The Thunder are finally returning to the court after their short vacation. This time they hit the road, Tobacco Road to be precise. The Bobcats have greatly improved under Larry Brown. OK, they only got 6 wins, but maybe I'm just a little biased. You see, Larry Brown is one of my two or three favorite coaches in the league. On the team itself, they got Emeka Okafor, my favorite player from his draft class (I remember I was so mad when the Magic picked some no name high schooler named Dwight Howard over him). Of course, the also got my boy Adam Morrison, not only one of my two favorite players in the whole league, but also one of my most favorite professional athletes of all-time. I'm sure you know that we here at Blue Blitz are partial to the Crimson & Cream, but during football season I also side with the Irish, and during basketball; I'm also all about the Zags. The reason for this: Adam Morrison. Thusly, I've been partial to the Bobcats for awhile now, but nevertheless, I'll be pulling for a Thunder win here tonight.

Backstory:What? My little spiel about how I like Charlotte wasn't good enough for you? OK, well the Thunder will try to set the record for their personal longest win streak (1 game). Hey, it could happen tonight, it isn't impossible. In all honesty, the Thunder have looked a little better with Scott Brooks' smaller line-up. It's really a double-edged sword though. They create mismatches all over the floor, some that go in their favor, and some that don't. Plus, we finally got Chris Wilcox starting, so I guess I have to stop the movement now (man, what am I going to do with all those campaign signs I made?).

Match-Ups:

Raymond Felton vs. Russell Westbrook

Edge: Felton

This is a close match-up and both players are statistically eerily similar. I'm going with Felton, cause he's on a better team, at home, and has more years under his belt than Russ.

D.J. Augustin vs. Damien Wilkins

Edge: Augustin

This dual point guard look has challenged talented teams like Boston. Wilkins, even when he was made a starter hasn't lived up to his own preseason performance.

Jason Richardson vs. Kevin Durant

Edge: JRich

Always go with JRich. Though this is the battle of leading scorers, Richardson is usually much more consistent than his counterpart in this game.

Gerald Wallace vs. Jeff Green

Edge: Wallace

Sorry Green, baby. I'd like to go with you here, but I've always been a fan of Gerald's very versatile play and he does have superior stats. Brooks says Jeff Green could see a lot of time against Emeka Okafor, but I'm not sure he'd win that match-up either.

Emeka Okafor vs. Chris Wilcox

Edge: Okafor

WHAT?!?! A starting 5 clean sweep! Really, I'm not too surprised, the Bobcats have had a strong starting 5 for awhile. Chris will give him a good game, as they a two very similar players in style. Should be a fun match-up, that is, as long as Brooks resists pitting Jeff Green against this former ROY

Battle of the Benches

Edge: Thunder

OK, this one is debatable, and you can call me a homer if you like, but I think Joe Smith is bound to get his game back, plus we got an experienced starter (Earl Watson) coming off the pine now. OK, that was a stretch, but I couldn't bare losing every category

Coaching and Intangibles

Edge: Bobcats

They're at home with a Hall of Fame coach. The most clear cut decision I've made all day.

Player to Watch:ADAM MORRISON! I know if I were there, I wouldn't take my eyes off of him. OK, that was a little creepy. Still though, you have to admit, you loved the stasche. Plus, he cried!

God of Thunder's Pick: Charlotte 90 Thunder 86

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