OKC Thunder Basketball Preview

The OKC Thunder takes on the Sacramento Kings Sunday, November 9th. The game tips off at 6:00 p.m. in the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

OKC lost their last game to the Memphis Grizzlies, 91-89. The Thunder is now 1-5, while Memphis keeps an unblemished record of 6-0.

The Thunder's game leaders were Reggie Jackson, Jeremy Lamb, and Steven Adams. Jackson put up 22 points, had 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Lamb put up 17 points, had 3 rebounds, and 1 block. Adams put up 13 points, had 2 assists, and 11 rebounds.

OKC has been struggling without their two stars: Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Durant, whom has suffered the worst foot injury of his NBA career, isn't expected to be back on the court until December. Although he may be expected back at that time, Durant says that he won't be rushing anything. He doesn't plan on returning until he feels 100 percent healthy, and he is medically cleared to do so. He recently had surgery on his right foot to fix the fracture. He is due to be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks.

Westbrook, whom has been out with a fractured hand, isn't set to return to the OKC lineup for 4-6 weeks. Westbrook underwent a successful surgery to fix the second metacarpal in his shooting hand. He is also set to be re-evaluated in the coming weeks.

The injuries within the Thunder's roster have been detrimental to the team. Jackson and Lamb, who have been helping carry the team, have also missed games this season due to being hurt.

With all the injuries, and struggles on the court, Sacramento will be a tough game for OKC. The Kings have been off to a great start this season being 5-1, and averaging roughly 105 points a game. The Kings' DeMarcus Cousins will be a major threat to the Thunder. Cousins has been putting up good numbers for Sacramento, averaging 24.4 points per game. Other players like Rudy Gay and Darren Collison will also be challenging to OKC's current lineup.

The Thunder will have to pull together offensively and defensively to cover for the team's loses, in order to come out with the win on Sunday.