Why the Thunder will or won't win nine games or fewer.
WHY THEY COULD →102.6 points allowed per game is fifth-most in the league.
→92 points scored per game is second-worst in the league.
→Thunder is shooting a league-worst 42.5 percent from the field and allowing opponents to shoot 47.6 percent, third-highest in the NBA.
→Losses have been by a league-worst 10.6 points per game.
WHY THEY WON'T
→The Thunder is much more competitive under Brooks, trailing by 30 points only once. The team trailed by at least 30 in five of P.J. Carlesimo's final nine games.
→Only two of seven losses under interim coach Scott Brooks have been by double digits.
→The offense has improved, with the Thunder averaging 21.5 assists under Brooks and just 13.6 turnovers. In 13 games under Carlesimo, the Thunder averaged 16.6 assists and a then league-leading 17.0 turnovers.
→There are still 61 games left in the season, plenty of time for the Thunder to improve and notch at least seven more victories.
