Thunder playoff standings: Oklahoma City falls to Grizzlies, Pelicans catch up

The Oklahoma City Thunder fell to the Memphis Grizzlies on the road 100-92. As a result of the loss, the Thunder fall to 42-34 on the season and are in a virtual tie with the New Orleans Pelicans for the 8th seed in the Western Conference. OKC still technically remains a half-game up, but that is by virtue of playing one extra game so far. The Pelicans own the head-to-head tie breaker, so OKC must finish a game ahead of them in order to make the playoffs.

The Thunder's current road is a difficult one, as they have now lost 2 games in a row to playoff teams, and face 2 more championship contenders in the Rockets and Spurs. Two more losses could put the Pelicans multiple games up in the standings if New Orleans can win. However, that is no guarantee, as the 'Cans face their own challenges, facing the Trail Blazers on the road followed by Golden State and Memphis. They close out the season having to face the Rockets and Spurs. To both the Thunder and Pelicans' detriment, outside of the Warriors, every other team will be likely playing to win in order to secure a favorable playoff spot.

In other news, the Spurs won by 30 again, as did Portland. They, along with the Clippers, are in a virtual dead heat for the 4-5-6 spot, and trail the Rockets and Grizzlies by only 2 games in the loss column for the 2-3 seeds.

NBA standings and stats via NBA.com/stats