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

As the season restart begins we look at the OKC Thunder seeding games and rank all 22 team schedules.

With the resumption of the NBA season, the OKC Thunder will be back in action tomorrow facing the Utah Jazz. All 22 teams will play eight ‘seeded’ games to complete the regular season schedule and determine playoff berths.

For hoop heads who are interested in all the games, this document will serve two purposes. Primarily, It outlines the eight seeding games each team will play including start times and where you can watch them.

Additionally, I’ve ranked the difficulty of each schedule. There are a number of elements essential to determine the strength of schedule. Since there is no travel that removes a typical consideration from the mix. Every team is playing one set of back-to-back games keeping that part of the equation even too.

I’ve used the cumulative opponent win percentage to rank the hardest to easiest schedules. There are some other factors like what time teams play but since there is no travel involved I elected not to use it in the ranking. The players are professionals, so if they have an early start time they’ll adjust their schedule accordingly.

Ranking restart SOS for OKC Thunder and all 22 teams

I’ve also noted key games in team schedules with the caveat of recognizing early losses can change how important a later game will be. For example, cementing seeding early will allow coaches flexibility in not overplaying stars and risking injuries in later games and the reverse is also true.

With that here are the scheduled for every team ranked from easiest strength of schedule to the hardest.

22nd)  Pelicans –Cumulative opponent win total: 254

Seeding Game Record: 2-6, eliminated from playoff opportunity – time for the franchise to take a vested interest in getting Zion in the proper shape and to monitor his diet (or help him in that regard).

1. Jazz 106 – Pelicans 104 (July 30th)
2. Clippers -126 – Pelicans 103 (August 1s)
3. Pelicans 109 – Grizzlies 99 (August 3)
4. Kings 140 –  Pelicans 125 (August 6)
5. Pelicans 118 – Wizards 107 (August 7)
6. Spurs 122 – Pelicans 113 (August 9)
7. Kings 112- Pelicans 106 (August 11)
8. Magic 133 – Pelicans 127 (August 13)

Since this is being posted a day after the season resumed it has to be noted how much pressure the Pelicans put on themselves by losing the first game to Utah.

By virtue of that loss, they fall to four games back of the Grizzlies and behind both the Blazers and Kings.

Fortunately, they have the easiest schedule of all 22 teams and they’ll play important matches that can help their objective to finish within four games of the eighth seed and at the top of the chase pack. Specifically, their third game against the Grizzlies is key. If they lose that game it could end their hopes but the three matches against other members of the chase pack will also be essential contests.

Their back to back is arguably the easiest of all 22 teams. Also, note there aren’t many early games as the national networks look to get Zion in primetime as much as possible. In fact, six of the seven games with TV information are on National TV.

21st) 76ers –Cumulative opponent win total: 261

Seeding Game Record: 4-4, locked into the sixth seed with play Celtics AGAIN

1. Pacers 127 – 76ers 121 (August 1)
2. 76ers 132 – Spurs 130  (August 3)
3. 76ers 107 – Wizards 98 (August 5)
4. 76ers 108 – Magic 101 (August 7)
5. Blazers  124 – 76ers 121 (August 9)
6. Suns 130 – 76ers 117 (August 11)
7. Raptors 125 – 76ers 121 (August 12)
8. 76ers 134 – Rockets 96 (August 14)

The placement of the 76ers back-to-back set is interestingly at the end of their schedule. It’s also notable the two most difficult opponents are their last two (Raptors/Rockets) who might have already secured seeding and be resting stars. Helping the 76ers is the Raptors will be playing their third game in four nights based on their brutal schedule.

Philly has the easiest Eastern Conference schedule.

The 76ers also get the benefit of being the second team of the Blazers, Suns, and Spurs back-to-back sets.

In truth, the 76ers biggest questions have nothing to do with the schedule and more to do with this revamped starting rotation.

