The Oklahoma City Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans are in a toe-to-toe race for the eighth and final 2015 NBA Playoffs spot in the Western Conference with just four games remaining for each team.
Both teams have a 42-36 record, but the Pelicans hold the eighth spot at this point by virtue of having the tie-breaker advantage over the Thunder after winning in three of their four regular-season matches this season.
However, the Pelicans have a tougher road to the playoffs compared to the Thunder. They are set to face two playoff teams in their last four assignments - the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets, who are both expected to go all out in their remaining games as the two teams are still looking to improve their seeding in the Western Conference.
Their playoff chase will resume on Friday when they go up against the Phoenix Suns at the Smoothie King Center. Here are their remaining games this season:
- April 10 - Phoenix Suns
- April 12 - Houston Rockets
- April 13 - Minnesota Timberwolves
- April 15 - San Antonio Spurs
On the other hand, the Thunder will have to qualify for the playoffs without their superstar forward and reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a recurring foot injury.
The Thunder have a lighter schedule compared to the Pelicans, though, and are set to begin their final push for the postseason on Friday against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena.
The Portland Trail Blazers are their toughest opponent in the last four games, while the game against the Indiana Pacers is also interesting to watch as the Pacers are also gunning for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Here are the remaining games of the Thunder:
- April 10 - Sacramento Kings
- April 12 - Indiana Pacers
- April 13 - Portland Trail Blazers
- April 15 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Pacers, Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets are also in a tight race for the seventh and eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics and Nets are currently in seventh and eighth, respectively, with their 36-42 record. The Pacers are in ninth place at 35-43, Miami in tenth place at 35-44 and Hornets in 11th place at 33-45. The Milwaukee Bucks are in sixth place with their 38-40 record, but could still fall out of the top eight if they lose in all of their remaining games.
