Westbrook injury..

[Malik Hairston]

Stay tuned..hopefully it's a broken hand, tbh, Spurs would have a red carpet to the championship..

[SupremeGuy]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=18403&dateline=1412300993

[100%duncan]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=18403&dateline=1412300993

[InRareForm]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=18403&dateline=1412300993

[Dex]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=18403&dateline=1412300993

[Cry Havoc]

Would a broken hand take that long to heal?

[rogues]

Would a broken hand take that long to heal?
It's his shooting hand..if it's not broken, it'll still be one of those lingering injuries, imo..

[Dex]

Would a broken hand take that long to heal?

C-c-c-c-Combo Breaker!

[Malik Hairston]

It's his shooting hand..if it's not broken, it'll still be one of those lingering injuries, imo..

Sorry for the disrespect, my nigga, but anything it takes to win, you know?:lol..

[rogues]

Sorry for the disrespect, my nigga, but anything it takes to win, you know?:lol..
Nontaken..competition is competition..

[SpurPadre]

Fuck that, I derive great pleasure at beating those fuckers at full-strength.

[Sean Cagney]

Fuck that, I derive great pleasure at beating those fuckers at full-strength.

You are correct. I hope he is FINE, and that is not just because I have him on my fantasy team :lol

[Dverde]

This will give future hall of famer Steven Adams the spotlight he needs for league MVP. Unleash Magnum OKC!

[tmtcsc]

Does not matter. That team aint going anywhere, anyway, anyhow, with the Spurs in the same conference. They didn't improve over the summer and I expected them to be worse even at full strength. This season will be all about staying healthy and hungry.

[SpurPadre]

You are correct. I hope he is FINE, and that is not just because I have him on my fantasy team :lol

Ouch, that's why I don't do fantasy basketball. I'd never want to root for assholes like him, lol.

[Malik Hairston]

Damn, Thunder are missing Spurs-killer Ugly Jackson, Durant(with an injury that could affect his career going forward), Jeremy Ostrich, and now Westbrook..some awful luck with injuries..

[Mikeanaro]

WTF!?

[scanry]

How dumb is Brooks tbh? He has 8 players suited up and the dude can't get someone from the D league.

[Uriel]

Damn. People talk about how Cleveland have a clear path to the NBA Finals. But it's looking more like the Spurs are the ones with the clear path now.

[Malik Hairston]

The Thunder are running Sebastian Telfair out there, that's how bad it has gotten:lol..

[SpurPadre]

Damn. People talk about how Cleveland have a clear path to the NBA Finals. But it's looking more like the Spurs are the ones with the clear path now.

Lol, to the Cavs losing to a Knicks team coming off a blowout loss last night.

[spurraider21]

The Thunder are running Sebastian Telfair out there, that's how bad it has gotten:lol..
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7f/Through_The_Fire_dvd_cover.jpg

[100%duncan]

^ :lmao

[InRareForm]

through the fire! :lol

[Malik Hairston]

:lol I actually played against Telfair when I was a freshman in High School(I've mentioned it here before), he deserved all the hype back then, tbh..

To be fair, I played against Cory Joseph, too, and he dropped 29 on our team without breaking a sweat:lol..

[cd98]

Yikes at thought of Thunder in lottery.

[RD2191]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=18403&dateline=1412300993

[HI-FI]

if Thunder is in the lottery, Silver will have a sophie's choice between hooking up Lakers or them.

[Juggity]

:lol I actually played against Telfair when I was a freshman in High School(I've mentioned it here before), he deserved all the hype back then, tbh..

To be fair, I played against Cory Joseph, too, and he dropped 29 on our team without breaking a sweat:lol..

I've heard stories about Cory Joseph being unstoppable in high school. Some dude on reddit claimed he played against Cojo (and his brother?) and he would sometimes just pull up from half court and drain shots regularly, drop 45 points, etc. I guess you've really got to be on another level just to make it to the NBA

[BatManu20]

Nobody has a clear path to the Finals. One injury could change/crush any teams chances, including the Spurs. I'd be more worried about all these back-to-backs the Spurs gotta deal with. The scheduling is terrible or us over the next 3 weeks.

[Malik Hairston]

I've heard stories about Cory Joseph being unstoppable in high school. Some dude on reddit claimed he played against Cojo (and his brother?) and he would sometimes just pull up from half court and drain shots regularly, drop 45 points, etc. I guess you've really got to be on another level just to make it to the NBA

I played Div 1 for about a month, and I regularly play rec ball with Canadian prospects(NBA, college, overseas), and the level the overseas players are at is ridiculous, let alone NBA guys..