If they dominate the seeding games the most intriguing part of the equation is whether they’ll have the same success versus a tough team. To wit, in the scrimmages, they gave up huge leads twice and lost one of those matches to the OKC Thunder.

The secondary question is whether Ben Simmons will continue to shoot 3-pointers. After doing so against the Grizzlies he didn’t versus the Thunder — so it could be a tease just like the beginning of this season.

20th) Kings –Cumulative opponent win total: 272

Seeding Game Record: 3-5, eliminated from playoff opportunity

1. Spurs 129 – Kings 120 (July 31)
2. Magic 132 – Kings 116 (August 2)
3. Mavericks 114 – Kings 110 (August 4)
4. Kings 140 –  Pelicans 125 (August 6)
5. Nets 119 – Kings 106 (August 7)
6. Rockets 129 – Kings 112 (August 9)
7. Kings 112 – Pelicans 106 (August 11)
8. Kings 137 – Lakers 122 (August 13 )

As a member of the chase pack, the Kings benefit from their easy strength of schedule. Factoring in their hardest matches comes toward the end of their schedule also helps since it’s unlikely the Rockets or Lakers will be playing James Harden or LeBron James big minutes in game six or eight respectively if they’ve nailed down seeding.

The most intriguing matches for the Kings are against the Pelicans as they both try to capture ninth and force a play-in.

19th) Nets -Cumulative opponent win total: 281

Seeding Game Record: 5-3, clinched seventh seed – will play Raptors in the first round

1. Magic 128  – Nets  118 (July 31)
2. Nets 118 – Wizards 110 (August 2)
3. Nets 119 – Bucks 116 (August 4)
4. Celtics 149 – Nets 115 (August 5)
5. Nets 119 – Kings 106 (August 7)
6. Nets 129 – Clippers 120 (August 9)
7. Nets 108 – Magic 96 (August 11)
8. Blazers 134 – Nets 133 (August 13)

The Nets are in a quandary since they have seven core players who aren’t in Orlando. Management knew Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving wouldn’t be on hand but COVID-19 hit several members of their roster taking them out. DeAndre Jordan suffers from asthma so his exclusion made sense. What didn’t make sense was Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince’s exclusion. Dinwiddie indicated his desire to be on the site but his recovery was taking longer than he anticipated.

Here’s where things seem a bit odd. The decision to not have Dinwiddie or Prince attend occurred at the very beginning of the bubble experience. Consider the fact the Clippers Ivica Zubac and Landry Shamet only just got to the bubble this week. Why didn’t the Nets wait to see if they could bring Prince and Dinwiddie later?

My guess is the organization does NOT want to perform well. The eight teams who failed to make the bubble are locked for the draft lottery, however, the performance of the 22 teams in Orlando will determine seeds nine through 30. Unfortunately for the Nets the Wizards aren’t doing them any favors because they could’ve theoretically caught up Brooklyn especially if Bradley Beal had attended.

The Nets have one of the hardest back-to-back sets (if not the hardest) of the teams, but a rash of current chase teams makes their overall strength of schedule one of the easiest.

18th) Magic – Cumulative opponent win total: 283

Seeding Game Record: 3-5, clinched eighth seed will play Bucks in the first round

1. Magic 128 – Nets 118 (July 31)
2. Magic 132 – Kings 116  (August 2)
3. Pacers 120 – Magic 109 (August 4)
4. Raptors 109 – Magic 99 (August 5)
5. 76ers 108 – Magic 101 (August 7)
6. Celtics  122 – Magic 119 in OT (August 9)
7. Nets 108 – Magic 96 (August 11)
8. Magic 133 – Pelicans 127 (August 13)

For a team that hails from the bubble area, the Magic sure didn’t get much national TV love. To wit, they have one contest on NBATV and another on TNT.

With the Nets and Magic having virtually identical strength of schedules it’s as close to a lock as there is the Magic will move ahead of Brooklyn. In fact, the teams play each other in their first match (today) and could swap places immediately. They’ll play a second time in their seventh game.

