With the impending announcement on a return to NBA action T.I. dives into the OKC Thunder and 20 team’s records and performance entering the hiatus.
With the OKC Thunder and their counterparts awaiting a decision on the season return, one key aspect is what the return schedule will look like. Teams had between 15 and 19 games remaining when the suspension began (the Thunder had 18 games remaining) and had played most of their opposite conference teams earlier in the season.
Assuming a return will feature regular-season games these are all factors at play in determining what each team’s schedule will look like. For example, what if a team had already played the hardest part of their schedule? If only the top 20 teams were slated to play how would that be fair for a team who accumulated a better record based on playing more lottery teams, and less or easier back-to-back sets? Why should one team play 12 back-to-back sets while another played eight?
For example, although it’s gone largely unnoticed or mentioned the Bucks have benefited greatly by their early schedule. Firstly, they’ve played nine back-to-back sets featuring only one set with both teams from the seeded group. More importantly in over 40 of their games either the primary star or core contributor(s) weren’t in the lineup.
Why OKC Thunder and opponents should want more regular-season games:
For those who prefer a numeric value, a whopping 66 percent of the Bucks games were played without the primary star or a key contributor(s) in the lineup. Perhaps this speaks to why Milwaukee lost four of five games just prior to the hiatus which is one-third of the games they’ve lost in the 65 games they’d played.
As for the OKC Thunder, each of their games versus the Bucks was played without one starter. Steven Adams missed the first contest and Danilo Gallinari sat out in the second meeting.
The reason this is a factor for the Thunder and some other clubs is an easier end schedule could allow them to move up from their current seed. But, if all the teams are only playing the better teams the chances of moving up aren’t as high.
Although this is an unusual situation the fact remains teams who had easier closing schedules shouldn’t be penalized while those teams who had tough schedules benefit from their earlier itinerary.
One option is for the bottom two seeds from each conference and the four Western Conference seeds chasing the Grizzlies conduct a play-in tournament to determine the final playoff berths.
Damian Lillard sure is pushing for this to happen as he told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports:
“If we come back and they’re just like, ‘We’re adding a few games to finish the regular season,’ and they’re throwing us out there for meaningless games and we don’t have a true opportunity to get into the playoffs, I’m going to be with my team because I’m a part of the team but I’m not going to be participating. I’m telling you that right now.”
Here’s the thing Dame — sure your team got nailed because of injuries but so did the Raptors who still managed to amass the third-best record in the league.
More importantly, why should teams like the Thunder who had a shot of moving up to fourth or third not get that opportunity while teams who failed to claim the sixth seed or higher get the chance to move up?
And that’s the dynamics of this unusual situation. No matter what format or option the league elects to take there will be teams not happy with the choice. The main factor is Adam Silver has to be careful this return doesn’t just benefit those teams outside the playoff picture. The teams who did manage to land in the upper seeds should be the teams (if any) that get extra credence in these decisions.
Therefore, the following offers a break down of the 16 seeded teams and four Western Conference teams chasing a playoff berth. Items noted are performance versus playoff seeds and lottery teams, road/home records, as well as the number of back-to-back sets played and record in those games.
For perspective on what each team’s desires might be in terms of playing regular-season games other items are examined. Specifically, where the team resides in their conference and overall, teams they are chasing or lead and how they were performing at the time the league began the suspension.
Milwaukee Bucks:
- 65 games played ( 53-12)
- Record versus seeded teams: 31 occasions (21-10)
- Record versus lottery teams: 34 occasions (32-2).
- Home record (28-3)
- Road record: (25-9)
- Back to back sets: Nine played (15-3)
- one with both teams seeded (2-0)
- six with one seed/one lottery seed (9-3)
- two with both teams in the lottery (4-0)
With the best record in the Association, the Bucks appear to have no weaknesses but how true is that statement? Milwaukee lost four of five games just prior to the suspension and benefited all season by opponents missing stars and/or core contributors. Although every team deals with injuries the fact Milwaukee got that advantage in 66 percent of their games is somewhat of an outlier.
The Bucks likely benefited by the timing of the league suspension and the only concern they’ll have if regular-season games are played upon return is ensuring they hold off the Lakers for the best record. Toronto is the closest to them in the East but is 6.5 games back and while they were slated to play twice in the closing schedule barring the Bucks completely imploding they aren’t likely to be caught by the Raptors or the Lakers.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the first half of a game against the OKC Thunder (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Los Angeles Lakers:
- 63 games played (49-14)
- Record versus seeded teams: 35 occasions (22-13)
- Record versus lottery teams: 28 occasions (27-1).
