It looks as if the Oklahoma City Thunder are catching the Philadelphia 76ers at exactly the right time.
The Thunder come into Monday’s matchup winners of 14 of their last 18, and five in a row. Since the beginning of December, Oklahoma City owns the second-best record in the NBA at 13-4.
In the latest ESPN Power Rankings, OKC moved up two spots to No. 11, due in part to their success in clutch situations.
The Thunder went 8-1 in two-possession games in that span, they’ve won the most games decided in clutch time this season (16), and they have the best offense in the league in the clutch (125.4 offensive rating).
As for the 76ers, they’re down two spots this week to No. 12.
They’ve lost a season-high four in a row after being swept on their most recent road trip. But the 76ers have fared better at home where they’re 16-2.
One of those two, however, is an overtime loss to Oklahoma City back in November.
Philadelphia will be without rookie Matisse Thybulle on Monday night. He is continuing to work back from the sprained right knee/bone bruise that he suffered December 21 against the Washington Wizards.
Although he was cleared for contact during Saturday’s re-evaluation, he was not made available against Oklahoma City.
OKC and the 76ers tip-off in Philadelphia at 6 p.m. CT on NBATV.