The Oklahoma City Thunder has dominated the Western Conference from start to finish. Not only are the Thunder the No. 1 seed in the West, but they have a 13-game lead over the No. 2 seed, the Houston Rockets.
However, despite their talent and dominance, the Thunder are still inexperienced, which fuels skepticism surrounding their playoff chances. NBA legend Paul Pierce is among those who believe Oklahoma City could be in trouble in the playoffs, particularly after they beat the Los Angeles Lakers, but arguably only after Luka Doncic’s controversial ejection.
After expressing his doubts about the Thunder following their win over the Lakers, Pierce made two bold statements on FS1’s Speak, saying, “To me, I’m convinced that the Lakers are now the favorite in the West, and I’m also convinced, the way I’m looking at these standings right now… if the Thunder plays the Timberwolves in the first round, they might get bounced.”
The Thunder were also the No. 1 seed in 2024, and their inexperience contributed to their defeat by the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals. Going up against Doncic again could be a problem, especially with LeBron James by his side, as he knows full well what it takes to win in the playoffs.
Facing the Timberwolves in the first round is a possibility. However, there’s a two-game difference between them and the Lakers, the No. 3 seed, and the Timberwolves, the No. 8 seed.
It’s possible that the Thunder won’t have to face the Timberwolves in the first round, but it’s also possible that the Lakers will be their first-round opponent instead, which could be an even bigger problem.
Follow The Jugo Mobile on WhatsApp
MORE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER NEWS
Thunder star Jalen Williams shares take on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander almost no NBA fan would agree with
Thunder monster trade pitch sends Lu Dort to struggling West team in exchange for 4-time All-Star