It's not necessarily the skills aspect, it's more about the body/athleticism..Joseph looks slow and just an average athlete on an NBA court, but against regular players like us, he was getting into the lane at will, faster than everybody, and jumped higher than everybody..

Our SG would eventually start for the best university team in Canada a year later, he was a defensive specialist, and Joseph completely torched him with minimal effort:lol..

[InRareForm]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=18403&dateline=1412300993

[Cry Havoc]

DAu2ipqL3bw

:lmao

I called that shit yesterday. Dude already losing his composure.

[spursparker9]

Spurs 1st seed vs a full health OKC 8th seed in the first round ?

[BillMc]

Spurs 1st seed vs a full health OKC 8th seed in the first round ?

Better chance we play New Orleans or Phoenix or Portland. OKC will rise.

[FireMicoHalili]

well good news for them is their scrubs will be forced to develop. They'll probably have other options when KD and Russ come back.

[Sean Cagney]

Nobody has a clear path to the Finals. One injury could change/crush any teams chances, including the Spurs. I'd be more worried about all these back-to-backs the Spurs gotta deal with. The scheduling is terrible or us over the next 3 weeks.
This is the truth. Dallas will not be easy either, nor will LAC. The West is very tough. If OKC gets healthy as well you know they won't be easy, there is no clear path.

[BillMc]

According to JA Adande:

Russell Westbrook left the arena without talking to media. Brooks says he has small fracture in right hand.

[Robz4000]

He'll be out at least 4 weeks then. Thunder are in pretty deep shit.

[BillMc]

J.A. Adande (https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=jadande) @jadande



So, small fracture in second metacarpal in Russell Westbrook's right hand, per Scott Brooks.

[Chinook]

Russ got picked one slot before me in fantasy. Wanted him badly. Melo looks like a better pick for a while, though.

[Malik Hairston]

Probably at least 4 weeks IMO..

Virtually a lock for a bottom playoffs seed and no HCA if that's the case..

[Malik Hairston]

Russ got picked one slot before me in fantasy. Wanted him badly. Melo looks like a better pick for a while, though.

I have Westbrook in fantasy, and I have Jose Calderon on the same team..thankfully I got Brandon Knight yesterday, but still, assists are going to be depleted, sadly..

[Chinook]

I have Westbrook in fantasy, and I have Jose Calderon on the same team..thankfully I got Brandon Knight yesterday, but still, assists are going to be depleted, sadly..

I got Lillard and Burke as my PGs. Gotta hope Damien doesn't continue to suck, although I kinda want him to so Aldridge will bolt.

[BatManu20]

Damn Durant and Westbrook both injured. That sucks. Horrible luck for OKC thus far.

On the bright side for him though, I fractured my non-shooting hand a few years ago playing ball and was able to play again in 3 weeks so he might return sooner than expected tbh. I know it's his right hand but still. He's young and will heal quickly imo.

[BatManu20]

528063116915904512

[SnakeBoy]

This is the truth. Dallas will not be easy either, nor will LAC. The West is very tough. If OKC gets healthy as well you know they won't be easy, there is no clear path.

Clippers won't be legit contenders this year. A healthy OKC will be tough but still hampered by a shitty coach. By the end of the season Dallas will be the biggest threat.

[look_at_g_shred]

It's a LONG season

[Robz4000]

Clippers won't be legit contenders this year. A healthy OKC will be tough but still hampered by a shitty coach. By the end of the season Dallas will be the biggest threat.

Biggest threat will continue to be Meth, and possibly Houston. Spurs still match up pretty well with Dallas; might go 6 but in the end Dallas is garbage defensively.

[baseline bum]

He'll be out at least 4 weeks then. Thunder are in pretty deep shit.

Like Ibaka

[baseline bum]

A healthy OKC will be tough but still hampered by a shitty coach.

And helped by shitty refs

[scanry]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=18403&dateline=1412300993

Isn't he that Nigerian in Bourne Identity tbh?

[spurraider21]

Russ got picked one slot before me in fantasy. Wanted him badly. Melo looks like a better pick for a while, though.
i got in my draft room of my 12 man about 20 minutes before it started, saw i had #1 pick, set my queue for anthony davis, and went out to get some food :lol

but i went with R:lolse and Burke as my main pg's

[spurraider21]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=18403&dateline=1412300993

Isn't he that Nigerian in Bourne Identity tbh?
yeah same actor. im not gna pretend to know his name, its a full on african name, but i believe that photo is from Oz

[Chinook]

yeah same actor. im not gna pretend to know his name, its a full on african name, but i believe that photo is from Oz

It is. Character was named Adebisi or something like that. Raped a whole bunch of people in that show. He was also Mr. Eko in Lost.

