Injuries plague the Thunder as they face a gauntlet of top-tier opponents, testing their playoff positioning before the All-Star respite.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren combined for 72 points on 25-of-42 shooting from the field (59.5%), but it was not enough to beat Indiana. The All-Star break cannot come fast enough for the injury-riddled Thunder.
However, Oklahoma City still has 10 games to get through before the break, and it’s a crucial stretch given the opponents. Here is the Thunder’s schedule during this span:
- vs. Raptors
- vs. Pelicans
- at Timberwolves
- at Nuggets
- vs. Magic
- at Spurs
- vs. Rockets
- at Lakers
- at Suns
- vs. Bucks
Toronto ranks fourth in defensive rating and 12th in offensive rebound percentage. It has enough length and athleticism to give a diminished Thunder roster fits. There will be bumps and bruises at the very least, which is not an ideal way to begin this gauntlet.
Herb Jones is the best Gilgeous-Alexander defender in the NBA, and New Orleans also loves to aggressively trap the reigning league MVP. Given the Thunder’s injuries, the offense may be extremely sluggish if the Pelicans force Gilgeous-Alexander to mostly pass the basketball. It’s a sneaky upset alert, especially with Zion Williamson shooting 62.1% from the field this month.
Now the war really begins. Oklahoma City will be like a gladiator in the Colosseum where every victory leads to another fierce foe emerging from the tunnels and trap doors.
Minnesota always brings energy and physicality when facing Oklahoma City. The Timberwolves’ length, athleticism and interior defense pose serious issues. Anthony Edwards is also playing the best basketball of his career.
The game against Denver being a massive battle depends on Nikola Jokić’s health. He has not suited up since suffering a knee injury on Dec. 29, but there is a decent chance that Jokić returns for this contest. Even if he’s out and the game gets out of hand, the altitude may wear down Oklahoma City’s battered roster.
Next, the Thunder has a back-to-back against the Magic and Spurs. Orlando remains a tough defensive team that is finally starting to get healthy, while San Antonio has won three of four matchups this season.
Two full days of much-needed rest follow these games, but then Houston comes to town. It leads the league in offensive rebound percentage and boasts enough size to pummel Oklahoma City. Add more bumps and bruises to the menu.
Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves are difficult to stop even when the Thunder is refreshed and healthy. At this point in the schedule, it’s a nightmare matchup for Oklahoma City’s defense.
Contests against a resilient Suns team and a Bucks squad sans Giannis Antetokounmpo cap this demanding 10-game stretch. The Thunder will likely just try to survive these matchups and limp into the mini vacation.
Overall, Oklahoma City plays the second through seventh seeds in the West. It is only 5.5 games ahead of the second seed and 9.5 games ahead of the seventh seed, so the team cannot afford to relax and look towards the All-Star break. The Thunder must perform well despite its laundry list of injuries and hold its ground. Otherwise, there is a realistic chance that the race for the one seed becomes somewhat concerning over the final quarter of the season.