Thunder playoff standings: Oklahoma City, New Orleans Pelicans still tied for 8th

The Thunder got the win they needed over the Kings. But so did the Pelicans over the Suns.

By J.A. Sherman Apr 11, 2015, 7:10am CDT

The Oklahoma City Thunder got the win they needed at home, defeating the Sacramento Kings. However, the New Orleans Pelicans got the win they also needed, defeating the Phoenix Suns. Combined with the Pelicans' recent loss to the Grizzlies, the standings are all knotted up for the 8th seed as both teams have a record of 43-36. However, as we all know, the Pelicans own the tie-breaker over the Thunder, so OKC must finish at least one game ahead of New Orleans to reclaim their playoff seeding.

In other news, the Spurs have catapulted themselves into the top group of playoff teams by defeating the Houston Rockets, making it 10 wins in a row for the Spurs, as well as 2 in a row against Houston this week alone. Furthermore, the Rockets, who last week were actually in the 2nd seed for about a day, now find themselves in the bottom of the standings, falling all the way to 6th.

The Thunder next play the Indiana Pacers, who themselves are also chasing the 8th seed in the East and are 1 game behind the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, the Pelicans must face the Rockets, who will be looking to regain their upper level seeding. Both sets of games will be tough, but the Pelicans' challenge is more difficult as pressure mounts on them as well.

More: SB Nation explains the Western Conference playoff picture and tiebreakers