NBA Standings: Can Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook Lead Oklahoma City Thunder to NBA Playoffs? [POLL]
One of the best NBA teams in recent memory has been the Oklahoma City Thunder. Led by superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder have successfully made the playoffs the last five consecutive seasons.
As we all know, both Westbrook and Durant have been injured this season, and the Thunder have struggled. Durant suffered a fractured foot in October, and he has played just one game this season. Westbrook injured his hand earlier in the season and has played just four games so far.
The Thunder are currently 5-13 through 18 games. That record is good enough for third place in the Northwest Division behind the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers. More importantly, the Thunder are presently in 12th place in the Western Conference. The top eight teams annually make the playoffs in each conference.
So, can the Thunder make the playoffs this season?
Most likely, it will take about 50 wins to make the postseason in the heavy-loaded Western Conference. For the Thunder to finish 50-32, they would have to go 45-19 in their final 64 games.
That's a lot of wins, but certainly not an impossibility. Durant is without a doubt the best scorer in today's game, as he has won four scoring titles. On Dec. 2, Durant played his first game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans. Durant would go on to score 27 points on 18 shots making six of seven free throws. The Thunder lost the game, but Durant looked good in his return.
Fortunately for the Thunder, they play the 1-17 Philadelphia 76ers in their next game on Friday.
There's no denying that Westbrook and Durant have been one of the best dynamic duos in the NBA since playing together. The two have made it to an NBA Finals, routinely play well together and have won eight playoff series in the last five seasons. Durant was rewarded the Most Valuable Player honor last season with his 27 points per game.
If any pair can power a 5-13 team to the postseason, it would be these guys.
Last season, the Dallas Mavericks clinched the No. 8 seed with a 49-33 record. Again, 50 wins will be the mark for the Thunder if they want to play in late April. The Western Conference is more loaded than ever with teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns leading the playoff race.
As for the Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets are the No. 8 seed with an 8-9 record. Last season, the Atlanta Hawks were the No. 8 seed with a mediocre 38-44 record. No, the Thunder can't switch conferences.
Point guard Reggie Jackson has been playing well this season with a team-leading 7.3 assist per game, and he has scored the most points on the team this season with 290. Serge Ibaka's defense will be needed now more than ever as the Thunder gear for a playoff run.
If the Thunder can rally and make the playoffs, there's a good chance Durant could win his second consecutive league MVP award. The Thunder could very well be the most dangerous No. 8 seed in NBA history.
Do you think the Thunder can make playoffs this season? Let us know in our exclusive Latin Post poll.
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