– Last Updated on November 21, 2022 4:44 pm
2015-16 NBA Previews – Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have arguably one of the best, if not the best, 1-2 punch in the NBA. Kevin Durant (25.4 PPG) and Russell Westbrook (28.1 PPG) are in their biggest season for the Thunder. Why is this so important?
NBA Team Analysis
2015 NBA Standings
NBA Power Rankings
Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For Today
Bet Now!Oklahoma City Thunder Season Preview
Head Coach: Billy Donovan
2014 Record: 45-37
Cavaliers Odds to NBA Title: +850
Cavaliers Odds to Win Conference: +400
After another season that was unsuccessful (due to injuries to both Durant and Westbrook) the Thunder are in desperate need of a winning and very successful campaign here in 2015. Should the Thunder underperform or not succeed at all this year, Durant and Westbrook may look elsewhere in search of a Championship.
Thunder Strengths:
Oklahoma City has the depth and talent to really compete in the NBA Western Conference. While it is typically a cluttered conference, the Thunder are one of the best teams in terms of a good offensive and defensive balance.
“Prime” time
The Thunder’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are both just turning 27 years of age and are both in their prime. While injuries plagued both of them in 2014-2015, both are healthy and 100% entering this season.
The duo has the ability to make plays off the dribble and hit jump shots from essentially anywhere on the court.
Check out the free sports picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
Fresh Start
Following a failed attempt to make the playoffs last season, the Thunder parted ways with head coach Scott Brooks and brought in Bill Donovan from Florida.
Donovan led the Gators to two National Championships and offers a whole new style of offense in Oklahoma City. Donovan spent the off-season with Durant and Westbrook to build chemistry.
Thunder Weaknesses:
Like many teams, the health status is a major concern for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The main health concerns come from their two star players.
[dfads params=’groups=226&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant had 3 surgeries over a 6 month span last season following his fracture in training camp.
Combine that with a sprained ankle and injured toe and Durant has a lot of problems to recover from. He missed 55 games last season which led to the majority of the offensive load being placed in the hands of Russell Westbrook, when he was healthy.
The Rest
Durant’s 55 games weren’t the only disaster dealt with in terms of injuries for Oklahoma City.
Serge Ibaka missed 18, Adams missed 12, Westbrook missed 15, Nick Collison missed 16, Roberson missed 15 and Mitch McGary missed 50
Thunder 2015 Betting Prediction:
With the off-season to get everyone back or at least near 100%, the Thunder are poised for a solid year. Should they remain healthy throughout, expect the OKC to be a top 1 or 2 team in the Western Conference.
Cavaliers Key Personnel Losses:
- Jeremy Lamb (trade), Perry Jones III (trade)
The losses for the Thunder really don’t hurt them. The Thunder did an exceptional job in drafting replacements for the two as it seemed like Lamb and Jones never fit into the style of offense with Durant and Westbrook.
Check out the free NBA basketball picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
Cavaliers Top Newcomers:
- Cameron Payne (draft), Josh Huestis
Drafted 14th overall out of Michigan State, Payne offers a compliment of scoring and rebounding that the Thunder extremely need.
Payne will be able to work well within the offense and will see a great deal of minutes early this season.
The 2015 NBA futures betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on NBA football, you are in the best possible place for online betting. CappersPicks.com has NBA odds a ton of futures posted including NBA basketball lines up for division and conference futures as well.
Check out our Updated Daily NBA Odds.
And…as always click here to view our top cappers NBA BASKETBALL daily plays!