one seed/one lottery seed (4-6)
  • one with both teams in the lottery (2-0)

Spurs:

• 63 games played ( 27-36)
• Record versus seeded teams: 36 occasions (13-23)
• Record versus lottery teams: 27 occasions (14-13).
• Home record (16-14)
• Road record: (11-22)
• Back to back sets: Eight played (6-10)
  • two sets with both teams seeded (1-3)
  • six sets with one seeded squad and one lottery team (5-7)

Ultimately, it’s understandable why these teams want a shot at making the playoffs and the league should want to give them that opportunity. That said, teams like the OKC Thunder who developed chemistry and built throughout the season should also get their shot at moving up the ladder.

Later today, TI will dive into the group bracket scenario looking at the pros and cons of that option for the OKC Thunder. In addition, which seeding option would be better for the team if Adam Silver elects to utilize the typical best of seven playoff format.