Although Kevin Durant being out with an injury may seem like a big advantage to the Sixers in their game in Friday, it actually puts them at a huge disadvantage, because now they have a huge weapon to contain in Russell Westbrook.
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ABOUT THE THUNDER (5-3): Westbrook exploded without Durant around last season and ripped off a string of triple-doubles, but the team faded down the stretch and missed out on the playoffs. After a couple steps, he grabbed the back of his leg, above the knee, and winced a little in pain.
At that point, the team said Durant’s hamstring will be re-evaluated.
Before his latest injury, the 27-year-old player only participated in 27 games last season, after having three surgeries to fix a Jones fracture in his right foot.
The Sixers haven’t beat the Thunder since 2008, which ironically was Westbrook’s first season in the league.
The Philadelphia 76ers have lost an embarrassing eight straight games, and are now the only team left in the league that has not obtained a win yet.
His 21 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists led OKC to a comfortable 102-85 win over Philadelphia.
As expected, Durant has been one of the best players to start the 2015-2016 National Basketball Association Season logging in 28.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 blocked shots per game in eight outings so far this season. Expect the power forward to continue averaging 32 minutes, 12.2 points, and 9.8 rebounds per game as he did during the beginning of the regular season. For those holding their breath at the news of another injury to the 2014 MVP, Billy Donovan says you can let the air out. It has been nearly seven years since the Sixers defeated the Thunder. In the 2nd half of the Wizards game, he wanted to start Dion Waiters, but an upset stomach prevented Waiters from making it back out on the floor before the third quarter started.
Turnovers – Turnovers are like candy to young, athletic teams who happen to be struggling.
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This game looks easier on the surface for Philly with Durant out, but don’t be fooled.
