Oklahoma City Thunder (7th place in the Western Conference)

Basketball is a team sport. No matter how many achievements would have a certain player, they are in the long run if van not get help. Russell Westbrook struggling with history, succeeding regularly gather “triple-doubles” (ie more than 10 points scored, rebounds and assists in a single game). However, the Thunder could not overcome a certain barrier. Sure, it kept on top of the standings, but will have to shoot seriously to go in play-off.

Billy Donovan, coach of OKC, which sought solutions to ease the work of Russell longer. He found them at a time, mainly due Enes Kanter and Steven Adams pins. The two were completed well, accounting for another excellent both on the defensive phase, and on the offensive. Inevitably, the Thunder started to look to the team. Unfortunately, the winning formula can not be applied these days, Kanter being injured; and when the wheels stop going, positive results soon to follow. The last three stages is a perfect example in this regard: 91-107 vs. Cavaliers, 94-108 vs. Spurs, 100-128 vs. Bulls.

Memphis Grizzlies (6th place in the Western Conference)

The situation in the group camp in Tennessee is the opposite of that of opponent in this round. Mike Conley & co. They are riding high. They have won the last three stages (each time away) and provide the highest level of performance, especially from the 3-point line.

Those who are closer to the North American basketball Grizzlies know they fit into the kind of team pretty rudimentary, based on the attention paid to defense and attack developed. Well, the recent past has shown us that people in Memphis know how to do anything else: 16 transformation from a distance duel with Suns (115-96) and 14 in the Denver (119-99). Metamorphosis is not too surprizatoare, meaning that David Fizdale, brought the team’s bench coach last summer, it had as its main objective changing the style of play. It tried to adopt a higher tempo and a little nicer approach in terms of aesthetics. It has largely succeeded, but without ignoring the great defensive quality which “bears” we have become accustomed.

So, the Grizzlies continue to impress, dovedid exciting successes recorded in the current season against teams like the Warriors, Cavaliers or Rockets were not fleeting episodes.

Probable Teams Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Thunder starters: PG – Russell Westbrook / SG – Victor Oladipo / SF – Andre Roberson / PF – Domantas Sabonis / C -Steven Adams

Grizzlies starters: PG – Mike Conley / SG – Tony Allen / SF – Chandler Parsons / PF – JaMychal Green / C – Marc Gasol