Although I’ve ranked the Magic with the slightly harder than the Nets they could’ve flipped because Brooklyn has four super early tipoffs.

That’s as high as the Magic can ascend since the 76ers currently hold more than an eight-game lead over both Brooklyn and Orlando.

17th) Clippers – Cumulative opponent win total: 285

Seeding Game Record: 5-3, locked into the second seed, will play Mavericks in the first round

1. Lakers 103 – Clippers 101(July 30)
2. Clippers 126 – Pelicans  103 (August 1)
3. Suns 117 – Clippers 115 (August 4)
4. Clippers 126 – Mavericks 111 (August 6)
5. Clippers 122 – Blazers 117 (August 8)
6. Nets 129 – Clippers 120 (August 9)
7. Clippers 124 – Nuggets 111  August 12)
8. Clippers 107 – OKC Thunder 103 in OT (August 14)

The Clippers threw away an opportunity in their first match last night against the Lakers. That resulted in the Nuggets pulling within a game of second now. While many of the top seeds will be careful about their star’s minutes the Clippers will play the Nuggets in Game 7 and that could determine who gets the second and third seed in the West.

And while it won’t be surprising for the Bucks and Lakers to rest stars or limit their minutes down the stretch I’m not so sure the Clippers should follow that pattern. Of all the elite teams the Clippers haven’t developed chemistry with their core let alone all the new players they added (Marcus Morris, Reggie Jackson, Joakim Noah). That trio joined the team at the deadline or later based on the picking up Jackson on waivers and inking Noah late.

While the Clippers schedule isn’t necessarily difficult the lower seeds all have objectives. The Nets may not be motivated, but the Suns want to send a message and the Blazers want that play-in seed.

For the OKC Thunder facing the Clippers in the last game could prove beneficial because LA could have cemented their seed by that point. So, if the Thunder needs to win in order to grab the fourth or third seed a Clippers squad who might be resting players could be a factor in capturing the victory.

16th) Celtics – Cumulative opponent win total: 285

Seeding Game Record: 5-3, cemented as third seed, will play 76ers

1. Bucks 119 – Celtics 112 (July 31)
2. Celtics 128 – Blazers 124 (August 2)
3. Heat 112 – Celtics 106 (August 4)
4. Celtics 149 – Nets 115 (August 5)
5. Celtics 122 – Raptors 100 (August 7)
6. Celtics  122 – Magic 119 in OT (August 9)
7. Celtics 122 – Grizzlies 107 August 11)
8. Wizards 96  – Celtics 90 (August 13)

The Celtics benefit by being a national TV darling and subsequently don’t land any early starts other than one matinee (3:30).

Boston would prefer to land the second seed but they trail the Raptors by three games. That means the fifth game on their schedule could be the most important depending on what occurs prior to that game. They get help via the Raptors’ extremely difficult schedule in comparison to their own.

Four of the Celtics’ initial games represent their most difficult schedule segment.

Although the Bucks are basically locked atop the league Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t know how to rest and with that being the first game for both teams Milwaukee will want to get out to a strong start.

Portland will be gunning to win every game. And with news Kemba Walker’s minutes will be monitored, that’s not going to help Boston, especially when they face a team with a strong backcourt like the Blazers.

Just as the Celtics will be chasing the Raptors, so too will the Heat be chasing them so that third game will be a much watch affair.

15th) Jazz – Cumulative opponent win total: 286

Seeding Game Record: 3-5, locked in at sixth and will play Nuggets

1. Jazz 106 – Pelicans 104(July 30)
2. OKC Thunder 110 – Jazz 94 (August 1)
3. Lakers 116 – Jazz 108 (August 3)
4. Jazz 124 – Grizzlies 115 (August 5)
5. Spurs 119 – Jazz 111 (August 7)
6. Nuggets 134 – Jazz 132: 2OT (August 8)
7. Mavericks 122 – Jazz 114 (August)
8. Jazz 118 – Spurs 112 (August 13)

The Jazz lucked out on Thursday night via the Pelicans youth and turnovers. That match was their’s for the taking and the simply blew it. Although New Orleans looked strong in the scrimmages they failed to keep that intensity in the match that counted.

