An offseason ended with the Thunder appearing as vulnerable since the Conference teams they were supposed to have an edge on.
\nKevin Durant foot has been the blow, but Anthony Morrow sprained his MCL. Reggie Jackson rolled an arm, and Jeremy Lamb’s back flared up.
\nInjuries are a part of each preseason and summer slate, and they’re bad news for everyone. But for OKC, a team in position to make the most of the Clippers’ minimal improvement and the theoretical decline of San Antonio, maladies’ onrush was particularly ill-timed.
\nThe window of the Thunder is by no means closed. Fully healthy, they’re a danger to knock off absolutely anyone. And when there are no lingering effects from the present laundry list of accidents (Durant’s specifically ), they might even be favorites in the conference at that time the postseason rolls around.
\nAt precisely the exact same time, Oklahoma City’s playoff positioning could hurt. Heading into the dance for a No. 4 seed leaves reaching the final round a whole lot harder. So second-year breakout candidate Steven Adams and Russell Westbrook Ibaka must compensate for their lost teammates’ production.
\nIts footing is more shaky than expected, although OKC belongs on the competing pedestal.<\/p>\n