NBA Standings Update: Thunder Await Play-In Opponent

After a three-game slate on Saturday, April 8, Oklahoma City's potential foe in the Play-In tournament has been narrowed down to either Minnesota or New Orleans. The Pelicans and Timberwolves face off at 2:30 P.M. CT on Sunday, April 9 to determine who ends up with the ninth seed in the Western Conference.

The winner of this Sunday showdown is awarded the eighth seed in the West, and will have to take on either the Los Angeles Lakers or the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In. The loser will finish the regular season as the nine seed, taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in a "win or go home" postseason contest.

At the same time on Sunday, the Phoenix Suns meet the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers were in danger of falling to the ninth spot heading into their Saturday matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, but LA's victory secured Russell Westbrook's current squad a spot in the Playoffs.

The Los Angeles Lakers, who were also in danger of sliding down the standings, also play at 2:30 on April 9. If Los Angeles is able to defeat the Utah Jazz on Sunday, the Lakers would move into the sixth seed in the West while the Golden State Warriors fall to seven.

If the Lakers do fall to the Jazz, however, LA would remain in the seventh spot while Golden State would maintain the sixth seed.

As currently situated, the Suns and Clippers will face off in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs along with the Kings and Warriors. If the Lakers win on Sunday, Los Angeles would meet Sacramento in the first round.

OKC takes on the Memphis Grizzlies at 2:30 P.M. CT on Sunday, April 9 in a game with no postseason implications. For the Thunder, who are locked into the 10 seed, Lu Dort, Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams will all rest to prepare for Wednesday night's Play-In game.

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