[Chinook]

i got in my draft room of my 12 man about 20 minutes before it started, saw i had #1 pick, set my queue for anthony davis, and went out to get some food :lol

but i went with R:lolse and Burke as my main pg's

I had fifth. Was gunning for Russ so hard. James, Davis and Harden were the other three that went before me. Got Bosh in the second, and I think that'll be solid. Really happy that I got Boozer in the ninth or tenth round, since I think he'll do some work this season.

[exstatic]

Yikes at thought of Thunder in lottery.

Their owner will make them draft another second rounder and sign him to a dleague contract to save money.

[Cry Havoc]

Damn Durant and Westbrook both injured. That sucks. Horrible luck for OKC thus far.

On the bright side for him though, I fractured my non-shooting hand a few years ago playing ball and was able to play again in 3 weeks so he might return sooner than expected tbh. I know it's his right hand but still. He's young and will heal quickly imo.

The injury is to his shooting hand. And they have a tendency to linger.

[Fireball]

Do not remember any problems when someone had a broken hand in recent years ... shooting hand or not. He will miss 4-6 weeks, come back and be fine. Jones already made himself comfortable and other OKC players will try that too. But the team will not end up in the top 4 now I guess ...

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

The injury is to his shooting hand. And they have a tendency to linger.
Kawhi fractured his hand/hurt his finger last year in the middle of the season and he shot well after he recovered.

[Sean Cagney]

Russ got picked one slot before me in fantasy. Wanted him badly. Melo looks like a better pick for a while, though.

I got him at #11 and thought I got a steal in the draft, damn........... I wish I got someone else now, but you can never tell.

[Uriel]

It's pretty funny how, just a few years ago, the Spurs kept suffering injury after injury, and people on this board we're going apeshit saying, "Why doesn't this happen to OKC and the Lakers?" How things have changed. :lol

[z0sa]

Now pray the Spurs dont suffer any major injuries and ghe number 1 seed is as good as locked up.

[Russ]

Stay tuned..hopefully it's a broken hand, tbh, Spurs would have a red carpet to the championship..

Be careful what you wish for.

You don't want OKC to slip to the 4-5 seed (and then get healthy) if Spurs finish #1.

[Uriel]

Westbrook out 4-6 weeks, per news reports.

[rjv]

thunder are going to have to apply for a hardship and somehow right the ship enough to catch up in the standings. and how the clippers barely eeked that one out is beyond me. clips are so mentally limited.

[lmbebo]

Really don't wish the injury on them.

Fear is that they can sneak into the playoffs and be a really dangerous low seed and knock off a higher seed (like us, clips, etc).

If they don't make it in, they can possibly can a high talent lottery player on there team.

They also use this time to develop some of there younger players. Perry Jones and Roberson get more playing time now. Pays dividends for them down the line and in the playoffs.

[KL2]

This could possibly fuck over the Spurs in the playoffs lol, don't want to draw them in the 1st or 2nd round.

Wouldn't that be some shit if they missed the playoffs lmao, both guys will be out for a few months (I think?) that leaves a lot of games to lose. The West is GOOD, even the east is much better than last year, there aren't a lot of games that are cakewalks.

[Ocotillo]

Stay tuned..hopefully it's a broken hand, tbh, Spurs would have a red carpet to the championship..

The Clippers, Mavs, Rockets and Warriors all say hello.

[Seventyniner]

Fear is that they can sneak into the playoffs and be a really dangerous low seed and knock off a higher seed (like us, clips, etc).

No way they miss the playoffs. Let's say worst-case it is 8 weeks from now before they are fully healthy. That's about 30 games. I could see them going 23-7 if fully healthy, 19-11 with only Westbrook healthy, and 14-16 without either one. I don't think a 9-win difference will be enough to fall all the way into the lottery. They probably would have won around 60 with a full cast the whole year, so 51 wins should be enough for a 6 seed or so.

[Chinook]

No way they miss the playoffs. Let's say worst-case it is 8 weeks from now before they are fully healthy. That's about 30 games. I could see them going 23-7 if fully healthy, 19-11 with only Westbrook healthy, and 14-16 without either one. I don't think a 9-win difference will be enough to fall all the way into the lottery. They probably would have won around 60 with a full cast the whole year, so 51 wins should be enough for a 6 seed or so.

