both have 29 losses but the Pels have one more win. Also, the Pelicans have the tie breaker. Anthony Davis is back, and Durant is expected back in a week. The Pelicans have 9 away games left and 8 home games. They play 9 games against teams in the playoffs currently. 16 of their final 17 games are against western teams. The Thunder only have 7 away games and 11 home games. They play 11 games against teams in the playoffs currently. 13 of their final 18 games are against western teams. So, it's a close call and I could see either team making it. Both teams being equal, I think the Pelicans would be most likely to make it, but with Durant and Westbrook healthy, are both teams equal? The thunder have more experience and most pundits have been assuming they would make the playoffs for some time now. But, AD is amazing too, and I think with the allotted time and the tie breaker, they stand a good shot at making the playoffs. My best guess, I think the Pelicans make it.
I'm desperately pulling for the Pelicans. It's a fun subplot for the end of the season. Great thread.
I would have said it was a sure thing for OKC about a month ago, but lately OKC doesn't looks as impressive as I expected. I'll still stick with OKC but I hope I'm wrong.
An added bit of importance is if the Thunder lose, it makes it more likely Durant leaves when his time is up. Still next year would be more important, but if they had a tough year again next season for any reason, Durant might lose faith that OKC has potential to be a championship city.
So, would you "throw" a game when we play NOP next month by resting some of our key players? Increase the odds that NOP has a better record than OKC. It's the second night of an away/home B2B. Get Nic, LMA, Dame, and Rolo an extra day's rest before the final 6 games of the season.
Personally I'd do it. But I'd still try to win while resting 4 of our 5 starters. But I guess I don't really care about seeding, and would just love to see OKC miss out on the POs.
I think we should win every game we possibly game, the Spurs are catching fire and I rather not face them in the first round if we fall to the 4th seed.
I'll say Dallas gets the 8th seed, although the Pelicans may catch them. Assuming Durant comes back healthy next week, OKC ends up in the 7th seed.