The Oklahoma City Thunder's first-round playoff picture is coming into focus, and only three potential opponents remain. After the initial play-in tournament games, the field has narrowed significantly, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the race for the eighth seed.

The Portland Trail Blazers secured the seventh seed with a hard-fought 114-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns, thanks to a phenomenal 41-point, 12-assist playoff debut from Deni Avdija. Portland will now face the San Antonio Spurs, leaving the Suns with one final chance to claim the last playoff berth.

Phoenix will host the winner of the upcoming Golden State Warriors vs. LA Clippers elimination game. This means the Thunder's first-round adversary will be one of these three: the Suns, the Warriors, or the Clippers.

No matter which team advances, the Thunder enter the series as heavy favorites. Their dominant regular season and recent history of sweeping eighth-seeded opponents in the first round provide a significant confidence boost. As the playoffs begin, all eyes will be on this young, dynamic squad to see if they can translate their regular-season success into a deep postseason run.