Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 Make Or Break Games Without Kevin Durant

Dec. 11 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers:

There’s a chance Kevin Durant could be healthy for this game, and we might be treated to another epic clash between the NBA’s two biggest ambassadors, but even if KD is available, he still might not be 100 percent. So in the event he’s barely making his way back or that he’s still unavailable, this is a monster of a home game for the Thunder.

There’s the obvious LeBron James vs. the Thunder storyline, but Westbrook against Kyrie Irving and Ibaka trading blows with Kevin Love should make for some riveting matchups. The Cavs should be hitting their groove as a cohesive unit by this time, which means the Thunder will have their hands full with one of the best teams in the NBA in a nationally televised game.

However, Irving’s defense is hardly going to do anything but lead to a big game for Westbrook, especially since Cleveland is still in dire need of a legitimate rim protector. Ibaka should also have a good night since Love can’t defend anyone outside the paint (and he can barely do that). A potential X-factor? Reggie Jackson absolutely has to outplay Dion Waiters. The Thunder have a better defense, but OKC might have to put up a lot of points to exploit Cleveland’s mediocre D and get a big home win.

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