For whatever reason, the Oklahoman today had some sort of idea that The Thunder should be interested in this weekend's games, because Chris Bosh and LBJ are part of that coveted 2010 free agent class. Well, I got news for the team and the Oklahoman, we've still got a ways to go before we can land one of those guys. In all fairness, they did say that it wasn't likely that the Thunder would land a top flight player from this class, but if they really believed that, they wouldn't have made an entire article about it. So, for all your fans who had your notepads ready to take notes on the accuracy of Chris Bosh's 15 footer, well, your better off leaving that pen at home. If you really want to scout a player, go see Blake at the LNC, there's a realistic goal for you.

Backstory: You're probably thinking, "Man, why is the backstory always the same?" Well, the team isn't giving me much choice. I never have anything to backstory on other than the gloom and doom that is the Thunder's season. So, I guess I'll use this opportunity to give my opinion on the raging P.J. Carlesimo/Scotty Brooks debate.

Zorgon and I have already discussed this, and you're already familiar with his pro-P.J. stance, which is fine. However, I take the other side of the argument, kind of. It's my belief that the team had definitely improved under Brooks' small ball, but that certainly doesn't make him a better coach. I dumbly threw away all the stats I uncovered, but it's simple. P.J. and Scotty have played the same number of teams below and above .500. Sure some of the teams may be of differing calibers, but that isn't anyone's fault and we've only got what happened on the court to work with.

Not only does Brooks lose by less on average against teams at .500 or above, but he also loses by a decent amount less than against teams under .500. Against common opponents Orlando, New Orleans, and the Clippers, Brooks improved the margin of defeat in each case. In all fairness though, P.J. did defeat Minnesota while Scott Brooks lost by two. I totally agree that the defense isn't as good as it was under P.J., but the offense has drastically improved from where it was previously, enough to offset the defensive downfall.

Match-Ups:

Russell Westbrook vs. Jose Calderon

Edge: Calderon

Last year, Jose was a fantasy machine, and picking him up was probably the difference between winning and losing your league. He's still firing away, and outmatches the rookie Westbrook

Damien Wilkins vs. Jason Kapono

Edge: Wilkins

Jason Kapono is finally getting some significant playing time somewhere. He's had a good amount of success, but Wilkins should be able to frustrate the shooter defensively.

Kevin Durant vs. Jamario Moon

Edge: Durant

There was one point last season where I could have sworn that Moon would be ROY. However, it was the guy he's facing in this match-up, KD, who took home the title. I admit, one of the more terrible predictions I've ever made.

Jeff Green vs. Chris Bosh

Edge: Bosh

I actually think that Jeff Green won't do a terrible job of defending Chris Bosh, but he's been pretty outstanding this season, 23.6 points per game and 9.7 boards.

Johan Petro vs. Jermaine O'Neal

Edge: O'Neal

Well, Zorgon may get his wish tonight as Petro may make the start. We'll see how the team does with a real center in there. As for the actual match-up, give me a break.

Battle of the Benches 

Edge: Thunder

Now that Wilcox is back, we got a great big man rotation, with Collison and Petro and Joe Smith, who should see court time after not even playing in the last game.

Coaching and Intangibles

Edge: Thunder!!!

In the Interim War, I like Scotty Brooks in Loud City.

Player to Watch: Kevin Durant. There aren't many Thunder players I enjoy watching, but KD has stretches where he's more than bearable.

God of Thunder's Pick: Raptors 100 Thunder 92

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