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LaMelo Ball will play for the Charlotte Hornets in their matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 21, boosting the team despite multiple other injuries. Ball has been crucial for the Hornets with an average of 25.

The Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. This is the season's second matchup between the squads. Last time they met, OKC did just enough to get a win over Charlotte on Dec. 28.

It's been known for a while, but the Oklahoma City Thunder officially clinched the West's first seed for the 2025 NBA playoffs. The Los Angeles Lakers ' loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday sealed that spot.

It’s the second straight season the Thunder have been the top seed in the West. Unlike 2023-24, when their playoff seeding was still up in the air until the very last game of the season, they have clinched the No. 1 seed in ’24-25 with 13 regular season games remaining.

The NBA doesn't hand out a trophy for the best regular-season record like hockey, but its prize for the achievement is the next best thing. The better record between the two squads in the NBA Finals will enjoy homecourt advantage as they chase a championship.