- Home record (23-8)
- Road record: (26-6)
- Back to back sets: Eight played (14-2)
- three with both teams seeded (6-0)
- three with one seed/one lottery seed (5-1)
- two with both teams in the lottery (3-1).
The Lakers have performed well regardless of the opponent, where they played as well as in back-to-back games. They hold a 5.5 game edge over their nearest Western Conference opponent (Clippers). If the NBA elects to play regular-season games that count there are only two considerations for the Lakers — can they catch the Bucks for first overall (they trail by three games) or can the Raptors catch them to claim second overall (Toronto trails by 3.5 games).
OKC Thunder Team Previews: Pascal Siakam #43 hi-fives fred Vanvleet #23 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during Game Two of the NBA Finals (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) Toronto Raptors:
- 64 games played (46-18)
- Record versus seeded teams: 32 occasions (17-15)
- Record versus lottery teams: 32 occasions (29-3).
- Home record (23-9)
- Road record: (26-9)
- Back to back sets: Ten played (14-6)
- four with both teams seeded (5-3)
- three with one seed/one lottery seed (4-2)
- three with both teams in the lottery (5-1)
A model of consistency, the Raptors possess identical winning records at home and on the road. While they won’t be able to catch the Bucks for first in the conference they will want the option of extra regular-season games for a variety of reasons. Most importantly this team has dealt with injuries to their core the entirety of the season. Getting that core back on the floor to re-build their chemistry is essential.
Only starter OG Anunoby has avoided missing a stretch of 10 or more consecutive games. Alternatively, that factor will bode well for the club since their youngsters gained experience and with teams looking to be cautious about overextending playing time that could factor large.
The other reason the Raptors will want the extra games is to try to catch the Lakers for the second-best overall record (they trail by 3.5 games). They’ll also want to stave off the Celtics who trail them by three games.
Former OKC Thunder star Paul George and Kawhi Leonard #2 LA Clippers (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) LA Clippers:
- 64 games played (44-20)
- Record versus seeded teams: 33 occasions (21-11)
- Record versus lottery teams: 31 occasions (23-8)
- Home record (25-7)
- Road record: (19-13)
- Back to back sets: 10 played (11-9)
- one with both teams seeded (2-0)
- seven with one seed/one lottery seed (7-7)
- two with both teams in the lottery (2-2).
While the Clippers are among the favorites to win the title they haven’t accumulated a ton of minutes with the core playing together. Arguably, of all the top clubs the Clippers preference will be to play as many lead in games as possible combined with the typical playoff format. It would allow Doc Rivers to have his players dialed into specific schemes through each series and build momentum throughout the playoffs. Although this team is deep, they weren’t as consistent on the road or in back-to-back settings which highlighted that lack of roster consistency.
Isolating on the Clippers and Raptors offers some hints to why roster constancy is so important and in this unusual season why it’s played a bigger role in the regular-season standings. Although the Raptors suffered more man-games lost due to injury (and to more players) their schemes are more team-oriented. Even last season, Toronto seemingly had two schemes; one with Kawhi and one without him. They won using both and it could be argued the club improved through each series of 2019 playoffs when they relied less heavily on Leonard as the centerpiece of the offense.
Conversely, the Clippers are integrating two superstars who are the focus. Plus, they’ve added Patrick Patterson/Rodney McGruder (free agency), Marcus Morris (trade deadline), and Reggie Jackson (buy-out). And on top of these changes, Ivica Zubac and JaMychal Green are still relatively new with the club appeareding in 25 and 24 games respectively last season.
That’s a ton of moving parts and while this squad is heavy favorite they’ll need as much time as possible to find cohesion and rhythm. Moreover, the two stars have injury tendencies so the Clippers will most certainly be among those wanting to play as many games as possible prior to jumping into the playoffs.
As for movement on the ladder, the Clippers trail the Lakers by 5.5 games and the Raptors by three for the third overall league seed. The more pressing ladder placement for them is holding off the Nuggets and Celtics. Denver trails LA by 1.5 games while Boston is only one game back of them for the fourth overall seed.
OKC Thunder, NBA Power Rankings W17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the LA Clippers (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Boston Celtics:
- 64 games played (43-21)
- Record versus seeded teams: 33 occasions (18-15)
- Record versus lottery teams: 31 occasions (25-6).
