The Oklahoma City Thunder have not had the best start to the 2014-2015 NBA season, as they lost star player Kevin Durant before the season started and now Russell Westbrook for at least four weeks. There is no doubt that the Thunder will struggle in a very competitive Western Conference until around Christmas, But how much trouble is the team really in?
Kevin Durant (right) and Russell Westbrook (left)
Without Durant and Westbrook there is no way the Thunder can keep up with the other teams in the west, but they will have to keep it close to give them a chance for a top seed later in the season. Fortunately for the Thunder they get a little rest rest after opening the season with four games in five nights, However they play the red-hot Grizzlies later this week.
After the Grizzlies game the Thunder will have to go up against other talented teams like the Suns, Cavaliers, Celtics, Spurs, and many other. Winning these games without their star players will be really tough, but if they can keep these games close then they could sneak one or two them away. Winning one of these huge games without Durant and Westbrook would be huge for the Thunder and would give them some much needed momentum.
Overall the Thunder will struggle to stay in the top half of the West during this stretch, but with a healthy Durant and Westbrook in the second half of the season look for this team to bounce back and maybe contest for a the top spot in the West. It will be a long road for the Thunder, but if there is any team in that NBA that can overcome this, it’s the Thunder.
By: Travis Smith
The Sports Headquarters 