That's if they stay healthy. Ibaka's gonna be run into the ground. Jackson is hurt and might not be able to carry the load. Durant may never be himself again, and even if he is, he shouldn't be projected to be great this season. That doesn't even cover the fact that the West is better than it was last year. With only one of their Big Four, it's possible the Thunder only win 7-10 games before Durant comes back. They just don't have a lot of developed talent in jerseys right now.

[Splits]

^14-16 is very generous. They already had depth issues and they're also missing their starting SG in Morrow for 4-6 weeks. The only thing they have going for them is the relatively weak schedule the next 6 weeks, but they're in trouble with that roster and all the other injuries.


https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/dHw7DCj91-RFWSiYGqJt_3u8cDtO15A0jgkLJ6na6rNuqW_CkKx4bKIb_nGf 2LRGLMpEGl9XnSkB_A8J=s0-d-e1-ft#http://i.4cdn.org/sp/1414737830003.png

[Seventyniner]

I see your point Chinook and Splits, but we haven't seen the Thunder play a weak team yet. Even a fully-healthy Thunder squad could very well have started 0-2. But I agree with the injury risk being greater now for Ibaka, and perhaps Westbrook and Durant if they see the team struggling and try to come back too soon, potentially causing re-injury.

[hater]

Blessing in disguise. Now Steven Adams will take over and go into allstar mode

Steven Adams will carry that team to the WCF

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

Jackson and Lamb should be coming back now, but it's still gonna be rough for them. I'd be surprised if they had a winning record by December. I'd expect them to be like 4-13 or maybe 6-11 by the time Westbrook finally returns. Maybe I'm underestimating them though.

[Embedded]

This facture in KD's foot could be the accumulation of minutes over the last few years. There's a price to be paid for running players into the ground. I remember him in the playoffs the year Westbrick was out, it was noticeable.

If thee' one coach that can manage his players' minutes, it' Coach Popovich

[gameFACE]

It wouldn't surprise me to see both Acne and Westbrook back for the Christmas day game in SA only to have overconfident Spurs fan shit in their stockings, tbh

[kobyz]

They could finish 6-8 spot in the west and We might face them in the first round...

[Leetonidas]

OKC is going to suck ass until KD/RB return. :lol Somalian Pirate and Abaka as your go to scorers. They better hope that KD and Westbrook aren't out too long and come back strong because they aren't going to win shit without them because their coach sucks fat cock. They already had shitty depth and rode KD and Russ too hard anyway.

Doesn't matter where they are when they return though. Spurs will shit on them in the first, second, or third round imho

[024]

Season just started.. even if Westbrook and Durant are out 6 more weeks, the Thunder have plenty of time to catch up as Durant and Westbrook can both be back by Christmas. Not saying they will fully recover but this is all too early to tell. Besides, the Spurs can suffer just as many injuries near the end of the season that completely takes them out of competition.

Thunder will suck for a while so they will be at best ranked in the middle of playoff teams. If they can get healthy in the playoffs, they still have the same chance to knock out the Spurs.

[superbigtime]

Poor methheads. They are fukd.

[Sean Cagney]

Season just started.. even if Westbrook and Durant are out 6 more weeks, the Thunder have plenty of time to catch up as Durant and Westbrook can both be back by Christmas. Not saying they will fully recover but this is all too early to tell. Besides, the Spurs can suffer just as many injuries near the end of the season that completely takes them out of competition.

Thunder will suck for a while so they will be at best ranked in the middle of playoff teams. If they can get healthy in the playoffs, they still have the same chance to knock out the Spurs.If they are 100% by then and playing well they will BE A VERY tough out. It is early now, time for them to get players back and go on a run. I don't rule any team out, especially not one with that much talent.

[tmtcsc]

The amount of fear for OKC is ridiculous. C'mon people, they beat us 4-2 three years ago when both teams were very different. The tide has changed now and the Spurs have a superior coach, roster and system. Enough already about possibly meeting them in the first round. Who cares when or if we play them?

If the Spurs are playing at their best and OKC is too, the Spurs will win. The Spurs are the better team by a significant margin. I'm not concerned about any team but San Antonio. Get Splitter and Patty back in the fold and run this thing back.

OKC? Sucks about the injuries but the Spurs had to deal with their share too.

[Sean Cagney]

The amount of fear for OKC is ridiculous. C'mon people, they beat us 4-2 three years ago when both teams were very different. The tide has changed now and the Spurs have a superior coach, roster and system. Enough already about possibly meeting them in the first round. Who cares when or if we play them?

