The Oklahoma City Thunder return to Paycom Center Friday night time with the race for the No. 1 general seed tightening.
Oklahoma City hosts the Chicago Bulls as the Thunder attempt to preserve separation from the San Antonio Spurs, who’ve gained 23 of their final 25 video games.
The Thunder enter Friday at 57-16, two video games forward of San Antonio for the highest spot in each the Western Conference and the NBA general.
Despite Wednesday’s loss in Boston snapping a 12-game profitable streak, Oklahoma City has nonetheless gained 15 of its final 17 video games because the All-Star break.
Thunder vs. Bulls: Where/how to watch
Matchup: Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder
Date: Friday, March 27
Time: 7 p.m. CT
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
TV: FanDuel Sports Network
No. 1 seed issues
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasised the significance of securing home-court benefit.
“It’s very important and not just in the West, in the whole playoffs,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “We needed Game 7 at home against Denver (last year) … and then we needed it against Indiana to win the championship, so it’s as important as everything and every team in the NBA that makes the playoffs knows that.”
Gilgeous-Alexander additionally welcomes the aggressive end to the common season.
“Last year I had too much time off before the playoff game and the last game I played in the regular season, so I think I was a little bit rusty going into the playoffs,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “And I just love to play, so I’ll get a chance to go out there and play a few more games, which will be fun.”
RELATED: SGA reacts after Thunder’s 12-game winning streak snapped in Boston
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SGA calls Thunder’s early lead “fool’s gold” and says Boston “got where they wanted” in playoff-like matchup
Thunder getting more healthy
Wednesday’s recreation in Boston marked the primary time this season Oklahoma City had its full rotation accessible. Jalen Williams continues working again after lacking prolonged time with a hamstring harm.
“It’s not going to be linear but we’re happy to have him back and get him in some of these games and get him back acclimated,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault stated. “He’s played high-level games for a young player, so I’m really not worried about the performance as much as I am getting him out there, getting his feet wet again, and getting him ready to go as we ramp up toward the playoffs.”
The Thunder now have 9 video games remaining earlier than the playoffs start April 18.
Bulls preventing for postseason survival
Chicago enters Friday at 29-43 and has misplaced 18 of its final 23 video games. The Bulls are coming off a 20-point loss to Philadelphia.
A loss to Oklahoma City would remove Chicago from postseason rivalry.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan has additionally been linked to the North Carolina teaching opening.
“My main focus is on these guys and this new team,” Donovan stated. “I understand that there’s stuff out there, and I understand there is going to be certain speculation, but I have to concentrate on this group.”
Oklahoma City gained the primary assembly 116-108 in Chicago on March 3 regardless of being with out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell.
Thunder harm report
Out
• Chet Holmgren — Right hip contusion
• Thomas Sorber — Right ACL, surgical restoration
Playoff positioning
Western Conference (Projected)
- Thunder
- Spurs
- Lakers
- Nuggets
- Timberwolves
- Rockets
The Thunder have already clinched a playoff berth and now deal with securing the No. 1 general seed and home-court benefit all through the postseason.
Key postseason dates• NBA Play-In Tournament: April 14-17
• NBA Playoffs start: April 18
• NBA Finals Game 1: June 3
