It’s the Suns, Thunder, and Pelicans fighting for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The recent loss of Blake Griffin for the Clippers made it seem like L.A. would lose a bunch of games--meaning another playoff spot would be up for grabs--but DeAndre Jordan’s recent dominance and tough wins over contenders have put that thought to rest.
So it’s back to three teams fighting for the eighth spot, and predictions about which one will make it.
The best race would have all teams fully healthy. Provided Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis heal over the All-Star break, the three teams could be close to full health (with a few exceptions, primarily Steven Adams and Jrue Holiday).
Let’s break down the remaining schedule for all three teams in contention to see how they'll fare. Projections are in parentheses (W=Win, L=Loss), and assume that Durant and Davis play in all remaining games.
Thunder Schedule
Projection for remaining schedule: 20-9
Current record: 28-25
Final projected record: 48-34
Mavericks (W)
The Thunder nearly beat the Mavericks on the road even without Durant, and with Russell Westbrook shooting horribly.
@ Hornets (W)
Charlotte’s defense is one of the best in the league but won’t be able to contain Durant and Westbrook.
Nuggets (W)
Denver looks like it can’t beat anyone right now, and the team will likely lose several of its best players by the trade deadline.
Pacers (W)
Indiana’s defense is also stingy, but the team just isn’t a big threat without Paul George.
@ Suns (W)
OKC has beat Phoenix twice already this season at home, and will look for another win on the road.
@ Trail Blazers (L)
The Blazers are tough to beat at home, posting a 23-5 record through the All-Star break.
@ Lakers (W)
Los Angeles doesn’t have a chance unless Durant is hurt.
76ers (W)
Philadelphia is playing better than the early season misery, but can’t knock off teams like OKC just yet.
@ Bulls (L)
The Bulls are better on the road than at home, but will be playing hard as they try to avoid a first-round matchup with the Wizards.
Raptors (W)
Toronto beat OKC earlier this season at home, when the Thunder were playing without their two stars. Payback time.
Clippers (L)
DeAndre Jordan’s recent dominance could spark the Clips to even better play when Blake Griffin returns.
Timberwolves (W)
Minnesota is putting up better numbers with Ricky Rubio back, but are no match for OKC.
Bulls (W)
The Thunder will get revenge on Chicago for the recent loss.
@ Mavericks (L)
Dallas will get the win over Oklahoma City at home.
Celtics (W)
Boston is one of the weaker teams in the Eastern Conference.
Hawks (L)
The Hawks have beaten almost every team in the league, and are especially strong at home.
Heat (W)
Miami is struggling this season, and barring a major trade will be lucky just to make the playoffs in the East.
Lakers (W)
The Lakers, again.
@ Spurs (L)
San Antonio won’t be able to rest its aging stars as much this season, as it vies for a better seed in the West.