- Home record (23-9)
- Road record: (20-12)
- Back to back sets: Eight played (8-8)
- one with both teams seeded (0-2)
- five with one seed/one lottery seed (5-5)
- two with both teams in the lottery (3-1).
The Celtics have constancy and youth on their side but also dealt with a bunch of injuries to their core this season. Each of Kemba Walker (14), Gordon Hayward (19), Jaylen Brown (14), and Marcus Smart (11) missed more than 10 games so they’ll need to be particularly cognizant of minutes to avoid soft tissue injuries.
Although the Celtics played well on the road they weren’t as effective in back-to-back sets which might speak to their depth. Mike Greenberg of ‘Get Up’ cited their youth and depth as reasons the Celtics could be a dark horse but if games are played without the typical two days off but their performance in the back-to-back sets says otherwise.
As per the previous team notes, the Celtics are one game back of the Clippers for fourth overall, trail the Raptors by three games. The teams trying to move on Boston is the Heat in the East who trail them by three games while the Nuggets (0.5 back) are hot on their tails for fifth overall and the Jazz (two games back).
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives against Steven Adams #12 of the OKC Thunder . (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) Denver Nuggets
- 65 games played (43-22)
- Record versus seeded teams: 33 occasions (20-13)
- Record versus lottery teams: 32 occasions (23-9).
- Home record (25-8)
- Road record: (18-14)
- Back to back sets: 10 played (16-4)
- one with both teams seeded (2-0)
- eight with one seed/one lottery seed (12-4)
- one with both teams in the lottery (2-0).
The biggest advantage for the Nuggets was their home court in the high altitude which is lost with all teams now playing in the same venue. They’ll be hoping to play some regular-season games to catch the Clippers who they trail by 1.5 games for second in the West (and fourth overall) as well as the Celtics who hold a slim half-game margin over them for fifth overall.
Denver is an interesting club to decipher because they play close to .500 on the road but excel in back-to-back sets. Possessing one of the deeper rosters in the association might be the reason for the consecutive game success.
Unlike last season the Nuggets have experienced better luck with fewer injuries this season. That said, it will be interesting to see what type of shape Nikola Jokic is in upon return. Michael Porter Jr. has looked solid this season adding a boost to the offense but he’s one of the players Mike Malone will need to carefully manage minutes given his injury history.
Denver holds a 1.5 game edge over the Jazz and 2.5 game edge over both the OKC Thunder and Rockets. They reside in third in the West and sixth overall with the teams mentioned chasing them as well as the Heat who trail them by two games.
OKC Thunder opponents: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Rudy Gobert #27 of Utah Jazz (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) Utah Jazz:
- 64 games played (41-23)
- Record versus seeded teams: 33 occasions (17-16)
- Record versus lottery teams: 31 occasions (24-7)
- Home record (21-10)
- Road record: (20-13)
- Back to back sets: Eight played (9-7)
- two with both seeded teams (2-2)
- five with one seed/one lottery team (5-5)
- one with both teams in the lottery (2-0).
If there is a team who suffered the most by the timing of the league suspension it was the Utah Jazz. When the OKC Thunder game was postponed due to Rudy Gobert’s positive COVID-19 test it was only the start of bad luck for the Jazz. Donovan Mitchell subsequently tested positive and put a strain on his relationship with Gobert. Now the team has lost Bojan Bogdanovic for the season with a wrist injury.
The Jazz is also a team that stands to suffer regardless of the path the NBA elects to employ. On the night the league stopped the OKC Thunder were poised to move past the Jazz with a win and on a hot streak (8-2) entering the match.
While the Jazz has played well on the road they’ve taken advantage of sub .500 teams to amass their standing. Mike Conley was finally fitting into the system but now the club has to figure out the spacing and roster issues with the loss of Bogdanovic. Joe Ingles will likely be the replacement but that only serves to put more pressure on their bench with Jordan Clarkson the only player providing much production and his defensive shortcomings will undoubtedly be a factor in the postseason.
Utah trails Denver by 1.5 games, the Heat by two games while holding a half-game edge over the Heat, one-game lead over the Thunder and Rockets, and 2.5 game edge over the Pacers. Even though the Jazz is the fourth seed in the West and seventh overall they will be a squad many teams hope to draw in round one or in their bracket if Group Play is instituted.
