Apr 26, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
It’s only been 8 games into their new campaign, but the Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves in a daunting, yet familiar territory. The team announced that franchise forward Kevin Durant would be sidelined for at least 7 to 10 days after suffering a strained left hamstring in the 2nd quarter of OKC’s 125-101 win over the Washington Wizards.
Durant, who was forced to sit out 55 games last season due to foot injuries, finds himself battling through yet another frustrating injury. It’s been a promising start to the season for KD, who boasts a blistering 28.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in his first 8 games this season.
What does this mean for the Thunder?
It calls for an encore presentation of the Russell Westbrook show we were all fortunate enough to witness last season. If it were any other team in the league, you’d have legitimate reasons to panic. However, a starting five and bench loaded with talent should be able to navigate the next week or so of games until Durant returns.
Upcoming Games (11/11/15 – 11/21/15)
Nov.13 vs 76ers – The Thunder welcome the lowly Sixers to the Chesapeake Energy Arena. This game should be one of those you chalk up as a win, but Philadelphia still has the likes of rookie sensation Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel who’ve both managed to be one of the few bright spots of this struggling organization.
Result: Win
Nov.15 vs Celtics – The homestand continues as the Thunder take on the Celtics. This game is poised to be one which tests Billy Donovan and his KD-less squad. Isaiah Thomas has been on a tear thus far, averaging 21.7 PPG and 5.8 APG off the bench. Not to mention, you’ve still got Kelly Olynyk, Avery Bradley, and Marcus Smart who are more than capable of stringing together points if not defended properly.
I see this one being a high scoring tilt, with a chance of an OT sighting. The Thunder have got more than enough firepower in the paint and at the guard position to stave off any real chance of a Celtics upset.
Result: Win
Nov.16 @ Grizzlies – The Thunder WOULD have to pay a visit to the FedEx Forum while dealing with the aftermath of the KD injury. Perfect. Dave Joerger and the Grizzlies have had a worrisome start to their season as they have won just three of their first eight games. But even through all the struggles, the Grizzlies always get up for games against the Thunder. Their renowned defensive schemes and experience playing (and losing) against the Thunder give them that edge that most teams really don’t have against OKC.
Without KD, the Thunder lack that bail out option on offense, and with the bench still struggling to get it together, I foresee a long night for the team.
Result: Loss
Nov.18 vs Pelicans – Remember when we were all riding the Anthony Davis wave and had the Pelicans as a potential playoff team? Well, the team has just one win in their first seven games and the quality of play in that period has been dismal. Anthony Davis is still doing Anthony Davis things (24 PPG, 9 RPG, 2 BLKS) but the roster around him hasn’t had the edge we saw last season when it beat out the Thunder for the eighth seed last season.
This game could also mark the return of KD if he’s healed up enough in the early part of his 7 to 10 day initial prognosis. With or without KD, I mark this game as victory for the Thunder. The Westbrook show alone should be terrible news for New Orleans, let alone a confident Dion Waiters and a more involved Enes Kanter.
Result: Win
Nov.20 vs Knicks – If the Durantula ends up being on the mend for the entire 10 day period, then we’ve all been robbed of a vintage Kevin Durant versus Carmelo Anthony matchup. I’ve watched a few Knicks games this season and hey, they aren’t as bad as we all thought they’d be coming out of the gates. Kristaps Porzingis has easily detonated the bust stereotype usually associated with European players selected as high as him (so far) and overall, this team is playing with a structure and effort that was nonexistent last season.
I counted the loss at MSG last season as one of the critical ones to blame for OKC’s early offseason, so I fully expect this Thunder team to come out guns blazing.
Result: Win
There’re no reason the Thunder can’t go 4-1 during the five games that Durant is slated to miss. As much as it may seem as a curse, this latest injury news might be a blessing for Thunder as they look to find a better bench rotation and reinvigorate some of the starters in KD’s absence.