When Chet Holmgren was ruled out for the season during the offseason, many, including BD Cricket Live, believed the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rebuild would be delayed yet again. A young and developing team missing its top draft prospect seemed destined for another quiet, transitional year. But life, as they say, always finds a way — and in this case, that way was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
After the departure of Paul George, the team pivoted toward youth and development, and Alexander seized the spotlight. Not only has he delivered historic scoring performances, but he’s also proven himself as a capable leader, driving the Thunder to a string of unexpected victories over top-tier teams. In a pivotal clash against the Phoenix Suns, Alexander once again delivered a superstar showing. Despite Devin Booker’s offensive eruption, Alexander stayed composed and led the Thunder to a comeback win in dramatic fashion.
This victory was not just a morale booster — it solidified OKC’s position in the eighth seed of the Western Conference and narrowed the gap between the Thunder and the Suns. BD Cricket Live noted that beyond the Thunder’s own playoff aspirations, their success could have broader implications for the Western Conference playoff race, particularly benefiting the LA Clippers. With the Thunder pushing Phoenix down the standings, the Clippers might find themselves in a more favorable position to secure home-court advantage — a crucial edge if they meet the Suns in the first round.
Such a shift could subtly but significantly impact the entire Western Conference playoff picture — and even the championship race itself. After all, home-court advantage often makes the difference in tightly contested matchups.
Meanwhile, the Lakers — one of the league’s most storied franchises — continue to struggle. Despite parting ways with Russell Westbrook, which has slightly improved team chemistry, the deep hole they dug early in the season still haunts them. Hovering near the play-in zone, the Lakers are now treading a fine line. One misstep could easily derail their hopes of reaching the postseason.
To address this, BD Cricket Live suggests the Lakers must aggressively pursue roster upgrades. Bringing in veteran players on minimum contracts could be key. Experience matters down the stretch, and adding seasoned talent might be the missing piece for their play-in push. As the Thunder surge and disrupt the standings, the Lakers must act quickly — or risk being left behind.