I disagree. I see Denver as the bigger threat. They’ve been really good as of late, and the Lakers defense is too bad to go deep in the playoffs IMHO.

You may have missed my prior post but the Lakers easily handled Denver and they did it by bombing 3s and stifling defense. This is a different Lakers team from before the all-star break.

They certainly aren't a team to take lightly, but it seems a lack of depth catches up with them against the better teams and I don't know how that won't be be a liability in a series.

Depth is one of the least important factors in a series a most teams reduce their lineups down to 8ish players anyway. I would put Denver as a clear #2 in the West by themselves.

You may have missed my prior post but the Lakers easily handled Denver and they did it by bombing 3s and stifling defense. This is a different Lakers team from before the all-star break.

Never put too much stock in one game. I think Denver is the much better team and would win a series against LA in 5 or 6 games. LA’s defense will be a big liability.

Reminder

Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder 46-11 @ Brooklyn Nets 21-36
Barclays Center, Brooklyn
TV: FanDuel Oklahoma - 6:30 PM

Nice way to bounce back on the road. Had a hard time clawing our way back in but we really stepped it up in the second half. Cason Wallace was an absolute menace on defense.

Oklahoma City Thunder 129 @ Brooklyn Nets 121



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1pWgsPDHrc

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401705406



Attendance: 17,926

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2024/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_SE.jpg

Friday, February 28, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder 47-11 @ Atlanta Hawks 27-32
State Farm Arena, Atlanta
TV: FanDuel Oklahoma - 6:30 PM

Great job coming back in the 4th given everything that happened in the 4 quarters and OT that preceded it. Big comeback win.

Nice to be on the delivering end of a stunner after Monday. Hawks are fighting for their playoff life, so Friday night's game should also be competitive.

Oklahoma City Thunder 135 @ Atlanta Hawks 119




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn6Xle7Ga2I

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401705417



Attendance: Attendance: 17,712

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2024/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_IE.jpg

Sunday, March 2, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder 48 -11 @ San Antonio Spurs 24-33
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
TV: ESPN/FanDuel Sports Oklahoma - 6:00 PM

At this point, just shut Chet down until the playoff, geez. The kid can't stop getting hurt, smh.

Wish Chet ( left ankle sprain) the best, also Isaiah Joe (lower back soreness) a speedy recover in time for Sunday, March 2 matchup vs. San Antonio, also the best for NBA Big men, Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid and any prayers out with injuries.

It is time for you all to admit that Chet is an injury prone bust and I knew he would be injured all the time due to his body frame

At this point, just shut Chet down until the playoff, geez. The kid can't stop getting hurt, smh.

I have been telling everyone here that Chet is an injury prone bust and they refused to listen to me, it is just sad that they are in denial and refuses to admit that Chet is an injured prone bust and if Chet is on another team, everyone here is going to say Chet is an injured prone bust :rolleyes:

Has there been any update on Chet yet?

No denying he's injury prone, feel like he may ultimately be a situational/matchup type player as needed. But he also played all 82 games last year so hopefully there's some hope.

I think we definitely need him to matchup in playoffs and ultimately to win a title. Feel bad for him & the team if he can't get healthy. It would seem we need another big longer term but what do I know.

Has there been any update on Chet yet?

No denying he's injury prone, feel like he may ultimately be a situational/matchup type player as needed. But he also played all 82 games last year so hopefully there's some hope.

I think we definitely need him to matchup in playoffs and ultimately to win a title. Feel bad for him & the team if he can't get healthy. It would seem we need another big longer term but what do I know.

Chet will never win a title, you all said Westbrook would win a title with the Thunder and it did not happen

Holmgren and Joe are listed on the ESPN Thunder injury report as Day-to-day. Ajay Mitchell anticipated return is after mid March for re-evaluation.

BTW got to give it up Luguentz Dort, the Dort-dozer (20 pts, 6-11 three-pointers), SGA got his 31 point average, our bigs (H&H) are building continuity.
Just a matter of time before we see the fruits of the Hartenstein pickup.

