(10) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans (9)
After not showing much growth in the last two seasons, the Oklahoma City Thunder made quite the jump this season. OKC just won 24 games last season but they won 39 games this season. That’s a 15-game win increase and a huge win for the franchise as a whole. I believe that the Thunder will beat the New Orleans Pelicans in the first Play-In game. The Pelicans are no easy task but I believe that this is just the opportunity that OKC needs.
The Thunder will take advantage of this platform and make their presence known around the league. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder is one of the most talented young teams in the league. But they’re also one of the best-kept secrets in the league right now.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Thunder takes advantage of this opportunity. The great thing about this team is that they are already a success. Anything else that OKC manages to accomplish this season is icing on the cake.
For this matchup, perhaps it’s something I’m thinking more with my heart than my brain, but I think OKC wins it.
Prediction: Thunder