Can OKC Thunder make it into 2023 NBA playoffs? Looking at chances of the team to make it past play-in tournament
The OKC Thunder surprised everyone by securing a play-in tournament spot this season. OKC is 39-42 with a game left in the season. The Dallas Mavericks 115-112 loss against the Chicago Bulls on Friday guaranteed the Thunder a trip to the postseason.
They will play the 9th vs. 10th place game, which will be against the New Orleans Pelicans or Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pelicans are eighth with a 42-39 record, while the Timberwolves are ninth with a 40-40 record. Either team would be a tough matchup for the young Thunder team.
New Orleans and Minnesota have a good mix of young and veteran players on their rosters. They were in the playoffs last season and will have the advantage as the more experienced teams against OKC.
The Thunder were surging midway through the regular season with less pressure, but as every result started to count, OKC struggled with their execution, especially in the clutch.
The OKC Thunder have lost six of their last nine games, dropping them to 39-42 from 36-36. They could've had a shot at securing a seventh or eighth-place finish, enhancing their shot at making the playoffs, as it would give them two chances.
However, teams placed ninth or tenth have to win two back-to-back knockout games to seal a playoff berth. That hampers the Thunder's chances of making the playoffs even if they win the ninth vs. 10th place game. They might face the Lakers for the eighth-seed game, the team with the best record in the West since the trade deadline (15-7).
If the OKC Thunder had one more reliable scoring option next to All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they would've had a better chance at advancing to the playoffs.
OKC Thunder could be a force to be reckoned with next season
The OKC Thunder have been one of the most impressive teams this season. They were projected to have one of the worst records. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's All-Star caliber play, averaging 31.4 PPG and the rest of the young guns executing their roles saw the Thunder clinch a play-in spot.
The process of going from good to great takes a level of hunger that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has ingrained into his game as a young talent.
@royceyoung talks with Shai on his journey in the latest episode of The Path, premiering today at 1PM CT on OKC Thunder YouTube. https://t.co/DcaYE38Twf
They edged teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers en route to their stellar run this season. The Thunder have identified that they have a solid roster at their disposal. SGA could be in the MVP conversation if he carries this momentum onto next season. Meanwhile, other young players like Josh Giddey, ROY favorite Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort form a solid core.
OKC Thunder fans showed up at 2:30 in the morning to welcome the team home after a win in their last road game of the regular season.
They will reach the play-in tournament if they beat the Grizzlies on Sunday #ThunderUp
https://t.co/8hiknspc1x
OKC will also see the return of No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren, who could elevate the team to new heights. The Thunder will have the assets to acquire some veterans too, which may help them succeed more next year.