Conversely, the Jazz took advantage of their constancy and captured the win and in doing so put another half-game between themselves and the OKC Thunder (and Rockets).

Depending on what occurs with the Lakers and Raptors on Saturday it could also affect the Jazz match on Monday. If the Lakers lose to Toronto they’ll be more invested in winning to cement the top seed in the West.

In fact, although the Jazz has one of the easier strength of schedules virtually every team has a specific objective and reason to be motivated to beat Utah.

I’m not sure how invested the Spurs are in challenging for the ninth seed but if they’re committed that’s not great news for Utah since they play San Antonio twice.

Likewise, the Grizzlies need to try to distance themselves from the chase pack. Similarly, Denver and Dallas are each seeking to move up.

14th Mavs: -Cumulative opponent win total: 287

Seeding Game Record: 3-5, locked into seventh seed, will play Clippers. Of all the teams who posted losing records in the bubble, the Mavs benefited from the improvement of chemistry by their two best players and more importantly won games in clutch time.

1. Rockets 153 – Mavs 149 (July 31)
2. Suns 117 – Mavs 115 (August 2)
3. Mavericks 114 – Kings 110 (August 4)
4. Clippers 126 – Mavericks 111 (August 6)
5. Mavericks 136 – Bucks 132 OT (August 8)
6. Mavericks 122 – Jazz 114 (August)
7. Blazers 134 – Mavericks 131 (August 11)
8. Suns 128 – Mavs 102 (August 13)

Although the Dallas strength of schedule falls on the easier side they have to face a bunch of squads either chasing that play-in seed or teams directly ahead of them.

Undoubtedly the Mavericks want to avoid playing the Clippers in the first round so they’ll be keeping an eye on what happens with the Clippers and Nuggets. As of today, they would play the Clippers in the first round and that’s the last team anyone in the West wants to play first (even more so than the Lakers).

Game 6 is the most important on the Mav’s schedule since a win over Utah could help them move up. They lost the season series against the Jazz already by virtue of losing both contests earlier this season so they need to have a better record than Utah in order to finish ahead of them on the ladder.

Dallas also could be in tough later in their schedule depending on early results of other squads. For example, Game 7 is versus the Blazers who may need that win to secure the play-in seed.

13th) Pacers – Cumulative opponent win total: 290

Seeding Game Record: 6-2, capture fourth seed, will play Heat

1. Pacers 127 – 76ers 121 (August 1)
2. Pacers 111 – Wizards 100  (August 3)
3. Pacers 120 – Magic 109 (August 4)
4. Suns 114 – Pacers 99 (August 6)
5. Pacers 116  – Lakers 111 (August 8)
6. Heat 114 – Pacers 92 (August 10)
7. Pacers 108 – Rockets 104 (August 12)
8. Pacers 109 – Heat 92 (August 14)

The Pacers can’t seem to find any luck this season. Coming into the bubble Victor Oladipo wasn’t sure he’d participate. Then just as he started to waffle and change his mind Domantas Sabonis foot injury occurred with the former OKC Thunder big man looking like he’ll be out.

Two major games come late in the Pacers schedule as they play the team directly in front of them. Indy trail the Heat by two games so Games 6 and 8 could have a major impact on seeding.

However, the most important game comes in their first contest as the team biting at their heels on the East ladder (the 76ers) is their first opponent.

