How high can OKC Thunder move up NBA standings in Orlando?

Slight opportunity for OKC Thunder to pass LA Clippers:

While the Clippers are within reach it’s unlikely OKC can make up four games in just eight games. If the presumed schedule is accurate the Thunder and Clippers will meet each other in one of their eight ‘seeded’ games.

On top of the four-game edge, the Clippers already have cemented a tie by winning two of the squads’ three meetings. Plus, LA’s eight ‘seeded’ games are easier with two bubble squads (Pelicans, Suns) and three games versus seventh seeds (Nets x 2, Mavericks). In comparison, OKC also plays two bubble teams (Wizards, Suns) but they face five clubs ranked fourth or higher in their other six games.

The slight glimmer of light in the scheduling for the Thunder comes courtesy of three divisional games. LA’s divisional record is 8-4 and they’ll play one more team in their division so at best could finish with a 9-4 record against Pacific teams.

That becomes relevant if the Thunder can defeat the Clippers and finish with an identical record, plus win those three Northwest rival games. By doing so the Thunder would have a 10-4 divisional record giving OKC the tiebreak advantage. The margin of four games still seems out of reach, but in this strange season, nothing is impossible.

To that end, the real opportunity to climb up the ladder is presented via the third-seeded Nuggets and fourth-seeded Jazz. Let’s look at those squads…