Oklahoma City Thunder Predictions – NBA Season Preview
The Thunder made it to the Western Conference Finals last season and since they did not make much noise this off-season they will have to be carried by young stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to get back there again.
Odds to win NBA title: +950
Odds to win Western Conference: +340
Odds to win Northwest Division: -250
These 2 need to learn to play better together and Durant may have to demand the ball more when the game is on the line.
One positive thing for the Thunder is that C Kendrick Perkins shed 30 pounds in the off-season and his rebounding and defense will be needed for Oklahoma City to contend for the title. While the Thunder have a great scoring team and can hit the boards their defense, which ranked 18th in the league last season in opponents’ points allowed, is still a concern. Since Oklahoma City is sticking with, pretty much, the same team the Thunder will have to rely on their offense to win games.
James Harden was right behind Lamar Odom in the voting for 6th Man of the Year and he may come off the bench again. He gives OKC instant offense and that is much needed when Durant and Westbrook need a breather. Thabo Sefolosha is penciled to the be the starter at shooting guard if Harden comes off the bench again and he is a defensive stud that is just what the Thunder need since Durant and Westbrook will do most of the scoring. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Power Forward Serge Ibaka had some big games last season and averaging almost 10 ppg and 7 rpg is solid, but his D needs to improve. Perkins will have to solidify the middle so opposing teams are hesitant when they take the rock to the hole.
The Thunder need to get a contract for Westbrook, so that is not a distraction this season and he and Durant have to carry the team. OKC showed that they can score, but defense wins championships and if they can improve their D they have a legit chance to make it to the NBA finals. Many are picking them to do just that, but I am not one of them with the Lakers and Mavs still being THE teams to beat.
Oklahoma City Projected Starting 5
PG Russell Westbrook 21.9 ppg 8.2 apg
SG Thabo Sefolosha 5.1 ppg
SF Kevin Durant 27.7 ppg 6.8 rpg
PF Serge Ibaka 9.9 ppg 7.6 rpg
C Kendrick Perkins 6 ppg 8 rpg
Who’s In
Reggie Jackson (Drafted No. 24)
Daequan Cook (re-signed)
Lazar Hayward (from Timberwolves)
Who’s Out
Byron Mullens (to Bobcats)
Robert Vaden (to Timberwolves)
Outlook: I think the Thunder will be just as good as last season, but not good enough. They will make the Western Conference finals and win the Northwest Division, but they will not advance to the Finals.
Projected Win Total: 45 (out of 66 wins)
