The Oklahoma City Thunder were ousted from last year’s playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks but the experience appears to have matured this young team as they’ve raced out to a 5-0 start. Kevin Durant has been masterful in the early going averaging 27.4 points per game as Russell Westbrook and James Harden continue to develop as complementary talents on the offensive end. Durant is also leading the team in rebounds as Kendrick Perkins focuses his efforts primarily on defending down low. Serge Ibaka has also been contributing in a number of ways averaging 2.2 blocks per game to limit activity from the opposition in the paint. Oklahoma City is also getting bench production from players like Daequan Cook who is shooting 57.1% from long range to start the year and coming off a 4-5 effort last game against Phoenix.
The Dallas Mavericks gutted a couple key pieces from their roster by trading away Center Tyson Chandler and bench spark JJ Barea. New to the mix are Lamar Odom who makes plenty of sense and Vince Carter which is a head scratcher of unfathomable proportions. The core of Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, and Shawn Marion can still offer up solid veteran minutes but you really have to wonder what direction this team is headed in what looks to be a Championship hangover season. The Mavericks best of their four early losses did come against this very Thunder team though in a game where Dallas lost on the final possession to a late Kevin Durant three pointer.
The Mavericks lost on the road last night at Minnesota and the back-to-back situation doesn’t figure to suit this team of veterans but it is still early in the season which may mute the phenomenon. Oklahoma City has shown vulnerability due to Russell Westbrook’s unrefined decision making in key situations which could serve to elevate Dallas’ efforts as the mentally stronger team. I think this one plays down to the wire which means the points are a big consideration in the pick. Check back when the spread is released.- http://sportschatplace.com
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