Shai Gilgeous Alexander Leads Thunder to Playoffs

The defending champions clinched a top-six seed in the West with Tuesday’s win over Orlando, becoming the first team to guarantee a playoff spot. Oklahoma City remains the league’s best team by net rating at 10.7, driven by stingy defense and the MVP-caliber play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averages 31.6 points and 6.7 assists. The Thunder have managed this despite Jalen Williams being out since February with a hamstring strain, and his return would make OKC an even clearer favorite to emerge from the West. Merlin sees a team built for playoff pain and reward. The Thunder pair elite defense with Shai’s scoring peak, but the West is crowded with hungry challengers from San Antonio, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver and Minnesota. Health and matchup luck will shape how far the crown holders travel.