I actually attended the last Clippers game. Unlike my partner Zorgon, I usually kick it at home to catch exciting Thunder basketball. Don't get me wrong, I still love attending the games, there's nothing like the in-arena atmosphere. Still, it's hard for me to imagine attending every single one, and my hat's off to those who do; keep doin' it! Anyway, that particular Fod Center trip wasn't a very memorable one. The Thunder came out kind of strong, even with a signifficant lead late in the second quarter. However, as many of you remember, they put out one of the most disgusting performances of the season in the second half, and ended up getting blown out by the sub-par Clips. Will the Thunder get some sweet revenge tonight? Find out on this installment of Thunder Pregame!

Backstory: I think it comes down to Bee-fense, er, defense for this team. The offense has improved, surprisingly enough, considering where there were earlier in the season. They're creating a lot of mismatches on the offensive, which is what you got to do when you aren't good enough to take a team staright-up. However, they haven't found any way to accomodate for the mismatches on defense. I mean, I give it up to them for getting close to the Spurs, but it was thanks to some rare missed shots down the stretch and really, defense was the reason they lost. They got no real stopper, other than Desmond who comes off the bench. Russ is a tenacious defender, but he still isn't an NBA stopper.

Match-Ups:

Russell Westbrook vs. Baron Davis

Edge: Davis

Davis has the decisive edge talent-wise. When he wants to be, he can be one of the best in the league. The only question: does he want to be?

Damien Wilkins vs. Eric Gordon

Edge: Wilkins

What? Damien Wilkins winning a match-up? Well, it is kind of close, but Gordon is only a rookie, and though he's averaging more points than Wilkins, one must remember Damien spent a good deal of P.J.'s time in OKC in the doghouse.

Kevin Durant vs. Al Thornton

Edge: KD

This is a very intriguing match-up between two players that will be the faces of their franchises in the future. KD gets the edge because he's already the guy on his team, while Thornton may only be the third or fourth biggest name.

Jeff Green vs. Zach Randolph

Edge: Green, I think

Wow, has there ever been a match-up of two more opposite players? Zach Randolph was kicked out of New York because he couldn't run the Dantoni up-tempo, so that tells me he'll have a hard time keeping up with this one.

Nick Collison vs. Marcus Camby

Edge: Camby

Once upon a time, Marcus Camby was defensive player of the year. He's got 3.1 blocks a game this year, which is very close to his last two years of production. Still, when you got only 6 wins, who cares?

Battle of the Benches

Edge: Thunder

I would take the Clippers with a healthy Chris Kaman and Ricky Davis, but without, the Thunder bench is better, even with the Wilcox injury.

Coaching and Intangibles

Edge: Clippers

Not sure about this, but I don't know if Scott Brooks has ever won this, not sure if he ever will.

Player to Watch: Jeff Green. My boy should be able to zoom past Zach on offense. He'll be a load on defense, but I'm sure he'll get some help from Petro or whoever.

God of Thunder's Pick: Could it be? A Thunder victory? Not quite. Clippers 99 Thunder 96.  

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