OKC Thunder: Ranking difficulty of seeding schedules for all 22 teams

9th) OKC Thunder – Cumulative opponent win total: 300

Seeding Game Record: 4-4, fifth seed – will play Rockets. Although Thunder won the season series versus Jazz and Rockets but because the teams finished in a 3-way tie the Rockets get the fourth seed since they won their division.

1. Thunder 110 – Jazz 94 (August 1)
2. Nuggets 121 –  Thunder 113 (August 3)
3. Thunder 105 – Lakers 86 (August 5)
4. Grizzlies 121 – OKC Thunder 92 (August 7)
5. Thunder 121 – Wizards 103 (August 9)
6. Suns 128 – OKC Thunder 101 (August 10)
7. OKC Thunder 116 – Heat 115 (August 12)
8. Clippers 107 – OKC Thunder 103 in OT (August 14)

Although home court seeding won’t matter the Thunder still want to move up as high as they can. They’ll want to get the fourth seed and may even gun for third. That third seed may be a reach given they trail Denver by 2.5 games.

There is also an unusual situation facing the Thunder that could require walking a tightrope. OKC wants to be competitive and every player is invested in winning. That was obvious by the work the youngsters put in during the hiatus, the return of Andre Roberson, and everything they’ve said since arriving in Orlando.

However, the Thunder will have to give up their own draft pick to the 76ers if they finish in the top 10. Since they currently reside in the ninth seed overall that would require allowing two teams to pass them in order to keep the pick (they do have the Nuggets pick, however).

And that’s a precarious position to be in because if the Thunder tempt fate it could result in them dropping too far.

Ultimately, it’s not likely the OKC Thunder takes that approach. Plus their schedule while in the top nine of difficulty benefits from when they play specific teams. They have one of the easiest back-to-back sets facing the Wizards and Suns. In addition, they face the Heat and Clippers in the last two games of their schedule and by then both teams could have cemented their seeds.

One negative is five of their seven matches have tipoff times of 4:00 p.m. EST or earlier. They navigated that dynamic well in the scrimmages, so it might not be a big deal.

Thunder Nation should embrace these last eight ‘seeded games’ and the playoffs with enthusiasm. This version of the OKC Thunder has been a joy to watch this season and moving forward there are no guarantees.

Sam Presti may very well bring it back and decide to take the Celtics or Raptors approach to simultaneously grow their youth while investing in winning.

He could also elect to not re-sign Gallo, trade Chris Paul, get something in return for Dennis Schroder while his trade value is at its apex, and likewise do the same with Steven Adams.

After an incredible year and the special chemistry of this team that might seem unlikely. But as mentioned, there are no guarantees. This coronavirus pandemic will play a factor in every team’s choices. Several owners are reporting massive losses to their net worth and some are suggesting they’ll take on additional ownership partners.

I’m not suggesting Clay Bennett will do that, simply that this year has served up such an enjoyable brand of ball for the fans. Outside of the initial rise of the young Westbrook, Durant, Harden, and Ibaka era, I can’t remember a more enjoyable Thunder season.

Ultimately, it’s never wise to wish for ‘the tank’ — teams like the Wolves can attest to why best-laid plans — can often not net the results expected.