Oklahoma City Thunder focus on playoffs against 76ers

The Oklahoma City Thunder are focused on the playoffs as they prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday in Oklahoma City. With 14 games left in the season, the Thunder lead the Western Conference by 12.5 games. If they win against the 76ers and both the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets lose their games, they will secure the top seed in the conference for the second year in a row. Oklahoma City has been performing well, winning three straight games and 10 of their last 11. Coach Mark Daigneault has kept the team’s lineup flexible, which he believes adds unpredictability. He has not pushed for MVP votes for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the league in scoring, but is advocating for Luguentz Dort in the Defensive Player of the Year race. The Thunder currently have the best defensive rating in the league. On the other hand, the 76ers are struggling this season. They rank low in offensive efficiency, partially due to injuries affecting key players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Coach Nick Nurse expressed frustration that injuries have disrupted any potential momentum for the team. With the news that Paul George will be out for the rest of the season, the team is looking ahead to next year. The upcoming game also has significant implications for the future. The 76ers' first-round draft pick could go to the Thunder if it is not a top six pick. This situation arises from a past trade involving Danny Green and Terrance Ferguson for Al Horford. Philadelphia has struggled this season, holding one of the worst records in the league, but they traditionally perform well against the Thunder in Oklahoma City. This game marks the second meeting between the two teams this season. Oklahoma City won the previous matchup 118-102, although several key 76ers players were inactive. Maxey is expected to return during this road trip after missing eight games.