If the Spurs are playing at their best and OKC is too, the Spurs will win. The Spurs are the better team by a significant margin. I'm not concerned about any team but San Antonio. Get Splitter and Patty back in the fold and run this thing back.

OKC? Sucks about the injuries but the Spurs had to deal with their share too.
I agree the Spurs are better when they are playing on that elite level than any team in the league, however it will not be as easy to repeat as you are talking here about nobody close to the Spurs and so on, the West is stacked and whoever comes out of the East if the Spurs make it there will be tough as well, no cakewalk. I wish it were that easy man, last year made it seem possible just to dominate round after round but honestly it's not that easy. Dallas got better as well, they took us to 7 last year. OKC took us to 6 games but they were a play away from a game 7 honestly! That was a close series when things settled down, could have gone 7.

[DPG21920]

No way they miss the playoffs. Let's say worst-case it is 8 weeks from now before they are fully healthy. That's about 30 games. I could see them going 23-7 if fully healthy, 19-11 with only Westbrook healthy, and 14-16 without either one. I don't think a 9-win difference will be enough to fall all the way into the lottery. They probably would have won around 60 with a full cast the whole year, so 51 wins should be enough for a 6 seed or so.

You think, over the course of 15-22 games, that an OKC team with no Durant/WB can be almost 500? I think that alone should win Brooks COY if that happens. If WB/Durant miss the next 20 games (which seems to be realisitc) and they are already 0-2, I can easily see something like a 5-17 record. That would mean OKC would have to win about 70% of all their remaining games just to make the playoffs if 50 wins stays as the cutoff.

[Dre_7]

I don't wish injury on anyone (execpt Michael Vick) so hopefully he isn't out long.

[Prose]

Think about this weigh out Westbrook they will go like 5-15. Now that means they have to go like 44-18 to just the 8th seed

[cjw]

^14-16 is very generous. They already had depth issues and they're also missing their starting SG in Morrow for 4-6 weeks. The only thing they have going for them is the relatively weak schedule the next 6 weeks, but they're in trouble with that roster and all the other injuries.


A weak schedule now just means a tougher schedule when everyone is back. Will make it a lot harder to make up games when they're going into a brutal schedule.

[Aztecfan03]

.

[vander]

Thunder just trying to get the Spurs in the 1st round when most vulnerable

[Diego20]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=18403&dateline=1412300993

[ginobilized]

This could add to the already ultra-competitive fight for the 8th spot in the West. Phoenix will likely make a strong run.
Should be a very interesting season as teams jockey for position

[Uriel]

No way they miss the playoffs. Let's say worst-case it is 8 weeks from now before they are fully healthy. That's about 30 games. I could see them going 23-7 if fully healthy, 19-11 with only Westbrook healthy, and 14-16 without either one. I don't think a 9-win difference will be enough to fall all the way into the lottery. They probably would have won around 60 with a full cast the whole year, so 51 wins should be enough for a 6 seed or so.
OKC will not go 14-16 over a 30-game stretch without Durant and Westbrook. :lol Even if we followed your numbers and they went just 11-19 (which is still unrealistic, but definitely more probable), they would finish with 48 wins, which is 1 fewer than Dallas had to win to make the playoffs as the 8 seed last year.

[Uriel]

The amount of fear for OKC is ridiculous. C'mon people, they beat us 4-2 three years ago when both teams were very different. The tide has changed now and the Spurs have a superior coach, roster and system. Enough already about possibly meeting them in the first round. Who cares when or if we play them?

If the Spurs are playing at their best and OKC is too, the Spurs will win. The Spurs are the better team by a significant margin. I'm not concerned about any team but San Antonio. Get Splitter and Patty back in the fold and run this thing back.

OKC? Sucks about the injuries but the Spurs had to deal with their share too.
I agree that the Spurs at their best are better than OKC at their best. But OKC matches up well with the Spurs, as evidenced by their winning record against us, even in the post-James Harden era. Prior to Ibaka going down last year, most pundits were picking the Thunder to beat us in the WCF, and many of them still believe they would've won if he had been healthy the whole series.

[Mikeanaro]

I agree that the Spurs at their best are better than OKC at their best. But OKC matches up well with the Spurs, as evidenced by their winning record against us, even in the post-James Harden era. Prior to Ibaka going down last year, most pundits were picking the Thunder to beat us in the WCF, and many of them still believe they would've won if he had been healthy the whole series.
What you mean? he was healthy.

[Uriel]

What you mean? he was healthy.
I mean for the whole series. He missed the first 2 games.

[TheRemix]

Westbrook to miss at least one month

[Aztecfan03]

Westbrook to miss at least one month

old news.

