Over the past few weeks, the Oklahoma City Thunder's schedule has been more like an NFL team's than an NBA team's. Since their last regular-season game on April 14, the Thunder will have played only four games in 21 days, averaging just over one game a week. What's even more impressive is that they're going over a month without a loss. They had a six-day break during the play-in tournament as the first seed, and now, after sweeping the New Orleans Pelicans, they're enjoying another six-day break before Game 1 of Round 2 against either the LA Clippers or Dallas Mavericks.
The exciting part? If the Mavericks and Clippers go to Game 7, it'll be on May 5, giving the winner just one day off before their series with the Thunder. This could mean the winner might be a bit worn out entering Round 2. Kawhi Leonard has been dealing with a knee injury, and Luka Doncic has been playing heavy minutes with KT tape on his leg.
The Thunder clinched the first seed on the final day of the season with a bit of outside help, showing that a deep playoff run often needs some luck. And luck seems to be on the Thunder's side with their schedule, giving them ample rest between physically demanding playoff matchups, which is crucial even for a young team like theirs.
"We're gonna be able to get good rest, that's a good thing," said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. "We're gonna play a really, really good team in really, really elevated games. We have to understand our opponent is gonna feel just like we do at the end of their series."
Another stroke of luck for the Thunder is their health. They've had clean injury reports through four playoff games, meaning no serious ailments on the roster. In contrast, their first-round opponent, the Pelicans, had to play without their best player, Zion Williamson, who suffered a hamstring strain during the play-in tournament, ending his season.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans struggled to score, averaging less than 90 points in their four losses, clearly missing their top scorer. On the Thunder's side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rolled his ankle in Game 4 against the Pelicans but managed to tough it out to close the series. Coach Daigneault said Gilgeous-Alexander will receive treatment during this break but should be ready for Game 1 of Round 2.
If the Thunder can maintain their relatively clean bill of health – knock on wood – it'll increase their chances of a deep playoff run. As most in the franchise know, one bad injury can derail an entire postseason.
A deep playoff run is certainly a possibility for the young Thunder, with on-court talent being a major factor. Luck has been on their side so far with their schedule, opponent, and injuries, and they'll need it to continue breaking their way for the rest of the postseason.
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