Oklahoma City's Lineup Feels Set in Stone With Playoffs Looming
Over the past three years, Oklahoma City Thunder fans have gotten used to some pretty funky lineups. At the beginning of the season, it was easy to see who the team prioritized and what a real starting five looked like. As the season wore on and the injuries piled up though, the Thunder often turned to youth and 10-day contracts.
Now, Oklahoma City has clearly turned a corner. After blowing out the Rockets in an inspired comeback, the Thunder is tied for first in the Western Conference and the team has joined Phil Jackson's 40 wins before 20 losses contender club. At 40-17, the Thunder has one of the best records in the NBA and a good shot to make a postseason run.
Lineup consistency has been a huge part of the Thunder's success. With under 25 games to play, it feels like the rotations are set in stone. Sure, there could be a few changes and tweaks here and there, but it feels like Mark Daigneault has his groups figured out.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren are the penciled-in starters. It has been a rollercoaster of a season for Giddey and fans have clamored to bring him off the bench, but at this point, it feels like OKC is committed. Gilgeous-Alexander has a legit shot at the MVP, Williams is a bonafide second option that's still rising as a star and Holmgren has been game-changing. Dort is shooting over 40% from 3-point range and has been a key catalyst to success.
After trying out different lineups and using a plethora of players to start the season, the bench lineup seems shored up too. Of course, there are situational matchups, but it feels safe to say that five guys in the second unit will see playoff action. Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe will likely receive the bulk of the bench minutes, followed by Gordon Hayward, Aaron Wiggins and Kenrich Williams. When the Thunder needs a spark or rebounding help, Jaylin Williams will play.
Hayward finding his groove could change things, and his playing time could see an uptick. For now, though, the starting lineup and the bench unit seems set in stone. Benches usually shorten when the postseason rolls around, but Daigneault doesn't seem like the coach to change things up when it's clearly working.
Oklahoma City has 11 playable options in the postseason, and not all of them will play every night. But it's a safe bet that all 11 will play real minutes at some point during the run.
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