12th) Spurs – Cumulative opponent win total: 292

Seeding Game Record: 5-3, eliminated from playoffs – the first time in 22 seasons the Spurs will miss the playoffs

1. Spurs 129 – Kings 120  (July 31)
2. Spurs 108 – Grizzlies 106 (August 2)
3. 76ers 132 – Spurs 130  (August 3)
4. Nuggets 132 – Spurs 126 (August 5)
5. Spurs 119 – Jazz 111 (August 7)
6. Spurs 122 – Pelicans 113 (August 9)
7. Spurs 123 – Rockets 15 (August 11)
8. Jazz 118 – Spurs 112 (August 13)

The typical stance of the narrator has come into question. The Spurs have been a squad I simply refuse to ignore because like death and taxes they are a sure thing — or at least they were for over two decades.

This season hasn’t lived up to that reputation though and suddenly it looks like San Antonio will miss the postseason. That is unless the switch to going with the youth brigade and playing small ball ends up resulting in an abrupt turnaround for Pops and his youngsters.

Helping their cause is the Spurs play three teams from the play-in group (including the Grizzlies) and wins against all three teams would behoove them reaching that goal.

Likewise, late matches against the Rockets and Jazz in Games 7 and 8 could either be a positive if both have secured seeding  – – or it could a dog fight if those teams are still jockeying for position.

11th) Bucks – Cumulative opponent win total: 296

Seeding Game Record: 3-5, cemented as top seed in East and in NBA. Will play Magic in first round.

1. Bucks 119 – Celtics  112 (July 31)
2. Rockets 120 – Bucks 116 (August 2)
3. Nets 119 – Bucks 116 (August 4)
4. Bucks – 130 – Heat 116 (August 6)
5. Mavericks 136 – Bucks 132 OT (August 8)
6. Raptors 114 – Bucks 106 (August 10)
7. Bucks 126 – Wizards 113 (August 11)
8. Grizzlies 119 – 108 Bucks (August 13)

With the top seed in the east essentially sewn up, the Bucks don’t have much to play for. They begin the resumption of their season 6.5 games ahead of the second-place Raptors so one win would cement them as the East’s top seed.

The only other objective for Milwaukee is tying up first overall (although the home court doesn’t matter in the bubble).

Other than bragging rights, I’m not sure there is much advantage to ensuring they stay atop the league where the currently hold a 2.5 game edge on the Lakers.

They’ve done the heavy lifting early so coach Bud needs to approach this restart with wisdom. Keep your team in shape and focus on building up endurance. That might be a hard sell with Antetokounmpo who only knows one way to play.

That said, there is a cautionary tale here…

Last season the Bucks skated into the Eastern Conference Finals without facing any adversity until they lost consecutive games versus the Raptors. When adversity struck they weren’t able to respond.

The closest they came to any adversity this season was when Giannis hurt his leg versus the Lakers. They lost that game (their second in three matches) as well as the next two games. and hit the hiatus having lost four of five matches.

When you consider this team faced numerous clubs who didn’t play their star or were missing core members I just wonder how battle-tested they truly are.

Unlike Erik Spoelstra and Nick Nurse Coach Bud doesn’t test out different adjustments so just remember I warned of this when the playoffs arrive.

10th) Wizards – Cumulative opponent win total: 298

Seeding Game Record: 1-7, eliminated from playoffs

1. Suns 125 – Wizards 112  (July 31)
2. Nets 118 – Wizards 110 (August 2)
3. Pacers 111 -Wizards 100 (August 3)
4. 76ers 107- Wizards 98 (August 5)
5. Pelicans 118 – Wizards 107 (August 7)
6. Thunder 121 – Wizards 103 (August 9)
7. Bucks 126 – Wizards 113 (August 11)
8. Wizards 96  – Celtics 90 (August 13)

Hmmm- what is there to say about this squad? Truthfully, it’s unlikely they care they are even at Orlando. Without Davis Bertans or Bradley Beal in the bubble, they don’t stand much of a shot of getting to a play-in tournament nor do they seem invested in doing so.

Rather, it’s likely the former OKC Thunder bench boss will be using these games to get rookie Rui Hachimura more experience, look at his other young guys and lose as many of the eight games as possible to land the 9th lottery position for the draft.

