Thunder Set For First Must-Win Of The Season

Can the Thunder squeak in?That's the question, and as of now, no one knows. But we should all know a lot more by the end of the night.

Monday, April 13th 2015, 6:27 pm

By: News 9


Can the Thunder squeak in?

That's the question, and as of now, no one knows. But we should all know a lot more by the end of the night.

Oklahoma City shares a 43-37 record with its temporary rival, the New Orleans Pelicans. While the Thunder is busy battling the ailing Trailblazers on Monday night, New Orleans will tip off against the 16-64 Timberwolves.

For the first time all season, the Thunder faces a must-win situation, assuming that New Orleans takes care of business in Minnesota. Because the Pelicans own the tiebreaker, any Thunder loss coupled by a Pelican win spells curtains for OKC.

But this isn't your traditional Portland club. Wes Matthews is out for the year. LaMarcus Aldridge won't play with a foot sprain. Aaron Afflalo is out with a hurt shoulder. All this for a team that, thanks to a limited rotation, never could afford many injuries to begin with.

More good news for Thunder fans came on Monday afternoon, when the NBA rescinded the technical foul that Russell Westbrook received in Sunday's loss to the Pacers. It would have been Westbrook's 16th tech of the season, and with it, a one-game suspension. But NBA President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn told the New York Posts' Tim Bontemps “This wasn't one that we felt was justified.”

As previously touched on, the Thunder has to beat Portland. If they don't, the Pelicans MUST to lose to the Wolves, and no one wants to put any eggs in that basket.

If the Thunder beats Portland and New Orleans beats Minnesota, it would all come down to the season's final day. If that happens, the odds would likely swing to OKC's favor. The Thunder would play at Minnesota on Wednesday and, assuming a Thunder win, New Orleans would be forced to beat the red-hot Spurs. The defending champs, winners of 11 straight, could be playing to clinch the West's No. 2 seed, so there's a decent chance they'll play that game to win.

On the off chance that the Thunder beats Portland AND the Pelicans lose to the Wolves, OKC could clinch the No. 8 spot on Wednesday just by handing the Wolves loss No. 65.

Could be close.

You can find more playoff coverage throughout the week on news9.com.

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