The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to impress as we approach the midpoint of the NBA season. After another successful week, the team looks poised to make a strong push in the competitive Western Conference.
Looking at the NBA landscape, it’s clear that several tiers have emerged among teams. At the bottom, we have the tankers - teams like Brooklyn, Toronto, Washington, Portland, Utah, Charlotte, and New Orleans. These squads are focused on rebuilding and positioning themselves for high draft picks.
Moving up, we find teams with no real chance of playoff success. This includes Detroit, Chicago, and surprisingly, the LA Clippers. While some of these teams may make the play-in tournament, their ceiling appears limited.
The next tier features teams capable of winning some games and potentially a series, but unlikely to make a deep run. Golden State falls into this category, as does Atlanta. Despite their star power, these teams lack the consistency to be true contenders.
Teams That Can Make a Run
More intriguing are the teams that could make a legitimate playoff run if things break right. The Dallas Mavericks, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, certainly have the potential to surprise. The Denver Nuggets, led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, also belong in this group.
At the top, we have the true contenders. The Boston Celtics are the clear favorites, but don’t sleep on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their impressive win over the Thunder last week showcased their potential to compete for a championship.
Thunder’s Week Ahead
Looking at the Thunder’s upcoming schedule, we face a challenging stretch with games against Philadelphia, Cleveland, Dallas, and Brooklyn. The matchup against Cleveland will be particularly telling, as we look to adjust our strategy after last week’s loss.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the NBA tiers and the Thunder’s playoff potential, tune into the Locked On Thunder podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Thunder Podcast:
• Analysis of the Thunder’s recent performances
• Key adjustments needed for the rematch against Cleveland
• Impact of potential roster moves on the Thunder’s playoff chances