Washington has two out of seven games scheduled later than 4:00 p.m. and only one national TV game, so it’s likely the league knows this is the case as well.

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.

8th) Rockets -Cumulative opponent win total: 304

Seeding Game Record: 4-4, fifth seed, will play OKC Thunder

1. Rockets 153 – Mavericks 149  (July 31)
2. Rockets 120 – Bucks 116 (August 2)
3. Blazers 110 – Rockets102 (August 4)
4. Rockets 113 – Lakers -97 (August 6)
5. Rockets 129 – Kings 112 (August 9)
6. Spurs 123 – Rockets 15 (August 11)
7. Pacers 108 – Rockets 104 (August 12)
8. 76ers 134 – Rockets 96 (August 14)

Houston faces some tough tests especially early with the Mavericks in Game 1 who they have a 1.5 game edge over. Dallas won’t want to play the Clippers so expect the Mavericks to come out gunning. The Bucks and Lakers may not be invested in pushing too hard, however, facing them earlier rather than later isn’t ideal.

Portland, as we’ve noted, is invested in winning so they’ll be dialed in. Facing the Kings and Spurs in Games 5 and 6 may not be early enough for either squad to know if they are out of the running for the play-in seed. Likewise, the last two games on tap are against two squads who begin the restart in a virtual tie and want to finish ahead of the other to avoid playing the third seed.

Like the Celtics, the Rockets are favorites of the TV folks who give them six out seven matches on national TV.

7th) Grizzlies – Cumulative opponent win total: 307

Seeding Game Record: 2-6, capture the ninth seed, and will play Portland. The play-in starts Saturday with Grizzlies having to win to force a second game on Sunday. The structure of the tourney favors Portland. Morant wasn’t happy about the play-in but the irony is they would’ve been eliminated already without it.

1. Blazers 140 – Grizzlies 135 (July 31)
2. Spurs 108 – Grizzlies 106  (August 2)
3. Pelicans 109 – Grizzlies 99 (August 3)
4. Jazz 124 – Grizzlies 115 (August 5)
5. Grizzlies 121 – OKC Thunder 92 (August 7)
6. Raptors 108 – Grizzlies 99 (August  9)
7. Celtics 122 – Grizzlies 107 August 11)
8. Grizzlies 119 – 108 Bucks (August 13)

Ja Morant has stated he doesn’t think how this whole play-in tournament decision was fair to his squad who built a 3.5 game lead prior to the hiatus. It’s hard not to align with his thinking. Like the OKC Thunder, no one expected this Grizzlies team to do what they’ve done.

Losing Justise Winslow to a hip injury was disappointing as I think he would’ve added a great dynamic to the young core.

But, the restart plan is what it is and in truth, the eight ‘seeded games’ while still among the most difficult isn’t as hard as the 17 games they would’ve had to play if the full season was played out.

The good news for the Grizzlies is they get ample opportunity to control their own fate. Their first three games are against chase pack teams — win them all and potentially make the play-in tournament a moot point.

Four of the five teams they face after game three are against the top four seeds. Again working in their favor is by the time they play Games 6, 7, and 8 versus the Raptors, Celtics, and Bucks those teams will likely have secured their seeds. If they have then they’ll be less likely to play their stars ‘playoff-type’ minutes. in fifth)

6th) Suns – Cumulative opponent win total:  307

Seeding Game Record: 8-0, despite going unbeaten they are eliminated

1. Suns 125 – Wizards 112 (July 31)
2. Suns 117 – Mavericks 115 (August 2)
3. Suns 117 – Clippers 115 (August 4)
4. Suns 114 – Pacers 99 (August 6)
5. Suns 119 –  Heat 112 (August 8)
6. Suns 128 – OKC Thunder 101 (August 10)
7. Suns 130 – 76ers 117 (August 11)
8. Suns 128 – Mavericks (August 13)

This club has nothing to lose and probably nothing to win other than gaining experience. Trailing the Grizzlies by six games and with four others ahead of them in the chase pack it’s highly unlikely they have a shot of that play-in seed.