OKC Thunder, Power rankings week 12: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat gives a kiss to the crowd after receiving a technical foul for an argument with T.J. Warren #1 of the Indiana Pacers . (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) Miami Heat:
- 65 games played (41-24)
- Record versus seeded teams: 33 occasions (20-13)
- Record versus lottery teams: 32 occasions (21-11).
- Home record (27-5)
- Road record: (14-19)
- Back to back sets: 10 played (12-8)
- five sets with both teams seeded (7-3)
- three with one seed/one lottery seed (3-3)
- two with both teams in the lottery (2-2)
The Heat are an intriguing club who could be a dark horse to go deep in postseason play. Alternatively, Miami’s weakness was finding wins on the road and since all these games will be played on the road it could mean they’ll be an easier opponent. Part of the reason the Heat wasn’t as effective on the road is the number of youngsters on the squad who are core contributors such as Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro all who are more comfortable at home.
The other area that might have an adverse effect on the Heat when the league returns are the number of days off between games. Jimmy Butler is the unquestioned leader of the club but if there is only a single day off between games it could affect his effectiveness (given his injury history with his knees) particularly if the league elects to use the typical best of seven playoff series.
The Heat sits in fourth in the East with a two-game edge over the Pacers and 76ers. They are seeded eighth overall which would equate to an OKC Thunder first-round pairing if the NBA jumped directly into the playoffs without any further games.
Conversely, if regular-season games are played the Thunder and Rockets will take direct aim at the Heat as they both trail Miami by a half-game.
Chris Paul #3 talks with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the OKC Thunder. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) OKC Thunder:
- 64 games played (40-24)
- Record versus seeded teams: 31 occasions (13-18)
- Record versus lottery teams: 33 occasions (27-6).
- Home record (20-13)
- Road record: (20-11)
- Back to back sets: 10 played (11-9)
- two sets with both teams seeded (1-3)
- seven with one seed/one lottery seed (8-6)
- one with both teams in the lottery (2-0)
The league hiatus came at a pivotal juncture for the OKC Thunder who were on the precipice of overtaking the Jazz for fourth in the West. In hindsight, since there won’t be any home-court advantage the value of that game isn’t necessarily as high. That said, the decisions made by Adam Silver could still have a profound effect on the Thunder.
In one scenario, the NBA might jump directly into the playoffs without any additional games played. If that option is made combined with league seeding instead of conference seeding the Thunder would draw the Heat instead of the Jazz. And, while the Heat has a slew of youngsters this isn’t a preferable opponent over the Jazz.
While many pundits and fans want a play-in tournament to allow the four Western clubs positioned outside the playoffs it’s important to note how teams on the ladder also have a lot invested in playing more games.
OKC specifically could potentially move from fifth to third as they trail the Jazz by a single game and the Nuggets by 2.5. In the league ranking, the Thunder are ninth, again, trailing the Jazz (1.0), Nuggets (2.5) as well as the Heat (0.5). Although OKC has the same record as the Rockets they won the season series so they hold the tiebreak.
The Thunder hit the hiatus on fire having won eight of their last ten games but this time off could prove advantageous since Chris Paul and Steven Adams specifically will benefit from the rest. Luguentz Dort who will likely be signed to a contract upon his return will also benefit as will Darius Bazley as both are rookies getting accustomed to playing more games at the pro level.
A key takeaway that can be gleaned from the Thunder record and performance is how well they’ve played since the opening 20 games of the season. Specifically, the Thunder lost 12 games in that period. Moreover, seven of their 11 road losses occurred in this section and four of their nine back-to-back losses came in this frame.
While teams like the Clippers dealt with injuries and were unable to develop chemistry the Thunder adapted during this opening season segment growing into the clutch time killers. Moving forward, logically the Thunder would want to play more regular-season games that count toward the record and resume the chemistry they built over 64 games.
The one caveat is OKC also has to make a decision regarding their placement and whether they lose a few games on purpose (gasp). The reason is OKC will retain their own draft pick if they finish 11th or lower.
Former OKC Thunder stars James Harden #13 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets talk during game (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Houston Rockets:
- 64 games played (40-24)
- Record versus seeded teams: 33 occasions (19-14)
- Record versus lottery teams: 31 occasions (21-10).