It may be time for Sam Presti to start slicing and dicing the roster for a first round draft pick.

Y'all need to relax. Chet is a day-to-day ankle sprain. That happens. It's 100% normal.

I'm not really responding to Boop's posts, which are just a parody troll account.

It may be time for Sam Presti to start slicing and dicing the roster for a first round draft pick.
What in the world are you talking about? This is the number one team in the west by…checks notes…nine and a half games. For most of this season they’ve been flirting with the best point differential per game in the history of the NBA. They’ve been doing this despite being without significant contributors for much of the season.

They’ve also been able to do this despite clearly being screwed by no-calls the entire season; they’ve led the league much of the year in drives while somehow landing around the bottom of the NBA in earned free throws. If they got calls at just an average rate their point differential would be even more ridiculous,

This is a historically good basketball team, and we’ve yet to see them at full strength. They’re home to the odds-on favorite to win MVP this season, a second all star and at least a couple of other guys with clear all star potential. Posts like this are maddening. If it was intended as a troll, great job.

It may be time for Sam Presti to start slicing and dicing the roster for a first round draft pick.

Premature to begin talking about Presti slicing and dicing the roster. He'll slice and dice some fruits long before any roster changes.

Premature to begin talking about Presti slicing and dicing the roster. He'll slice and dice some fruits long before any roster changes.

Depends on what happens in the playoffs. If we are horrible in the non SGA minutes again and lose in the 2nd round we might need to make a move for a playmaker.

Depends on what happens in the playoffs. If we are horrible in the non SGA minutes again and lose in the 2nd round we might need to make a move for a playmaker.

What do you give up to get that playmaker.

It is time for you all to admit that Chet is an injury prone bust and I knew he would be injured all the time due to his body frame

You realize Chet played in all 82 regular season games, 4 preseason games and 10 playoff games last year.

No one is listening to you. You are NOT facts.

Depends on what happens in the playoffs. If we are horrible in the non SGA minutes again and lose in the 2nd round we might need to make a move for a playmaker.

Nikola Topic will be that playmaker.

What do you give up to get that playmaker.

you let Ajay and topic get healthy and see what they can do before doing anything.

Chet will never win a title, you all said Westbrook would win a title with the Thunder and it did not happen

Poop is back!

Y'all need to relax. Chet is a day-to-day ankle sprain. That happens. It's 100% normal.

I'm not really responding to Boop's posts, which are just a parody troll account.

Normal, let's be real, no one wants to admit Chet is injury prone. Well he is. We have already proven we can win without him, just shut him down until playoffs. And then hope the basketball gods will keep him healthy through that. At this point, there is no way we can lose the 1st seed unless we go like on a 10 game losing streak, which is very unlikely to happen.

Lighten doomsayers, Chet just sprained his ankle. That happens to every NBA player over the course of a season.

you let Ajay and topic get healthy and see what they can do before doing anything.

Probably give up Dort would be my first choice. Wallace can take his spot and a cheaper cost also. If Topic is as good as everyone says who does he still minutes from anyway?

Nice to look ahead; but there are too many variables for next season. Close out 2024-25 with the pieces we currently have available. Dort, Joe, Jones, Wallace & Wiggins continue to step up on any given night with 2 having outstanding games with Thunder as a team having stellar defense.

Isaiah Joe and Chet Holmgren are listed as OUT for today's game against the Spurs.


Sunday, March 2, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder 48 -11 @ San Antonio Spurs 25-33
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
TV: ESPN/FanDuel Sports Oklahoma - 6:00 PM

Normal, let's be real, no one wants to admit Chet is injury prone. Well he is. We have already proven we can win without him, just shut him down until playoffs. And then hope the basketball gods will keep him healthy through that. At this point, there is no way we can lose the 1st seed unless we go like on a 10 game losing streak, which is very unlikely to happen.