That said, just like the start of this season the Suns arrive looking invested and played inspired ball in the scrimmages. That said, in fairness, the Raptors who lost to them looked like they had checked out of that match even before the ball was tipped. I’m not sure if that was the same situation for the game versus the Jazz but it’s a good guess it was.

5th) Blazers – Cumulative opponent win total: 311

Seeding Game Record: 6-2, win guarantees spot in play-in where they get two chances to win one game and clinch eighth seed.

1. Blazers 140 – Grizzlies 135 (July 31)
2. Celtics 128 – Blazers 124 (August 2)
3. Blazers 110 – Rockets102 (August 4)
4. Blazers  125 – Nuggets 115 (August 6)
5. Clippers 122 – Blazers 117 (August 8)
6. Blazers  124 – 76ers 121 (August 9)
7. Blazers 134 – Mavericks 131 (August 11)
8. Blazers 134 – Nets 133 (August 13)

No one has been more adamant about stating their intentions of being a playoff squad than Damian Lillard. The irony of him being the one who heads into these ‘seeded games’ nursing an injury isn’t lost on us.

Their schedule is tough and doesn’t offer much leeway other than the Nets in terms of the timing for when they face specific teams. The first match is the most important because a loss to the Grizzlies won’t knock them out but it sure won’t help their cause.

Boston is chasing the Raptors and trying to stay ahead of the Heat. The Rockets are trying to catch the Thunder, Jazz, and Clippers and stay ahead of the Mavericks. The Nuggets and Clippers are each vying for the second seed.

All those teams come early in the earlier portion of their schedule. There may be some leeway in the back half of their schedule since seeds could be cemented by then. That said, it’s not a guarantee with the Mavericks trying to avoid the Clippers and get out of seventh and the 76ers trying to move up.

4th) Nuggets – Cumulative opponent win total: 317

Seeding Game Record: 3-5, cement third seed, will play Jazz in first-round series

1. Heat 125 – Nuggets 105 (August 1)
2. Nuggets 121 – OKC Thunder 113 (August 3)
3. Nuggets 132 – Spurs 126(August 5)
4. Blazers  125 – Nuggets 115 (August 6)
5. Nuggets 134 – Jazz 132: 2OT (August 8)
6. Lakers 124 – Nuggets 121 (August 10)
7. Clippers 124 – Nuggets 111  (August 12)
8. Raptors 117 – Nuggets 109 (August 14)

Denver is one of the most intriguing teams given their depth and where they are currently positioned. Bol Bol was a revolution in the scrimmages but it’s far more likely Michael Porter Jr. gets minutes an plays a factor than the rookie.

With the Clippers’ loss to the Lakers, the Nuggets begin the restart only one game back of LAC.

They face an inspired Heat squad in Game 1, the Thunder who’ll be motivated to win (clearly!) in Game 2.

Working in their favor is playing the Lakers and Raptors in the Games 6 and 8 with both squads likely having cemented their seeds by that point. That should also be the case for the Clippers but it might end up being the most important game the Nuggets play and could potentially determine who finishes ahead of the other.

3rd) Lakers – Cumulative opponent win total: 321

Seeding Game Record: 3-5, cemented top seed in West and will play one of Blazers or Grizzlies. They’ll be the last team to discover who they will play in round one.

1. Lakers 103– Clippers 101 (July 30)
2. Raptors 107 – Lakers 92 (August 1)
3. Lakers 116 – Jazz 108 (August 3)
4. Thunder 105 – Lakers 86 (August 5)
5. Rockets 113 – Lakers -97 (August 6)
6. Pacers 116  – Lakers 111 (August 8)
7. Lakers 124 – Nuggets 121 (August 10)
8. Kings 136 – Lakers 122 (August 13)

Since the home court isn’t a factor it’s hard to imagine the Lakers will be invested in playing full out in every match just to try to catch the Bucks for first overall.

