The Oklahoma City Thunder made it through last season without Kevin Durant on the court and they will have to do the same thing again this year as the star sits out with a hamstring injury. While this issue is not as severe as his last bout with injuries, Durant is expected to be out at least another week or so which puts the Thunder in the hands of Russell Westbrook. Can he carry the team again as they prepare to face off against the Memphis Grizzlies?
The Thunder got a win over the Philadelphia 76ers without Durant on the court, but they fell to the Boston Celtics on Sunday and now need to bounce back against a Grizzlies team that is aiming to also be in the postseason conversation in the Western Conference. Westbrook started strong carrying the team as he recorded two triple doubles, but then he only shot 5 of 20 from the field against the Celtics, scoring 27 points with 15 coming from the free throw line. That is not enough when Serge Ibaka is the only other player in Oklahoma City to get into double figures.
The Thunder are going to need to play their best facing the Memphis Grizzlies who pose a big challenge for the team, especially without Durant on the court. The Grizzlies have won three of their last four meetings with the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, they have not been lock-down wins as the Thunder have averaged 101.1 points per game against the opponents especially without Durant.
The Grizzlies' defensive issues have been a problem this season. However, their offense is thriving as the team is shooting 56.3 percent. Jeff Green is looking strong along with Mike Conley. The point guard hit 7 of 14 from inside the pain against the Portland Trail Blazers while going 4 of 6 from the 3-point line. Green and Conley have been a solid tandem for the Grizzlies while Mario Chalmers made his impact early. The point guard saw action against Portland after being traded from the Heat and put up 11 points. That will give Memphis needed production off the bench moving forward. If Marc Gasol can improve as he has been struggling recently, Memphis should have no issues against Oklahoma City.
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