OKC Thunder: Russell Westbrook – Joel Embiid: round two of the shade show

Still reeling from the Andre Roberson injury Russell Westbrook and his OKC Thunder head immediately back to the court to complete a back to back set. Yet, perhaps the perfect foil to help re-focus the troops is the opponent awaiting.

No injury comes at an ideal time, you simply don’t want them to happen – period. But, having to immediately get back on the court the day afterward is a tough situation for the OKC Thunder.

Due to the schedule OKC is playing the second night of a back to back set tonight. However, if the Thunder had the option to select a team to help inspire  them tonight’s opponent might be just what the doctor ordered. Aside from perhaps one team in the West, the Philadelphia 76ers are perhaps the most ideal choice. Rather, arguably the star of the 76ers, Joel Embiid would be the perfect option.

Said potential victim  took the OKC Thunder to three overtime frames in Philly earlier this season. More importantly, the teams seemed to ignite a true dislike for one another. In particular several Thunder players took exception to the gregarious Joel Embiid.

An arch enemy?

The first time All-Star is charming, outgoing, talented and inspires anything but indifference. Case in point, during the match in Philly, Emibiid mixed it up with Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook, waved goodbye to Steven Adams when he fouled out and tried to get the fans involved at all key moments in the game.

So, what’s wrong with that right? Nothing. Especially for fans who enjoy a bit of smack talk or the dramatic. The problem is, some players feel Embiid tends to over exaggerate situations while others think the big man’s ego is cashing cheques before they’re written. To wit, NBA player All-Star votes placed Kristaps Porzingis ahead of Embiid.

The center has yet to complete a season worth of games having only played in 67 games in his four seasons. The first two Embiid was out due to injury. Last year was hit and miss with the big man playing in 31 games. In the 2017-18 campaign Embiid has played 36 games The nine games he’s missed are a combination of back to back sets which he hasn’t been cleared to play in yet and a few due to various ailments.

Westbrook vs Embiid:

Although both stars are super talents with generational star status they couldn’t be more different if they tried. While Embiid prefers to talk smack and troll players via social media, he has implied it’s all in good humor.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Westbrook. A player who refuses to shake hands pregame and only rarely interacts post game. And those moments are reserved for players who demonstrate a similar work ethic or ilk to his nature (Donovan Mitchell).

Westbrook plays every second of the game as if his family is being held hostage and their lives depend on his performance. Although there are instances when Westbrook wll play to the crowd, generally those moments are reserved for the Peake and only in crucial momentum changing situations.

Since Westbrook plays full out it’s not like he needs to be reminded to give 100%. Yet, the loss of  Roberson specifically affects OKC’s defense, so the team will need to band together to find a resolution to replace Dre’s defense.

Philadelphia Rising:

Notably, this season the Sixers rank 15th offensively (105.0), 3rd  defensively (102.4) and 8th in net differential (plus +2.6). But during their last 13 games the Sixers are 10-3 and are the hottest squad (stats wise) in the league.

During this period Philly climbed to 7th (109.1) offensively and 2nd (98.5) defensively. Most impressively the 76ers rank first in net differential with a plus +10.5.

The teams Philly faced during this streak are primarily lottery teams though there are some top tier squads in this stretch. Five of those games feature top tier squads although each was either missing a key contributor or a player was was just returning from injury:

• Two wins came against the Spurs. In the first meeting Kawhi Leonard, Rudy Gay, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green  and Tony Parker didn’t play. In the second game at San Antonio was missing Ginobili, Leonard and Gay.
• Philly split the games versus the Celtics, but notably the game they won Boston was without the services of Kyrie Irving.
• Toronto beat Philly in their three previous games and were playing their fifth game in seven days with a 1:00 pm start. Moreover, the four prior games featured overtime, a physical match (Ibaka ejected then suspended), the Cavaliers and a 27 point comeback which was lost to the Warriors just prior to this match. Kyle Lowry returned not fully 100% after missing the three previous games.

This is not to say the Sixers aren’t for real, but they’ve experienced some luck along the way.

The Matchups:

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Steven Adams will be tasked with stopping Embiid and Paul George will likely have the Ben Simmons matchup. Carmelo Anthony will have a tough task guarding Dario Saric who doesn’t get as much praise as he deserves.

Westbrook will be ready, but the fact it’s Embiid’s 76ers might serve to motivate the Thunder. All season OKC tend to save their best (Warriors, Raptors, Cavaliers, Rockets, Wizards)  for the best teams.

Undoubtedly, the loss of Roberson will have far reaching effects on the team moving ahead this season. A win the day after his injury could serve to bolster the confidence of the team and help prepare them for  what lies ahead.

And, if Russ can wave goodbye to Embiid in the process (pun intended), all the better.