Despite not playing on Thursday night, other NBA games still had an impact on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s future, particularly in terms of playoff seeding and draft positioning. The Thunder is likely to have just one pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, with two picks already traded and another not expected to convey due to protections. The Rockets’ performance at the end of the season has been closely watched by the Thunder since they will likely have Houston’s pick.
The Rockets needed to catch the Golden State Warriors to secure the No. 10 seed in the West and reach the NBA Play-In Tournament, which would affect the Thunder’s draft position. If Houston finishes as the 12th worst team, as seems likely, the Thunder will pick 12th overall. There is a small chance of the Houston pick landing in the top four, but the odds suggest it is unlikely. Regardless, the Thunder is expected to pick in the 12th spot in the draft, which presents an opportunity to land a quality talent.
While this draft class may not have clear franchise-altering stars at the top, there is expected to be variability in each team’s draft board. This variability could benefit the Thunder in finding a quality player even with a late lottery pick. In 2022, the Thunder selected Jalen Williams with the No.12 pick, who has since become a rising star and key player on the team. The finalization of lottery odds will occur at the end of the regular season, with the lottery taking place on May 12 ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft on June 26.
The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers, who are currently above and below the Thunder in the Western Conference standings, played a game that will likely impact playoff seeding. While the Thunder will have just one pick in the draft, the performance of other teams and the outcome of certain games can affect their draft position. The Rockets’ performance at the end of the season has been closely monitored as the Thunder is likely to have their pick.
The Rockets needed to surpass the Golden State Warriors to secure a playoff spot, which would impact the Thunder’s draft position. If the Rockets finish as the 12th worst team, the Thunder will likely pick 12th overall. While there is a small chance of the Houston pick landing in the top four, the odds suggest it is unlikely. Regardless, the Thunder is expected to pick in the 12th spot, providing them with an opportunity to add a quality talent to their roster. The official lottery odds will be finalized at the end of the regular season, with the actual lottery taking place in May ahead of the draft in June.