Should the Thunder root for the Kings or Pelicans to capture the eighth seed?

The Oklahoma City Thunder watched the first rounds of play-in tournament games as a group at Chet Holmgren’s home, they’ll do the same for the Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans matchup to determine who they will play in the first round as the eighth seed.

After the Thunder clinched the first seed with a 57-25 record, it now awaits to find out who their first-round matchup will be between those two squads. Regardless of who it is, OKC will enter with a health advantage.

The Kings are without Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter. The duo have been two of their best scorers. The Pelicans are without Zion Williamson, who suffered a hamstring strain that will keep him out for several weeks. This is a massive blow to New Orleans, to say the least. He’s been its best player and has enjoyed a career season.

Let’s spell out every argument for both the Pelicans and Kings as to why the Thunder should and shouldn’t favor a matchup against them in the first round of the NBA playoffs.