OKC Thunder Have Sights Set on Play-In Game

Oklahoma City may have their sights set on the NBA play-in game, rather than better draft odds.

For the last few seasons, outlets have largely pivoted to NBA Draft coverage after the All-Star break in regards to the Oklahoma City Thunder. And while the team will still look to add pivotal pieces via the 2023 NBA Draft, the current Thunder squad has a new objective: the play-in game.

And while the team has pivoted towards better draft odds themselves in recent years following the break, that may not be the case this season.

Once thought of to be in the running for the No. 1 overall pick and French phenom Victor Wembnayama, Oklahoma City has burst onto the scene as one of the more exciting up-and-coming teams in the league.

Picked to win just shy of 24 games total in preseason, OKC already stands at 28-29, just one win shy of an even record as they near a return to play.

The team currently sits in sole possession of the tenth overall spot. And while there’s certainly a competitive group surrounding them, there’s reason to believe Oklahoma City could be in great position to snag a play-in spot, rather than better draft odds.

Disregarding the teams currently ahead of OKC in the standings, the three most likely to give them a run for their money at a play-in spot are the Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Jazz, led by Danny Ainge, are likely to pivot towards a more draft-centric approach in the later part of the season. Portland and Los Angeles, despite having superstar talents, are both struggling with various issues: talent-level, injuries, etc.

For now, it seems Oklahoma City, again the youngest team in the league, might be in solid position to secure their spot in the postseason. 

---

Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.