[Malik Hairston]

Meaningless game for the Spurs, they're still coasting and suffering from the championship hangover, playing without the best defensive big on the team + the great Patty Mills, Danny Green is in an ice cold streak, yet they just dismantled this fraud team that thrives in the regular season..

The West is going to be extremely easily this year, barring a major injury, obviously..

[Robz4000]

Only teams that worry me are Houston and New Orleans (assuming Meth misses the postseason), but thankfully they have McFail/Monty Williams as their coaches...

[ElNono]

Only teams that worry me are Houston and New Orleans (assuming Meth misses the postseason), but thankfully they have McFail/Monty Williams as their coaches...

I thought the Spurs ran a real risk of missing the playoffs? :lol

[Robz4000]

I thought the Spurs ran a real risk of missing the playoffs? :lol

The chance is there. Minimum 50 games to make it and there's at least 10 teams in the mix this year. Thankfully Beli is back Friday/Saturday and it sounds like Splitter will be back next week; injuries are the big issue for them not making it.

[apalisoc_9]

A team that plays a guy like Draymond green for over 25mpg, Harrison barnes and an SG that is easily neutralized is a contender?

:lol

cant even have one big guy healthy...:lol

[ElNono]

The chance is there. Minimum 50 games to make it and there's at least 10 teams in the mix this year. Thankfully Beli is back Friday/Saturday and it sounds like Splitter will be back next week; injuries are the big issue for them not making it.

:lol no it's not, Robz... only if two of TP/Manu/TD go down, IMO

[timtonymanu]

Only teams that worry me are Houston and New Orleans (assuming Meth misses the postseason), but thankfully they have McFail/Monty Williams as their coaches...

Not really worried about New Orleans until I see how Splitter defends Davis.

[Robz4000]

:lol no it's not, Robz... only if two of TP/Manu/TD go down, IMO

That's what worries me. The depth getting hurt increases the workload of those three and therefore the injury risk.

[ElNono]

That's what worries me. The depth getting hurt increases the workload of those three and therefore the injury risk.

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/24/244b992a4753d38ed947da0b5ec98738219747fa9c33f24e64 bc34f6dd550ccd.jpg

[Robz4000]

Not really worried about New Orleans until I see how Splitter defends Davis.

Splitter will be fine on Davis, but Asik's ability to shut down Tim and their scrubs playing like world beaters against the Spurs is concering (fucking Evans and Tom Rivers Jr average 20 and 10 points respectively iirc). They're also pretty athletic which is something the Spurs struggle with.

[Robz4000]

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/24/244b992a4753d38ed947da0b5ec98738219747fa9c33f24e64 bc34f6dd550ccd.jpg

http://sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/keep-calm-and-everybody-panic-12.png

[DPG21920]

Worried about a Pelicans team that has one of the worst coaches in the league, very thin bench and that is no where close to guaranteed a playoff spot?

[Robz4000]

Worried about a Pelicans team that has one of the worst coaches in the league, very thin bench and that is no where close to guaranteed a playoff spot?

They're not guaranteed one, but they have a great chance to this year with the Thunder's injury woes. I also already mentioned MW would be their downfall and their bench seems to play well against the Spurs for whatever reason. Don't think they'd beat the Spurs but it'd be a bad first round match up.

[Mel_13]

538376440006578176

538377332269260800

538378881582247936

[Chinook]

Hell yeah. Ended up trading for him in Fantasy after he got hurt. Just need Melo to get better.

[Sean Cagney]

Hell yeah. Ended up trading for him in Fantasy after he got hurt. Just need Melo to get better.
I got him too at the 11th pick, you got a steal if you just traded for him and Melo is on your team as well. Thats a good one two punch.

[Darius Bieber]

I hope they're not just rushing him back because of their terrible record.... Hopefully he really is fully healed.

[exstatic]

I hope they're not just rushing him back because of their terrible record.... Hopefully he really is fully healed.

I wouldn't bet on that. He was supposed to miss 6 weeks last year, and he played in the 3rd game. Ultimately, he needed TWO more surgeries after the first one. OKC isn't known for their patience with injury recovery. Kawhi and Danny both missed 6 weeks with this same hand fracture last year, and it's barely been four for Westchuck.

[Chinook]

I got him too at the 11th pick, you got a steal if you just traded for him and Melo is on your team as well. Thats a good one two punch.

Yeah. Russ went fourth right in front of me. I settled on Melo. After he got hurt, I picked him and Jennings up for DeRozan and Ellis.

[ElNono]

This whole brace business sounds like he's getting rushed back...

