Thunder faces a tough five-game Eastern Conference swing, from tanking teams to championship contenders. Can their streak survive?
The Oklahoma City Thunder just completed an impressive, undefeated four game homestand.
Now the defending champs will follow that up with a five game road trip. The Thunder have won eight consecutive games, good for the second longest active streak in the league. How long can Mark Daigneault's squad can continue the winning ways will depend on how they navigate these next five games over the next nine nights.
The only thing the opponents have in common is their conference. All five squads are from the East. But this road trip is a hodge podge assortment of tanking teams, a play-team, a playoff team and one bonafide contender.
Thunder at Magic. March 17. Before losing to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, Orlando had reeled off seven straight wins. That hot stretch included victories over the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves. This will be the second night of a back to back for Paolo Banchero and friends.
Thunder at Nets. March 18. Brooklyn are losers of four straight games. They are firmly in the Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer sweepstakes. The only thing going against OKC in this one is that this will be the second night of a back to back for the Thunder, so they may sit some players. And that concludes my attempt at gassing up this matchup.
Thunder at Wizards. March 21. Washington have lost a dozen consecutive games. That's right, 12 straight. But the good news gets even better for Wizards fans hoping to come out on top of the tankathon standings. They play the Pistons twice before hosting the Thunder. So 15 straight losses is very much on the table. Hey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn't the only one who is consistent.
Thunder at 76ers. March 23. Jared McCain's first return to Philadelphia after Daryl Morey supposedly "sold high" on the young sharpshooter. 76ers fans were not happy with the trade when it went down and seeing McCain thrive with the champs has only strengthened those feelings. Expect a loud ovation from the home crowd when he checks in for the first time in a road jersey. As for the game itself, Tyrese Maxey is unfortunately injured and Paul George still suspended. There is a shot Joel Embiid is back from injury.
Thunder at Celtics. March 25. The road trip is bookended with the two toughest games, the most difficult matchup slated for the end. OKC took care of business in a last second, 2 point win over Boston at The Paycom Center just a few days ago. Sweeping the Celtics may prove to be a tough task with the rematch coming at TD Garden and with Jayson Tatum likely to play that one. That said, Isaiah Hartenstein did not play in Oklahoma City but will hopefully be available this time around. And, who knows, by this time next week, OKC may even have another All-Star wing returning as well.