Thunder vs Knicks: Pregame Primer

vs.

Thunder (23-22, 10-15 road) vs. Knicks (8-37, 5-17 home)

TV: FS Oklahoma
Stream:  Click here
Radio:  WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 7:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 104.6 (18th), Knicks – 102.0 (24th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.3 (8th), Knicks – 110.8 (28th)

We’re through 45 games and the Thunder is just a game over .500. For reference here’s the team’s record at this points the last 4 seasons:

• 2013-14: 35-10
• 2012-2013: 34-11
• 2011-2012: 29-7 (adjusted to 66-game scale)
• 2010-2011: 29-16

Clearly injuries have affected this season in drastic way, but if those numbers say anything, it’s that when OKC has its horses it can string together wins in bunches. Kevin Durant (a game-time decision for tonight’s game) has now missed 24 games this season. He missed only 16 combined in his first seven years in the league – the majority of those coming in his rookie season after a sprained ankle. Being without Kevin freaking Durant for 53 percent of games for a week isn’t good for a team, but being without him for 53 percent of 13 weeks? That’s enough to make a rival owner pitch “tanking” as an option (there’s a Mark Cuban Shark Tank joke here to be made).

The frustrating part of it all is that sentences like “when” and “if only” as it pertains to the Thunder putting its foot on the gas and shooting up the standings. The potential that this team has realized and seen come to fruition over the last few years is only being talked about as a possible reality down the road. This team can be good right now, if it can just be whole for good. For now, it’s on to snowy New York City for the 8-37 Knicks.

3 Big Things

1. KD OUT (again). Aaaaaand there’s number 25 for the season. Durant will miss tonight with a sprained left big toe. Perry Jones started in Durant’s place on Monday. Tonight, and most nights, there’s no reason to not give Morrow some run with the starters and either move Roberson to small forward or have Anthony in that spot. Either way, Morrow remains the only person not named Durant that can be effective by simply standing in the corner – Perry Jones isn’t that guy.

2. Westbrook. Monday night was a game to forget on all fronts but certainly pertaining to Russ. He couldn’t find his midrange jumper, and when he attacked the rim wasn’t getting the call or the roll — pretty deadly combination for a scorer. Russ can get back on track tonight, and this team will need more heavy usage from him with Durant out.

3. Who guards Melo? My vote is Roberson and a heavy dose. Perry Jones will probably also see some time on Anthony. This would have been a fun night to see Durant and Melo go at one another at The Garden, but you know, injuries and stuff.

Monday’s COTN: “thinking of a post-OKC career for Dion…

Salesman for the new ‘Dion’ waders – once you’ve put them on, nothing goes in” – @funookie

ZINGER.

Tip at 7:00 CT. Go Thunders.

Ryan Woods captains the Pregame Primer ship for DT. Follow him on twitter here.