Thunder vs Spurs NBA basketball preview: Spurs host Durant-less Thunder
In what would have been another intriguing Christmas Day tussle, defending champion San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder who may be playing without resident star Kevin Durant.
Durant is currently listed as out while nursing a sprained ankle. He did not play in the Thunder's 115-111 overtime loss to the Portland Trailblazers. Durant's absence leaves a big vacuum in coach Scott Brooks' rotation.
On the other hand, the Spurs are coping with their share of injured stars as well. Kawhi Leonard is still not at 100% while Tony Parker just returned from sick bay.
The rematch from last year's NBA conference finals would seem to favor the Spurs, especially with Kevin Durant doubtful for the Christmas Day offering. Although Russell Westbrook will be around to hold the fort, the Thunder need other players to step up to fill the void of the injured Durant.
Westbrook could explode for the Thunder but taking on the defending champions all by his lonesome could prove to be a tall order. Resident players like Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins will need to toughen up as they try to match up against San Antonio's seasoned frontline led no less by NBA vet Tim Duncan.
The 38-year old Duncan continues to defy time as he remains a potent threat from the inside. Duncan is expected to give Ibaka and Perkins a lot of matchup problems.
On the other end, the Spurs could suffer a bit from a less than 100% healthy Kawhi Leonard. Leonard continues to nurse a right hand and has been playing through pain with the aid of injections. But with role players like Boris Diaw, Tiago Splitter and Danny Green around, coach Pop could turn to other players to pick up the slack.
On paper, the Spurs seem to have a decided advantage over the depleted wards of coach Scott Brooks. But stranger things have happened when the odds are stacked, a challenge that coach Brooks will surely take head on.
The Thunder and the Spurs will get things started at 2.30 p.m. EDT with the game being broadcast on TV on ABC. The game can also be watched online through live stream by clicking here.
