Carmelo Anthony: Thunder Will Make Playoffs, Potentially Play for Championship

Carmelo Anthony doesn't have any concern about the Oklahoma City Thunder missing the playoffs. 

"We'll be there. We'll be there," the 16-year NBA veteran said Wednesday about the postseason, per Royce Young of ESPN. "I think we're confident enough to know that we'll be there. Where? We'll see when that time comes, but I believe we'll be there. It's something we planned on doing when we put this team together."

The Thunder entered Wednesday as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with seven games remaining, although only 3.5 games separate them with the No. 9 spot, which will head to the lottery.

There could be some concern after two losses in the last three games—each of which featured late misses from Anthony—plus a difficult upcoming schedule. Six of the last seven games are against opponents either already in the postseason or competing for a spot.

However, the players believe that simply making the playoffs won't be enough for the team that has been assembled.

"Our expectations was to be the best team we could be with the understanding we have the opportunity to do something great," Anthony said. "And we have an opportunity to make a run in these playoffs and potentially play for a championship.

"That's the goal, that's the ultimate goal."

Oklahoma City was a No. 6 seed last year but added two All-Stars in the offseason between Anthony and Paul George. While Anthony might not be the player he once was, he still helps on the offensive end with 16.3 points per game.

Adding in the contributions of George, Russell Westbrook, Steven Adams and others, there is certainly enough talent on the roster to make a deep run this postseason. According to OddsShark, this team has the sixth-best odds to bring home an NBA title.

Of course, securing a playoff berth needs to be the first priority.