[Cry Havoc]

This whole brace business sounds like he's getting rushed back...

I don't know about you, but if I sprain my ankle, I walk around in a brace for a good month after it's healed, just to be sure. Nothing says healthy like requiring additional external support.

[ElNono]

I don't know about you, but if I sprain my ankle, I walk around in a brace for a good month after it's healed, just to be sure. Nothing says healthy like requiring additional external support.

Splits described it well downstairs, they're literally at the verge of not making the playoffs. This just sounds like a desperation move. If it doesn't work out, I expect them to shut them down for the rest of the season and go straight to the lottery.

[SpursFan86]

He got injured on October 30th, and the initial timetable was 4-6 weeks. So him coming back now makes sense based off that. On the front end of that timetable but not unusually early or anything.

[313]

Danny and Kawhi wore braces when they came back iirc

[kjhip1]

If Im playing defense against Westbrook, the first thing i do is try to slap down on the ball when he tries to drive. Thunder FO is taking a huge risk if their rushing Westchuck and Durbetta back to the court. Oh well, it'd be nice to see them be a lottery and hear all the talk on if Durbetta is going to Washington.

[Sean Cagney]

Yeah. Russ went fourth right in front of me. I settled on Melo. After he got hurt, I picked him and Jennings up for DeRozan and Ellis.

You ripped the other guy off, period. Good trade.

[Uriel]

I wouldn't bet on that. He was supposed to miss 6 weeks last year, and he played in the 3rd game. Ultimately, he needed TWO more surgeries after the first one. OKC isn't known for their patience with injury recovery. Kawhi and Danny both missed 6 weeks with this same hand fracture last year, and it's barely been four for Westchuck.
OKC isn't known for their patience with injury recovery? Recall, this is the same team that chose to repair Westbrook's meniscus in 2013 (in effect ending their playoff run), rather than merely removing it and getting him back on the court ASAP. They operate with the big picture in mind.

[Uriel]

Also, this is very disappointing news for the Spurs. OKC is 4-12 right now. Assuming they need to reach 50 wins to make the playoffs, they only have to go 46-20 the rest of the way, which is very, very doable.

[exstatic]

OKC isn't known for their patience with injury recovery? Recall, this is the same team that chose to repair Westbrook's meniscus in 2013 (in effect ending their playoff run), rather than merely removing it and getting him back on the court ASAP. They operate with the big picture in mind.
Then they rushed him back, negating the repair.

[hater]

this is good for the NBA :tu

:lol butthurt spurs fans

I rather have OKC healthy and on top of the West :tu :tu

[SpursFan86]

Also, this is very disappointing news for the Spurs. OKC is 4-12 right now. Assuming they need to reach 50 wins to make the playoffs, they only have to go 46-20 the rest of the way, which is very, very doable.

Yeah I think OKC is making the playoffs this year tbh...unless KD's injury has lasting effects even once he comes back.

[100%duncan]

This whole brace business sounds like he's getting rushed back...

yep

[ElNono]

Also, this is very disappointing news for the Spurs. OKC is 4-12 right now. Assuming they need to reach 50 wins to make the playoffs, they only have to go 46-20 the rest of the way, which is very, very doable.

Only? That's a 70% winning record. Last year, with KD playing at an MVP level, their winning percentage was 72%. It's getting really close, that's why this looks like a feeler to try to figure out if there's any chance of getting there or to just shut it down for the season, IMO.

[ElNono]

538376887085838336

[Uriel]

Only? That's a 70% winning record. Last year, with KD playing at an MVP level, their winning percentage was 72%. It's getting really close, that's why this looks like a feeler to try to figure out if there's any chance of getting there or to just shut it down for the season, IMO.
More like 69%, which translates to a 57-win season on an 82-game schedule. Not easy, but hardly impossible with the amount of talent on this OKC team.

[ElNono]

More like 69%, which translates to a 57-win season on an 82-game schedule. Not easy, but hardly impossible with the amount of talent on this OKC team.

I didn't call it impossible, but like I said, it's getting to that point where the ballclub needs to figure out what the best course of action is. I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to shut down WB and KD if they can't manage to at least win 4 or 5 of their next 10 games.

[tmtcsc]

Russell Westbrook can't lead this team to the playoffs without Durant. Whatever OKC gained in team chemistry without their Big 2 will go out the window. I expect Westbirck to dominate the ball and throw up trashier shots than before. I would love to see them make it though, they make things interesting.

[Malik Hairston]

The concern with Westbrook is similar to the concern Spurs' fans have had with Manu over the years when he returns from injury, tbh..

