It goes almost without saying that the Oklahoma City Thunder need the All-Star Break.
They've suffered a stretch of significant injuries, with both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell remaining sidelined through the All-Star Break. Jalen Williams missed their final game before the break with a re-aggravated hamstring injury.
They went 5-5 in their last 10 games, and the San Antonio Spurs now sit just three games behind them for the one seed in the West.
Some time to rest and regroup should be massively beneficial for the squad, who has slowed down significantly from their ridiculous start to the season.
But they are still the most hunted team in the league, and when action kicks back off again, they will need to face a brutal reality. The Spurs, and a host of other teams, don't care what kind of struggles they've faced. Their rivals will be hot on their tails, and San Antonio's immediate post-All-Star Break schedule is cause for concern.
The Thunder have a serious threat to their place atop the West
Injuries happen, and the mark of a great team is their ability to endure them. Apart from their recent win-loss record, Oklahoma City largely has.
Despite this recent rough stretch, they still possess the fourth best offensive rating and the best defensive rating in the NBA. By all measures, this team is the championship favorite.
But they are 1-4 this season against the Spurs, and San Antonio comes into the All-Star Break as hot as any team in the league. They've won six straight, and they're in the top five in both offensive and defensive rating over their last 10 games.
Coming out of the break, the Spurs will face the Phoenix Suns, the Sacramento Kings, the Detroit Pistons, the Toronto Raptors, and the Brooklyn Nets. This is not a ridiculously easy schedule, given how scrappy the Suns and Raptors have proved to be this season, but it is one San Antonio could easily come out of with at least four more wins.
Oklahoma City will also face Brooklyn and Toronto within their first five games back. The difference is that, if Gilgeous-Alexander and even Williams remain out, a continued winning streak for the Spurs could quickly put the one-seed in danger.
Of course, it's not top of the conference or bust for the Thunder. But, after the All-Star Break, they will get no reprieve. It's the painful reality of being the reigning champion.