What's the toughest matchup for the OKC Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs?
The OKC Thunder has guaranteed itself a spot in the playoffs, but its first-round opponent is far from certain.
With four games left in its regular-season schedule, OKC (53-25) is third in the Western Conference standings and one game behind both Minnesota and Denver for the top spot.
The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas are in fourth and fifth place, respectively, although neither team is likely to fall into the 6-10 range.
That leaves five opponents that could realistically face OKC in the first round. Here's a look at how they rank in terms of matchup difficulty for the Thunder.
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Toughest first-round playoff matchups for the OKC Thunder
5. Sacramento Kings
Record: 45-33 (Eighth in the West)
Regular-season series: Sacramento, 2-1 (one game remaining)
OKC isn't going to find an easy first-round matchup in a stacked Western Conference, but Sacramento would be the closest thing to it.
The Kings are without two key scorers in Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter. Monk was ruled out for 4-6 weeks on March 30 due to a sprained right MCL, while Huerter was ruled out for the season on Wednesday after he underwent successful surgery to repair a torn left labrum.
Domantas Sabonis would be a handful for Chet Holmgren down low, and even a strong defender such as Lu Dort would have his hands full against De'Aaron Fox. Still, OKC should be able to defeat a short-handed Sacramento team that isn't consistent enough on defense.
Prediction: OKC, 4-1
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4. Golden State Warriors
Record: 43-35 (10th in the West)
Regular-season series: OKC, 3-1
Golden State won a championship just two seasons ago, and most of its rotational players from that run are still on the roster.
But age has proven to be a factor for the Warriors, who entered the season as the fourth-oldest team in the NBA. It also doesn't have a traditional, rim-protecting center who can deter elite drivers such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
Golden State should be feared because of its overwhelming advantage over OKC in the experience department. But the Warriors won't be able to keep up with the young, fast and athletic Thunder.
Prediction: OKC, 4-1
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3. New Orleans Pelicans
Record: 46-32 (Seventh in the West)
Regular-season series: OKC, 2-1
The Pelicans are in the middle of the pack because of the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Ingram's status.
The star forward has missed New Orleans' last nine games due to a left knee bone contusion, and the team is 4-5 during that stretch. But Ingram was cleared to begin individual on-court workouts on Sunday, and it's hard to imagine him not giving it a go in the playoffs.
New Orleans has numerous scoring options such as Ingram, Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, and it ranks fifth in defensive rating (111.8) thanks to guys such as Herb Jones and Dyson Daniels. But Jonas Valanciunas would struggle to defend the pick and roll, and the Pelicans are just 6-9 in games decided by five points or less.
Prediction: OKC, 4-2
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2. Phoenix Suns
Record: 46-32 (Sixth in the West)
Regular-season series: OKC, 3-0
OKC won all three of its regular-season games against Phoenix by an average of 15.3 points. It even earned a 25-point win without Gilgeous-Alexander on March 29.
Still, a team with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal shouldn't be taken lightly. And Jusuf Nurkic is capable of feasting on the glass against an OKC team that ranks 27th in rebounds per game (41.6).
Everything could click for Phoenix, but that's what it would take for a first-round upset. OKC should win thanks to its edge in floor spacing and depth.
Prediction: OKC, 4-2
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1. Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 45-34 (Ninth in the West)
Regular-season series: Los Angeles, 3-1
No team should strike more fear in OKC's heart than Los Angeles, which is 8-2 in its last 10 games.
The Lakers check off all the boxes of a team that can give the Thunder problems. They have championship experience, an elite rim protector in Anthony Davis and, of course, LeBron James.
Los Angeles got hot last postseason and made it all the way from the play-in tournament to the Western Conference Finals. And while OKC can cause problems of its own with its speed and shot creators, this is still a matchup it should avoid.
Prediction: OKC, 4-3
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder: Ranking toughest NBA Playoff first-round matchups
