In a Tight Western Conference, Wednesday’s Game Means a Lot for OKC Thunder
The Western Conference is tightly contested, the Oklahoma City Thunder went from first to tied with Denver to second place after one loss, and only two and a half games separate the Thunder from the fourth seed in the West.
The Thunder (42-19) have earned the benefit of the doubt, and a loss like Monday against the Lakers is not cause to panic. They have built up enough currency to nearly lock themselves into hosting a playoff series with a six-game cushion over the fifth-seeded Pelicans.
However, in a race for the top spot, Wednesday's game becomes incredibly important. Taking on the lowly Portland Trail Blazers (17-42) who are 2-8 in their last ten games, the Thunder have to take care of business to keep up with the Joneses out West.
So far this season, the Thunder have done an excellent job of putting away poor teams with only a few slip-ups. Against these very Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City owns a 3-0 record including a 43-point and 62-point victory.
For the final 21 games of this season, everyone around Bricktown will be glued to the standings. With Oklahoma City already done playing their top four counterparts, not stumbling against lesser competition will decide how their season unfolds.
On the flip side, the Clippers, Nuggets, and Timberwolves all have remaining games against each other.
Oklahoma City (16) has the second easiest overall schedule of schedule remaining of the top four teams. only ahead of Denver (19). L.A. Clippers (12) and Minnesota Timberwolves (11) have tough tests remaining.
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