- Home record (22-10)
- Road record: (18-14)
- Back to back sets: Nine played (8-10)
- two sets with both teams seeded (2-2)
- seven with seeded and one lottery team (6-8)
The Rockets entered the hiatus seeded sixth in the West and tenth overall. OKC owns the tiebreak so they are seeded ahead but the Rockets like the Thunder can move ahead of the Jazz who hold a one-game edge over them. Similarly, the Rockets could catch the Heat who are ranked eighth and up a half-game on Houston or the Nuggets who they trail by 2.5 games.
Houston hit the break on a bit of a downward slide losing four of their last five games and three of those were against the Knicks, Hornets, and Magic. The Rockets haven’t been a strong road team nor are they feasting in back-to-back sets. However, this team is still adjusting to their small-ball schemes. Of all the teams that matchups will play a major factor, the Rockets’ ability to succeed. Opponents who excel at stopping transition and defend the perimeter well are a nightmare for Houston.
If the NBA elects to jump directly into the playoffs but re-seeds by league standing the Rockets stand to be the greatest benefactor given they’ll align with the Jazz. However, if games are played it won’t be surprising if the Jazz drops down the ladder.
OKC Thunder, NBA Power Ranking W15: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shoots free throws against the Chicago Bulls (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) Indiana Pacers:
- 65 games played (39-26)
- Record versus seeded teams: 34 occasions (17-17)
- Record versus lottery teams: 31 occasions (22-9).
- Home record (21-11)
- Road record: (18-15)
- Back to back sets: Eight played (5-11)
- three sets with both teams seeded (2-4)
- three with one seed/one lottery seed (1-5)
- two with both teams in the lottery (2-2)
For a club viewed as having depth and quality two-way play, a dive into the Pacers record doesn’t reflect that assessment. Indiana is around .500 on the road and abysmal in back-to-back sets. The fact they’ve only played eight of the latter works in their favor and since it’s unlikely there would be any of those sets played in the season resumption it will benefit Indy and hurt teams like the 76ers and Mavericks who are in a virtual tie with them.
The hiatus also helped Indiana because it allowed Victor Oladipo additional time to heal and gave Malcolm Brogdon some extra time to heal as he’s suffered from numerous bumps and bruises this season.
And while the Pacers are a .500 team against the elite squads they are also a team who could get hot from the perimeter and be a nightmare out.
Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game against the OKC Thunder (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers:
- 65 games played (39-26)
- Record versus seeded teams: 37 occasions (16-21)
- Record versus lottery teams: 28 occasions (23-5)
- Home record (29-2)
- Road record: (10-24)
- Back to back sets: 10 played (14-6)
- two sets with both teams seeded (1-3)
- six with one seed/one lottery seed (10-2)
- two with both teams in the lottery (3-1)
The 76ers should be pushing Adam Silver for all teams to play the same number of back-to-back sets. Philly has 11 such sets already completed while the Pacers who are just ahead of them have only played eight (and as noted – not successfully).
As noted in the Nuggets section it will be highly intriguing to see what type of shape Joel Embiid is in when the NBA returns. He’s never been a player who stayed in condition in the offseason so will this situation be different? On the other hand, the back injury Ben Simmons sustained kept him out of nine of Philly’s last 10 games so this hiatus came at the perfect time for him.
Depending on how serious Simmon’s injury is could determine the 76ers success in the postseason but the other very real concern has to be how the team performs away from home. Having only won 10 games on the road Brett Brown will need to find the answer to fixing that problem or this team could find itself ousted early.
Philly sits in sixth in the East and if the league were to go directly to the playoffs would meet the Celtics in either a Conference or league seeded format. Therefore, they should be among the clubs actively pushing for games that count toward the season record in order to try to move up past the Pacers who were slated to play the Heat or Nuggets depending on the seeding format.
OKC Thunder: Luka Doncic #77, and Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) Dallas Mavericks:
- 67 games played (40-27)
- Record versus seeded teams: 32 occasions (15-17)
- Record versus lottery teams: 35 occasions (25-10).
- Home record (19-15)
- Road record: (21-12)
- Back to back sets: 12 played (14-10)
- one set with both teams seeded (1-1)
- six with one seed/one lottery seed (6-6)
- five with both teams in the lottery (7-3)
Dallas has played the most games to date of the 16 playoff seeds and four bubble teams. They own one of the better road records but struggle closing out games.
Luka Doncic was dealing with a thumb injury just prior to the suspension so the hiatus was positive for him.
Although the superstar duo was finding a rhythm and Porzingis looked much closer to the player he was prior to injury the rest was also beneficial for him given the quantity of games the Mavericks had played.