Obviously there's a significant disparity in their durability, as Manu is a little fragile and Russ is a juiced-up monster, but just like Manu, Westbrook's style of play makes you worry, as a fan..he only understands how to play at 1 pace/speed, which is 100% intensity at all times..

Rushing him back and potentially risking aggravating the injury is exacerbated by OKC having to play with extreme urgency for the rest of the season, just to make it into the playoffs..so, while I'd still rather avoid them, they're still the worst matchup for the Spurs, they probably won't be the same team in April, as there's a strong chance that key players will be worn out/injured again IMO..

[Southwest Texas Fan]

:wow
538376887085838336

[Uriel]

Westbrook with 20-7-6 as OKC is up 26 over NY at the half.

:wakeup

[Uriel]

538523583434088448

[cd021]

More like 69%, which translates to a 57-win season on an 82-game schedule. Not easy, but hardly impossible with the amount of talent on this OKC team.

They have 12 losses doing the cake part of their schedule.Each month their opp. winning percentage increases. They have to play Memphis 3 times (2 in Memphis) LAC 3 times. the Spurs 3 time (2 in S.A), GSW 3 times (2 in Oakland) not to mention the bottom of the west has been very competitive with the Pelicans, Kings, Suns, Nuggets and Jazz (at home at least).

They also need close to perfect health over the final 5 months of the regular season.

The 69% winning percentage is ,in theory, doable its probably around 50/50 that they make the PS.

[cd021]

A top seed is almost impossible for them to get. They'd probably need 55 wins for that, by going 50-15, .762,

[hater]

WOW WESTBROOK LOOKS GOOD :wow

[hater]

SPURS = FUCKED

[benefactor]

:lol panicky, forever afraid Spurs fan

We don't even know if Durant is going to be right when he comes back. A lot of things have to fall into place for OKC to make the post season in what is shaping up to be a very competitive west record-wise. Hell, the 7 seed only has five losses right now. I just don't see them being able to make up the ground.

[TampaDude]

Why is everyone so worried about the Thunder? We beat them last season, and we'll beat them again. FTT.

[Russo21]

If they want to think long term though imo they should tank this season. Get in the lottery and secure an awesome young player in the draft. One thing San Antonio hasn't had the pleasure of having in about 19 years, our highest pick being the trade to get kawhi at no.15. Westbrook, Ibaka and Durant are all young and they'll be contending for years to come. They should tank and you never know what goods they could pick up in the lottery. It's up to them but adding a lottery player to their team would be an unexpected surprise for them and something San Antonio hasn't had in nearly 20 years. They will definitely make the playoffs if they want to make the playoffs but IMO they'd be better off tanking.

They are only 5 games behind 8th seeded Phoenix. If they want to make the playoffs they will make the playoffs. Up to them.

[Budkin]

Why is everyone so worried about the Thunder? We beat them last season, and we'll beat them again. FTT.

As long as Scott Brooks is their coach we have nothing to worry about.

[Sean Cagney]

SPURS = FUCKED

How exactly are they fucked when he was healthy last year and they beat the Thunder in the playoffs? Durant was healthy as well.

[benefactor]

How exactly are they fucked when he was healthy last year and they beat the Thunder in the playoffs? Durant was healthy as well.
He's a Westbrick ball washer tbh.

[ElNono]

lol Steven Adams fans

[hater]

This is great for the NBA folks. It was to boring with no one to challenge the spurs.

Chimp I back!! OKC will be a force to be reckoned with :tu

[Sean Cagney]

He's a Westbrick ball washer tbh.

I laugh at people in here who pick their team beneath their avi and u know they are an LA troll or a fan of a different rival team. I guess they are too ashamed to pick their own damn team :lol

[TD 21]

:lol At anyone who thought they'd miss the playoffs or even have to run themselves into the ground to get in at the end. Still can't believe how many people got sucked into the narrative the media was/is trying to create, which was/is that when these assholes inevitably end up in the WCF, they can act like they're heroes for overcoming so much.

[Kool Bob Love]

:lol At anyone who thought they'd miss the playoffs or even have to run themselves into the ground to get in at the end. Still can't believe how many people got sucked into the narrative the media was/is trying to create, which was/is that when these assholes inevitably end up in the WCF, they can act like they're heroes for overcoming so much.


Wtf last time I check they ain't even top 10 in the west.

[TD 21]

Wtf last time I check they ain't even top 10 in the west.

For now . . . give it a few weeks. The gap is already rapidly closing between them and the Suns. I'd be more surprised at them missing the playoffs than them passing one of the top seven.