Let’s make sure Chet has no time to gel with his teammates. Some of these suggestions are hysterical in response to a day-to-day ankle sprain.

Let’s make sure Chet has no time to gel with his teammates. Some of these suggestions are hysterical in response to a day-to-day ankle sprain.

I don't know how some people here claim to have followed the team for years and then, in all seriousness, present these nonsensical hot takes. Just stunning.

Thank you for being a voice of reason.

Probably give up Dort would be my first choice. Wallace can take his spot and a cheaper cost also. If Topic is as good as everyone says who does he still minutes from anyway?

I don't think we give up any of them next year until we see what we how the team looks with Topic, especially when everyone is locked down or has team options through the end of 2026-2027. Dort is playing the best basketball of his career, I'm sure they'll extend him through 2026-2027 and wait until after next season before making any decisions as to what direction they want to go with he, Caruso, and Wallace.

Nikola Topic will be that playmaker.

Fingers crossed.

I don't know how some people here claim to have followed the team for years and then, in all seriousness, present these nonsensical hot takes. Just stunning.

Thank you for being a voice of reason.

The concept that the roster needs to be "fixed" because Holmgren twisted an ankle is amazing.

You realize Chet played in all 82 regular season games, 4 preseason games and 10 playoff games last year.

No one is listening to you. You are NOT facts.

One fully healthy season does not mean crap

Poop is back!

Is that all you can think of? Your comeback is lame, do better!

Is that all you can think of? Your comeback is lame, do better!

I mean I'll admit, it's the low hanging fruit LOL.

Oklahoma City Thunder 142 @ San Antonio Spurs 132



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyO76TXx_TI

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401705437



Attendance: 17,745

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2024/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_AE.jpg

Monday, March 3, 2025
Houston Rockets 37-23 @ Oklahoma City Thunder 49-11
Paycom Center, OKC
TV: NBA-TV/FanDuel Oklahoma - 7:00 PM

The concept that the roster needs to be "fixed" because Holmgren twisted an ankle is amazing.
^^^^^^
This.

Let’s make sure Chet has no time to gel with his teammates. Some of these suggestions are hysterical in response to a day-to-day ankle sprain.

He "gels" with his teammates on a daily basis I am sure. There is practices as well, he just doesn't need to play until the playoffs.

He "gels" with his teammates on a daily basis I am sure. There is practices as well, he just doesn't need to play until the playoffs.

LOL. You can’t be serious.

He "gels" with his teammates on a daily basis I am sure. There is practices as well, he just doesn't need to play until the playoffs.

Stop it.

Normal, let's be real, no one wants to admit Chet is injury prone. Well he is. We have already proven we can win without him, just shut him down until playoffs. And then hope the basketball gods will keep him healthy through that. At this point, there is no way we can lose the 1st seed unless we go like on a 10 game losing streak, which is very unlikely to happen.

I take it you have never played basketball at a high level and do not understand the importance of Chet and the value of him playing within the team concepts. He needs time to perfect the flow of his role in the various concepts and groups.

Were you for shutting KD down? He gets hurt every year. One of the greatest ever and you would have him only play at playoff time?

He "gels" with his teammates on a daily basis I am sure. There is practices as well, he just doesn't need to play until the playoffs.

When in NBA history have you seen a team shut down a player when healthy? Again, this is just a nonsensical suggestion. And, yes, he needs game reps with Hartenstein in particular. You can’t simulate it in practice.

He "gels" with his teammates on a daily basis I am sure. There is practices as well, he just doesn't need to play until the playoffs.

Not touchy feely "gels". That's absurd to equate that with integrating in a actual game process. You must actually be trolling because anyone who has played team sports at a significant level actually knows the importance of getting actual game experience with other players, sets, and circumstances to have the most efficient performance as a TEAM.

When in NBA history have you seen a team shut down a player when healthy? Again, this is just a nonsensical suggestion. And, yes, he needs game reps with Hartenstein in particular. You can’t simulate it in practice.

