Thunder Eye Playoff Success Amid Key Player Concerns

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Following Wednesday night’s victory over the Phoenix Suns, the Oklahoma City Thunder are solidifying their position in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. However, as they prepare for their final two regular-season games, speculation is growing around whether head coach Mark Daigneault should rest key players to ensure they are fully prepared for the postseason.

Despite having a favorable standing in the Western Conference, some analysts suggest that sidelining the main roster could be beneficial, especially considering the numerous injuries the team has faced this season. Yet, experts warn that such a strategy may prove counterproductive, particularly for players who need consistent gameplay to maintain their rhythm.

The absence of guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has highlighted Oklahoma City’s struggle to find offensive consistency. With an average of 21.6 points per game, his scoring ability is crucial for the team’s championship aspirations. Other contributors like Jalen Williams are stepping up, yet the Thunder increasingly rely on their secondary scoring options.

Isaiah Joe, once a reliable bench scorer, is currently experiencing a slump. Over the last four games in March, he has averaged only 4.8 points with a dismal shooting percentage of 30.0 percent. His previous season averages of 10.1 points with 41.3 percent shooting from three seem far away.

This downward trend is concerning as the Thunder head into the playoffs. Experts suggest that Joe must regain his confidence and production over the next couple of games to enter the postseason with momentum.

On the other hand, Chet Holmgren’s performance is equally under scrutiny. Since returning from an extended injury period, Holmgren has displayed moments of brilliance but hasn’t yet found his consistent form. At just 22 years old, his capacity to dominate remains evident, yet his sporadic performances raise questions about his readiness for the playoffs. After an impressive 22-point, 10-rebound performance against the Suns, optimism lingers that he may be finding his rhythm again, but consistency remains elusive.

“He’s not fully himself yet,” Daigneault said, acknowledging the center’s ongoing adjustment. “He’s still figuring out his rhythm.” Coaches and fans are hopeful that if Holmgren can carve out a consistent role, he might emerge as a pivotal factor in the Thunder’s playoff success.

As the Thunder prepare for their next match, they face a crucial rematch with the Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated them 126-99 just days earlier. This time, the game promises to be more contentious, with playoff implications at stake. The Thunder’s home-court advantage at Paycom Center, supported by their league-best 34-6 record, could play a significant role in their performance.

The Lakers boast the talents of superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who each excelled in their last matchup against OKC. James’ strategic gameplay and Doncic’s scoring ability are important threats that the Thunder’s defense must neutralize. Analysts suggest that Gilgeous-Alexander, with his league-leading 32.9 points per game average, is crucial for the Thunder to rebound from their prior loss.

As fans anticipate the playoff journey, all eyes will be on how the Thunder handle the balance between resting players and ensuring they enter the postseason with the necessary momentum to contend for the championship.