OKC Thunder Meet Two Western Conference Contenders in Upcoming Matchups

Coming into its game against Philadelphia on Saturday, the Thunder were riding a six-game win streak.

While Oklahoma City was unable to overcome the 76ers, falling 127-123 at the Paycom Center, many fans were optimistic after seeing rookie center Chet Holmgren go toe-to-toe with reigning MVP Joel Embiid.

In the game, Holmgren knocked down five 3-point shots en route to a 33-point performance while Embiid went 8-of-18 from the field, but still mustered 35 points.

Following their loss to Philadelphia, who is fourth place in the Eastern Conference at 12-5, the Thunder traveled to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves in the final Group Stage game of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament.

After leading for most of the game, OKC squandered its lead in the final frame, ultimately falling 106-103. The loss dropped Oklahoma City from second to fifth in the West standings, with Minnesota still sitting atop the conference at 13-4.

Following two consecutive losses, the Thunder have two more tough games on the schedule. Thursday night, OKC returns to the Paycom Center to host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who are 10-8 and sit at No. 7 in the Western Conference.

The Lakers are 3-3 in their last six games and are coming off a 44-point loss to the 76ers on Monday night. Los Angeles' matchup with Oklahoma City will be the Lakers' second night of a back-to-back, as the team will meet the Pistons on Wednesday.

On Saturday, the Thunder will square off against the Mavericks in Dallas for the first meeting between the two teams this year. Currently, Luka Doncic and company have the same record as OKC at 11-6.

With the Lakers and the Mavericks both being serious contenders in the West, Oklahoma City's next two contests will be solid tests to see how the Thunder stack up to some of the top teams in their conference.

Additionally, OKC's matchups against the Lakers and Mavericks could also turn into a four-game losing streak for Mark Daigneault's team if the Thunder are unable to muster a victory against one of their next two opponents.

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