OKC Thunder statement win offers ample reason to give thanks – key takeaways

That said the added depth the OKC Thunder have utilized while Westbrook was out isn’t quite as deep today. Obviously, both Diallo and Ferguson injuries would indicate they’ll miss time and likely a couple of weeks as a first guesstimate.

With a more difficult stretch of schedule looming this isn’t an ideal time for injuries, but things could be worse. Speaking to the squad’s depth for the first time in three seasons Billy Donovan has more options he can turn to in Terrance Ferguson and Hamidou Diallo’s absences.

• Alex Abrines hopefully returns sooner than later from his noted respiratory illness.
• Dennis Schroder can pick up additional playing time as a starter, reserve or likely a marriage of a bit of both.
• Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot has demonstrated some positives and negatives. Yet, consistent playing time for TLC would be ideal so he can develop chemistry and learn the system better.
• Abdel Nader could get some run and if the rumors of his 3-point efficiency are true that isn’t a bad thing.
• Raymond Felton (scary monsters) could pick up more run with the bench.
• And finally, two-way G-League star Deonte Burton can be utilized more. Personally, I’d rather this option to Felton.

The schedule has been kind to OKC with another relatively easy two to three weeks in store. Granted some tough squads are in the queue but they are intermixed with several lottery or underperforming teams.

Specifically, the next 20 games can be broken down as follows:

• 11 road games versus 9 home contests
• 7 currently seeded playoff teams (2 East, 5 West)
• However, there are several opponents who aren’t currently seeded but expected to be among final seeds such as the Pelicans, Jazz and Wolves.

This 20 game stretch takes OKC through to January 2. With more good fortune both Ferguson and Diallo will return well ahead of that date. And, maybe — just maybe Andre Roberson will be back as well by then.