Oklahoma City has the worst record in the Western Conference

Exactly. Injuries are part of the game. Deal with it, biotches!

 

The west is an entirely different animal this year.

I think OKC has played pretty well all things considered.

 

If OKC has even an inkling that Durant will sign with the Wizards or Lakers, etc..next season, there's no better time for these guys to tank. Will Scott Brooks keep his job if they miss the playoffs? Their bench, in some ways like ours, is getting experience if anything. I know I don't want the Blazers to think they are an easy win even without Durant or Westbrook

 

I'll be shocked if OKC can make the playoffs. They are in big trouble; last year OKC was 11 games from missing the playoffs, and they are already 7 wins behind last years pace and we aren't even month into the season. Phoenix missed the playoffs being 14 games over .500 and the West looks just as if not more difficult this season.

So the Thunder are what; at least 15 games under .500 by Christmas? That means they'll have to win 3 of 4 games to match Phoenix next year; and Phoenix didn't make the playoffs. Are they going to be able to win 4 of every 5 games while working in a rusty Durant and Westbrook to the lineup? Winning that many games would've been the best record in the league last year. I just don't see any way it happens. Analysts are vastly underestimating how unlikely it is the Thunder make the postseason.

 

Durant can't become a free agent until 2016 they don't have to worry. Tanking for one season could actually help if they can get a talented top draft pick that impresses Durant during his rookie season. Could be like the Spurs getting Duncan. Now I find it unlikely they stay that low in the standings the last half of the season but if Durant or Westbrook have a big setback I suppose anything is possible.

 

Interesting. I have given very little thought that they could not make it in if KD was back by Christmas as projected. They would have about 55 games left to go about 40-15. Which means they need to win about 7 more games before Christmas. It might be closer than I thought, but if I had to bet one way or the other.....i would say they make it.