Thunder vs. Bobcats: Pre-game preparation

vs.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-16) vs. Charlotte Bobcats (6-11)
Wednesday, December 3
Time Warner Cable Arena
Charlotte, NC
6:00 PM CST

TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma (Cox 37, HD 722)
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM)

Since we're big shots now, you know, coming off a win and all, we get to go into tonight's game against Charlotte feeling good. Instead of the obligatory verbage about the longshot of winning, how much the losing streak is weighing on everyone and how maybe THIS could be the one - we get to talk about the, albeit far-fetched, possibility of winning two in a row.

It's a shame this one isn't at home, because I'd actually feel really good about it if it were. The hometown fans are feeling the collective sigh of relief knowing we're not going to 1-81. And I think the players can feel the improvement under Coach Scotty. It's just winning on the road is tough in any sport. Even if the game is in Charlotte.

One thing to watch (outside of the game in general)
Russell Westbrook vs. D.J. Augustin. I've been really looking forward to this matchup. For one, because as I wrote about, many in OKC wanted to take Augustin instead of Westbrook. Two, because a lot of people are in love with Augustin right now, even though Westbrook has played pretty darn well in his own right. And three, because I really think Russell will outplay him. Yeah, I really do. Westbrook will be starting his second game and he's already improved a ton since preseason game uno. I know Raymond Felton is still "technically" the starter, these two should hook up and have a good battle tonight. I just hope Augustin doesn't make us regret anything tonight. Lock him down Russell.

The Bobcats are clearly improved under the traveling man, Larry Brown, but maybe OKC can catch them napping. It's easy to do that when you're 2-16 and the other group thinks you're a pushover. Last game against the Grizzlies, OKC clicked on all cylinders getting contributions just in the way it needs. Kevin Durant had 30, Jeff Green 22 and Westbrook 13. The bench added perfect support with Desmond Mason doing a yeoman's job off it. More of that and we could be looking at two in a row because the Thunder actually matches up pretty well against Charlotte. I don't see any position other than shooting guard where you go, "Oh, the Bobcats clearly have an advantage there."

Someone will have back-to-back wins after this one as neither team has yet to string together consecutive wins.