NBA: Predicting How The Western Conference Playoff Race Will Settle

Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 41-17, 3rd Seed 

Remaining Schedule: 24 games remaining; 13 vs teams over .500

The Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be a safe bet to enter the NBA playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the conference. Though, things could get interesting down the stretch if the Los Angeles Clippers can string together a lengthy winning streak.

Of OKC’s remaining 24 games, 15 of them come on the road. Even though the Thunder (17-9) has been a pretty good road team, there are signs that point to possess coming. Figuring that OKC will probably lose 35 percent of those remaining road games and 22 percent of their home games – because that’s at the rate they’ve been winning/losing this season – the Thunder will end the season with roughly 59 wins.

If that is indeed the case, I seriously doubt that the Clippers can catch them. They would have to win all but three games to reach 59 wins. I think the OKC Thunder will snag the No. 3 seed.

(Prediction): 58-24

Next: Los Angeles Clippers