Standings Update: OKC Thunder Close to Clinching Play-In Berth

Despite a grueling Western Conference slate this season, OKC has hung around long enough to give itself a chance at the No. 10 spot and final Play-In slot.

With just three games remaining on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2022-23 regular season, the team is close to clinching a Play-In berth.

Despite a grueling Western Conference slate this season, OKC has hung around long enough to give itself a chance at the No. 10 spot and final Play-In slot, which it currently occupies.

There are two teams vying for the final spot: the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks, both of which have major obstacles to overcome if they want to usurp OKC.

The Mavericks sit one full game behind the Thunder and don’t own the tiebreaker. With just three games left on their schedule, all signs are pointing towards them not being able to overcome a monumental late-season meltdown.

The organization had even thought of potentially shutting down stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, both of which are dealing with various minor injuries, for the remaining games in hopes of landing and retaining a top-ten pick instead.

With the Mavericks currently out of the playoff picture and with a high-draft pick hanging in the balance, the team is considering shutting down Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić for the rest of the season, according to Shams Charania https://t.co/Ekt2Br4zmM
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 3, 2023

Both Doncic and Irving are probably to play versus the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, but a loss there could seal the deal for all involved.

The Jazz play the Lakers tonight and can’t afford too many more losses if they expect to make a run at the Play-In. On Thursday, OKC and Utah will play each other in what will be an Uber-important game for standings all around.

While the standings are ever-changing, Oklahoma City would likely face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a nine versus ten Play-In scenario.

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