Russell Westbrook Believes Thunder Will Make Playoffs Despite Recent Struggles

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 1-4 in their last five games after Tuesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors, but Russell Westbrook explained after the game that he isn't worried about missing the playoffs, per Royce Young of ESPN.com:

"We're not worried about that," the guard said in reference to making the playoffs. "We're just going to take one game at a time. We'll be here in the postseason ready to go."

About two weeks ago, the Thunder appeared to be not only ready to easily make the playoffs but also earn home-court advantage in the first round. Six wins in a row had them sitting at 43-29 and ahead of a crowded group in the middle of the Western Conference.

But the team has five losses in its last seven games, all by four points or fewer.

Now Oklahoma City is in the sixth spot at 45-34, just 1.5 games clear of the ninth-place Denver Nuggets after Tuesday's games. There are only three games left in the season, but the next two are on the road against squads that have already clinched playoff spots (Houston and Miami).

Considering only four games separate the No. 4 team in the West and the No. 10, there will be a serious battle for the eight playoff spots.

Still, the Thunder aren't concerned with the prospect of missing the playoffs.

"I think we're confident enough to know that we'll be there," Carmelo Anthony said of the postseason last Wednesday, per Young.

There is some breathing room with the Timberwolves and Pelicans also struggling, but making the playoffs won't be as easy as the Thunder players are letting on.