This week in the NBA: Clippers are soaring whilst Thunder hang on

Odds and preview ahead of the NBA action

The light is at the end of the tunnel as we close in on the NBA Play-Offs at the end of this month.

For some, the close season can’t come soon enough. The New York Knicks have been tanking for a while in the East, while LeBron James has put his feet up at Los Angeles Lakers and has entered recruitment.

On the flip side, we now have the eight qualified teams confirmed in the West, with three more to firm up in the East.

Stick around as we delve into the crazy world of the NBA…

Winners

LA Clippers

Clippers continue their surge having won eight of their last nine games, securing their play-off status early last week.

They are a team with young stars Ivica Zubac and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in their ranks. But it’s credit to coach Doc Rivers who has kept them pretty consistent all year.

The LA-based side could drop down the pecking order as they face games against Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors in their last few games.

But whilst the attention has been on the Lakers this season, it could be the Clippers that have the last laugh.

Losers

Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder have five more games to haul themselves out of eighth-place and to avoid playing reigning champions Golden State Warriors.

OKC may have fancied their chances when Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were on the same side.