Thunder Forecast: Nov 30
Welcome to December, Thunderheads. Your team sits at 9-8, currently good enough for a playoff spot. Whether the Thunder will stay in that spot remains to be seen. This team came into the season with a great deal of hype about their potential, but still were not expected to make the playoffs. Scott Brooks has got this team to play some serious defense, with Oklahoma City in the top 10 in most significant defensive categories. The first week of December will be a short one for OKC, as there are only two games on the slate. Last week, I was correct in my prediction of 2-1 (the first week that I predicted a winning record). The Thunder had strong showings against the Jazz and young Bucks (see what I did there?), but feel in a sad way to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets have beaten the Thunder 12 straight times dating back to the Sonics days (13 if you count the preseason). This will be a great week to get in some practice time and rest some of the ailing big men.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 7PM CT @ Philadelphia 76ers (5-12) FSOK
Rumors are running rampant in 
the Philly. Allen Iverson has been expected to sign with the 76ers for a few days now, and then Coach Eddie Jordan comes out and says that he and the GM have not even discussed the potential move. This is a very interesting situation. Either way, this is a bad team that lost its best players. Sure, Lou Williams is a stud, but Thad Young is having a rough year to far and Elton Brand and Mo Speights are both currently sitting in street clothes with injuries. If the Thunder don’t romp in this one, they should have their pulse checked. Anything can happen in the NBA on any given night, but the 76ers are just begging to roll over and give up.
Friday, December 4, 2009, 7PM CT vs. Boston Celtics (13-4) FSOK
The trip to Oklahoma City will be one of a few stops on an upcoming road trip for the Celtics. This sort of situation could play into the hands of the ordinarily over-matched Thunder. Boston looks like the toast of the league
again this year, with Kevin Garnett fully healthy. In order to beat such a strong team, OKC will have to play that excellent defense that we have seen from them so far, and shoot the lights out. If they let Boston get a lead on them, it may be all but over. The Celtics have less depth than some of the other elite squads, so hopefully James Harden and Serge Ibaka can cut into any lead built up by the Celtics while Durant and Westbrook are off of the floor.
Prediction (1-1)
If the Thunder really do believe that they are a playoff team, they will need to show it against the lowly Sixers. Like I said, Philly is just waiting for an excuse to lose, and their decimating injuries and lack of organizational direction might be just that reason. The Thunder need to pounce in a big way (can Thunder pounce?)
Boston will be a tough nut to crack for any team. Hopefully Boston will have a bit of jet lag when they arrive and the run and gun style of Scott Brooks and Russell Westbrook will be too much for them to handle. I doubt it, but you have to dream sometime. Even in a loss, this will be a great experience for the young players and even the fans. It is not every day that an elite NBA squad and recent league champion visits the Ford Center. Get your tickets now.
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