Lily Maxwell
The Oklahoma City Thunder return to Paycom Center Friday night with the race for the No. 1 overall seed tightening.
Oklahoma City hosts the Chicago Bulls as the Thunder try to maintain separation from the San Antonio Spurs, who have won 23 of their last 25 games.
The Thunder enter Friday at 57-16, two games ahead of San Antonio for the top spot in both the Western Conference and the NBA overall.
Despite Wednesday’s loss in Boston snapping a 12-game winning streak, Oklahoma City has still won 15 of its last 17 games since the All-Star break.
Thunder vs. Bulls: Where/how to watch
Matchup: Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder
Date: Friday, March 27
Time: 7 p.m. CT
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
TV: FanDuel Sports Network
No. 1 seed matters
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of securing home-court advantage.
“It’s very important and not just in the West, in the whole playoffs,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We needed Game 7 at home against Denver (last year) … and then we needed it against Indiana to win the championship, so it’s as important as everything and every team in the NBA that makes the playoffs knows that.”
Gilgeous-Alexander also welcomes the competitive finish to the regular season.
“Last year I had too much time off before the playoff game and the last game I played in the regular season, so I think I was a little bit rusty going into the playoffs,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “And I just love to play, so I’ll get a chance to go out there and play a few more games, which will be fun.”
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Thunder getting healthier
Wednesday’s game in Boston marked the first time this season Oklahoma City had its full rotation available. Jalen Williams continues working back after missing extended time with a hamstring injury.
“It’s not going to be linear but we’re happy to have him back and get him in some of these games and get him back acclimated,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “He’s played high-level games for a young player, so I’m really not worried about the performance as much as I am getting him out there, getting his feet wet again, and getting him ready to go as we ramp up toward the playoffs.”
The Thunder now have nine games remaining before the playoffs begin April 18.
Bulls fighting for postseason survival
Chicago enters Friday at 29-43 and has lost 18 of its last 23 games. The Bulls are coming off a 20-point loss to Philadelphia.
A loss to Oklahoma City would eliminate Chicago from postseason contention.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan has also been linked to the North Carolina coaching opening.
“My main focus is on these guys and this new team,” Donovan said. “I understand that there’s stuff out there, and I understand there is going to be certain speculation, but I have to concentrate on this group.”
Oklahoma City won the first meeting 116-108 in Chicago on March 3 despite being without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell.
Thunder injury report
Out
• Chet Holmgren — Right hip contusion
• Thomas Sorber — Right ACL, surgical recovery
Playoff positioning
Western Conference (Projected)
- Thunder
- Spurs
- Lakers
- Nuggets
- Timberwolves
- Rockets
The Thunder have already clinched a playoff berth and now focus on securing the No. 1 overall seed and home-court advantage throughout the postseason.
Key postseason dates• NBA Play-In Tournament: April 14-17
• NBA Playoffs begin: April 18
• NBA Finals Game 1: June 3
