Tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET the Oklahoma City Thunder will open the season against the Portland Trailblazers in the second half of an ESPN double-header. Live stream the game free by clicking this link; Oklahoma City fans can find the radio broadcast on WWLS 98.1, while Blazers fans may do the same on Fox Sports 620.
The Thunder open the season racked with injuries, including a lengthy one to reigning MVP Kevin Durant. Joining him on the injured list will be key reserve Reggie Jackson, floor-spacer Anthony Morrow, first-round pick Mitch McGary, and shooting guard Jeremy Lamb. That leaves the scoring and creating burdens on All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook.
Even with extra responsibility on his shoulders, Westbrook doesn't believe his game or role will change. "Just constantly do what I need to do to help us win games," Westbrook said. "Find a way for guys to step up and play together."
Through all the injuries, Thunder coach Scott Brooks sees a squad that remains one of the favorites to contend for a title. "We are close," Brooks said. "We've been close for a few years now. A lot of teams would love to be in this position. It's a very competitive league."
The Blazers surprised many with a red-hot start to the season last year, and rode an elite offense to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. LaMarcus Aldridge emerged as a star, and perhaps the best power forward in the league, and the entire starting five has returned.
"I think we can be good -- we can be really, really good," small forward Wesley Matthews said. "I think we deserve to be talked (about) as contenders in the West. I really believe that."
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