They played LeBron James and Anthony Davis more minutes in the first match Thursday but the Lakers wanted to win that game and should have done it easier than they did, given who was missing for the Clippers.

The only reason I can come up with for the Lakers to play LeBron and AD extended minutes in any of these games is to gain a psychological edge prior to the playoffs. If that’s the case then games versus the Jazz, Rockets, OKC Thunder, and Nuggets could be approached that way, but it’s not very likely.

Similarly to the Bucks, the Lakers need to keep their core moving toward good conditioning but the priority is getting everyone through the seeding games healthy.

The other obvious note on the Lakers is they don’t play any early games every single one of their games is on national TV. It’s not like anyone cares about other teams right? Yeah, that’s a bit of shade but did the powers that be seriously consider there is a real chance LeBron and AD don’t play (or play limited minutes) in many of these games?

2nd) Heat – Cumulative opponent win total: 329

Seeding Game Record: 3-5, are fifth seed and will play Pacers.

1. Heat 125 – Nuggets 105 (August 1)
2. Raptors 107 –  Heat 103 (August 3)
3. Heat -112 – Celtics 106 (August 4)
4. Bucks – 130 – Heat 116 (August 6)
5. Suns 119 –  Heat 112 (August 8)
6. Heat 114 – Pacers 92 (August 10)
7. OKC Thunder 116 – Heat 115 (August 12)
8. Pacers 109 – Heat 92 (August 14)

Miami gets a wicked back-to-back set facing the two teams directly in front of them. The Celtics get the benefit of that since they’re the second team in the set and the team Miami has the best shot of catching.

The other key matches are two against the Pacers who are the team directly behind them. With the loss of Sabonis, it’s more likely the 76ers move into the fifth seed which is also a good reason for the Heat to gun for third.

Mind you every hoop head should want the four-five Heat versus 76ers matchup just to witness Jimmy Buckets playing the team he left to join the Heat!

Thunder fans will hopefully face Heat team who’ve cemented their berth by game seven because Miami plays gritty ball. I still remember two seasons ago when in the very last game of the season Bam Adebayo hip-checked Fred VanVleet with less than two minutes remaining and literally knocked him to the ground separating his shoulder. That’s not what any Thunder fan wants to face two games before the playoffs begin.

1st) Raptors – Cumulative opponent win total: 330

Seeding Game Record: 7-1, cemented the second seed, will play Brooklyn Nets in the first round. By virtue of winning the final game finish ahead of Lakers for 2nd best seed in NBA.

1. Raptors 107 – Lakers 92 (August 1)
2. Raptors 107 –  Heat 103 (August 3)
3. Raptors 109 – Magic 99 (August 5)
4. Celtics 122 – Raptors 100 (August 7)
5. Raptors 108 – Grizzlies 99 (August  9)
6. Raptors 114 – Bucks 106 (August 10)
7. Raptors 125 – 76ers 121 (August 12)
8. Raptors 117 – Nuggets 109 (August 14)

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

The Raptors closing schedule was tough but this revised ‘seeding’ schedule worked against them. Of the 18 games left on the original schedule, ten were against lottery teams or eighth seeds. Once those lottery teams were removed from the equation it just happened the tough games remaining were primarily against teams with home seeds.

As tough as that is, it could work to the Raptors benefit since they finally are healthy and need minutes for the core to get into a groove. To wit, of their 64 games played the Raptors core (top 7) were all healthy for 13 total games and six of those came in the first seven games!

The Raptors brutal schedule features the hardest second game of the back-to-back set of all teams and is the only team that’ll face one of the Bucks, Lakers, or Clippers on the second game. They do benefit from being the second game versus the 76ers and Magic although the Philly match is their third in four days.

The Blazers and Raptors are the only teams who don’t play a chase pack team.

For those who prefer to see the schedule on a day by day basis click this link for a tweet Brady Trantham sent out with the full day by day, team by team listing.