New Jersey Nets Vs Oklahoma City Thunder Live Odds NBA Match

The Oklahoma City Thunder are trying to earn a spot in the postseason for the first time in five years. A solid stretch run could have them hosting a first-round series.

Oklahoma City looks for another dominant defensive effort and a fourth straight win Friday night when it hosts a New Jersey Nets team with the league’s worst offense.

The Thunder (39-24) are tied with Phoenix for fifth in the Western Conference, 2 1/2 games behind Utah for the fourth seed and home-court advantage in the first round. The Oklahoma City franchise hasn’t appeared in the postseason since the Seattle SuperSonics went 52-30 and won the Northwest Division in 2004-05.

Oklahoma City has won 15 of 18 behind a defense that is among the league’s best in points allowed (96.3) and field goal percentage (44.0).

The Thunder improved to 23-2 when holding teams to 94 points or fewer after limiting the Hornets to 57 in the final three quarters.

“Tonight was another indication that if we just play with focus and all five guys are engaged defensively we make teams make the extra pass and make tough shots to score,” coach Scott Brooks told the team’s official Web site.