Dallas should be among the clubs desirous of extra games that count toward the total occurring especially since they align with the Clippers. Although they have more size than LA this is not a first-round match any club would desire.
The Mavericks sat in seventh in the West and 13th overall entering the hiatus. They are in a virtual three-way tie with the Pacers and 76ers so extra games could move them up to 11th. They trail the Thunder and Rockets by 1.5 games and the Heat by two. The issue for Dallas is they’ve played more games than their counterparts so they would need some help to move up.
OKC Thunder 30 for 30 roundtable: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies . (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Memphis Grizzlies:
- 65 games played ( 32-33)
- Record versus seeded teams: 32 occasions (10-22)
- Record versus lottery teams: 33 occasions (22-11)
- Home record (18-15)
- Road record: (14-18)
- Back to back sets: 10 played (10-10)
- one set with both teams seeded (0-2)
- eight with one seed/one lottery seed (9-7)
- one with both teams in the lottery (1-1)
The poor Grizzlies must feel like the last kid picked to play in the schoolyard. Numerous analysts, writers, and fans are all clamoring for this play-in tournament seemingly with the thought one of those four teams would capture the eighth seed. The main reason is many want to see Zion Williamson in the playoffs. Ja Morant should also feel slighted given the rookie season he’s delivered and the fact this Grizzlies squad has been one of the best watches this season.
Conversely, the suspension could end up helping the Grizzlies who were slated to play the hardest stretch run schedule. Now they’ll return rested and likely not have to play out the full schedule while holding a 3.5 edge over their nearest opponent.
Comparing the semantics of the Grizzlies to the four teams chasing them they are tied with the Kings for the best back-to-back set performance and are just behind the Pelicans for road win efficiency.
OKC Thunder, Power rankings week 12: Kevin Durant #7 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets look on during their game (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Brooklyn Nets:
- 64 games played (30-34)
- Record versus seeded teams: 32 occasions (9-23)
- Record versus lottery teams: 32 occasions (21-11)
- Home record (18-14)
- Road record: (12-20)
- Back to back sets: Nine played (7-11)
- four sets with both teams seeded (2-6)
- two sets with one seeded team and one lottery team (1-3)
- three sets against two lottery teams (4-2)
The elephant in the room is will Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant play when the NBA resumes play. Although the banter out of Brooklyn is KD won’t return Irving’s social media seems to indicate he would play.
The reality is until games begin that answer won’t be definitive. Still, it’s unlikely the Nets would want to concede insurance money to play KD or take a chance at him being injured. As for Irving, I’m not sure he’ll be keen to return without KD and jeopardize being bounced early and then having that albatross of his leadership questioned again. Notably, the Nets were 8-12 with Irving in the lineup and seven of those wins were against lottery teams.
This Nets team isn’t a strong road team or back-to-back squad which could prove disastrous in the campus bubble games setting.
That said, the ascendance of Caris LeVert was otherworldly as the Nets reached the suspension. With Kyrie stating the team needs to add another star, it will be intriguing to see what LeVert and players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Joe Harris show in response to this when play resumes.
Brooklyn is seventh in the East with no shot of moving up and holding a slim half-game lead over the Magic. If the NBA elects to jump into the playoffs and seeds by league standing the Nets would play the Lakers which could also play a factor in compelling Kyrie back in order to face LeBron.
OKC Thunder Team Previews: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) Orlando Magic:
- 65 games played (30-35)
- Record versus seeded teams: 35 occasions (9-26)
- Record versus lottery teams: 30 occasions (21-9)
- Home record (16-15)
- Road record: (14-20)
- Back to back sets: 10 played (6-14)
- seven sets with both teams seeded (3-11)
- one set versus one seed and one lottery seed (0-2)
- two sets with both teams in the lottery (3-1)
The Magic rank last among the 16 playoff seeds and eighth in the East so they won’t likely be keen for a league seeding. That said, getting to play the Bucks isn’t a great reward either.
And while no one would expect an upset it’s important to note this club proved last season they are capable of playing tough-nosed defense and rank 10th in that area this season.
The loss of Jonathan Isaac hurt the Magic but there are rumblings he’ll attempt a return when play resumes. As the best defender on Orlando that could be huge as he’d offer a strong option to slow Giannis Antetokounmpo.
OKC Thunder, NBA Power Rankings Week 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Boston Celtics (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) 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)
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
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.