Thats the key word "healthy". Chet is not healthy, lol. I am willing to bet my paycheck he gets hurt again before the end of the season. I am just saying we have a good 10.5 game cushion with the 1st seed, and we have proven we can win without him. Why risk another injury with 20+ games left, and then he won't be able to play in the playoff. The regular season doesn't count for nothing. Shut him down. Teams fake injuries all the time with the best players at the end of the season so they can rest before playoffs.

Thunder with 22 games left in regular season - just an 11-11 record would tie the all time team record of 60 wins.

Last night JDub and SGA combined for 72 points (25 for 43), 10 rebounds, 15 assists and NO TURNOVERS. Pretty amazing for those two to not have a turnover between them.

Agree G.Walker, Chet is not 100% healthy, he's probably more in between the 90%-95% range; however he needs reps with teammates more than anything. Trust Coach Daigneault to manage his minutes.

The combo of Holmgren & Hartenstein is what needs to materialize because our big men will need to increase production of rebounds and shots blocked.

Thats the key word "healthy". Chet is not healthy, lol. I am willing to bet my paycheck he gets hurt again before the end of the season. I am just saying we have a good 10.5 game cushion with the 1st seed, and we have proven we can win without him. Why risk another injury with 20+ games left, and then he won't be able to play in the playoff. The regular season doesn't count for nothing. Shut him down. Teams fake injuries all the time with the best players at the end of the season so they can rest before playoffs.

I've never seen the board in such a consensus against take as yours. Maybe take this time to reflect.

And, of course, Chet is back tonight because, guess, what, he is healthy. He just had a sprained ankle. I guess Presti and Daigneault didn't take your shut-down-your-healthy-player advice.


Agree G.Walker, Chet is not 100% healthy, he's probably more in between the 90%-95% range; however he needs reps with teammates more than anything. Trust Coach Daigneault to manage his minutes.

To this point, there are likely no NBA players who are 100% healthy 60 games into the season. But Chet is likely as healthy as anyone else. The Thunder are already limiting him from playing back-to-backs, which is probably why he sat yesterday as much as his ankle. He's probably more healthy than Caruso, who actually does get injured constantly. Anyway, moving on...

Thats the key word "healthy". Chet is not healthy, lol. I am willing to bet my paycheck he gets hurt again before the end of the season. I am just saying we have a good 10.5 game cushion with the 1st seed, and we have proven we can win without him. Why risk another injury with 20+ games left, and then he won't be able to play in the playoff. The regular season doesn't count for nothing. Shut him down. Teams fake injuries all the time with the best players at the end of the season so they can rest before playoffs.

Quit digging.

Chet isn’t even on the injury report tonight lol. He’s available to play.

The team is so good that some are trying to find weird non-issue things to worry about. Enjoy the team being awesome.

I’m not sure why resting a player, who just returned from injury, on back to backs and not playing him in a half and/or game following a minor injury against teams that should be beatable with half our roster is causing so much controversy when we’re up 10.5 games on second place. Play him when he’s healthy sit him if he’s dealing with minor bumps and bruises. Not playing a healthy player outside of back to back games is just dumb. All team cohesion issues aside, the dude needs to get back in game shape and he can’t do that riding the bench for a month.

Not to mention there's something called game conditioning. We need for Chet to get regular game activity to have any chance of being able to hang during the playoff run.

Chet isn’t even on the injury report tonight lol. He’s available to play.

The team is so good that some are trying to find weird non-issue things to worry about. Enjoy the team being awesome.

This.

We're #1 in the West by a healthy margin, and only one single game behind the current overall league leader, the Cavs. This team is the best we've had in a while. Daigneault knows what he's doing, let the man cook.

It really does seem like the Basketball Gods are pissed about The Adelsons trading Luka for what can only be described as a historically weak return. Hopefully Kyrie recovers quickly.