Must See Games of 2016-17
A list of what you simply cannot miss
The NBA schedule has been released, so we now know the order in which cities will burn as Russell Westbrook unleashes the fury of 1,000 suns on the NBA. Each team plays 82 games in the regular season, and we’ll cover them all so you don’t have to watch a 10:30PM match-up with the Kings in early January. But there are a couple of games you won’t want to miss!
October 26 — @ Philadelphia 76ers
There’s nothing especially intriguing about a match-up with the 76ers. They should be better (it’d be hard to be worse,) but this is the first time we’ll see this new Thunder team. Who even starts?
November 3 — @ Golden State Warriors
Russell doesn’t have to wait long before getting his first crack at He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. In his contract extension press conference, Russ reiterated he approaches every game the same way, but we have a feeling he’ll (somehow) find a new gear when he takes the floor against Voldemort.
November 13 — Orlando Magic
The return of Serge! This should be a fun one to watch. Orlando’s team is SO WEIRD.
December 25 — Minnesota Timberwolves
There was some speculation when Skinny Judas left for Golden State, that meant the end of Thunder basketball on Christmas. NOPE. Santa is still coming to OKC, as we will play host to a very fun and athletic Timberwolves team. All I want for Christmas is a Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Steven Adams match-up!
December 31 — LA Clippers
This isn’t the first match-up of the season with the Clippers, but the NYE game in OKC is always a blast. This year I expect it to feel especially important as it kicks off a brutal January where the Thunder plays 12 of 15 games on the road — including road match-ups with the Clippers, Spurs, Warriors and Cavs. Yeesh.
January 18 — @ Golden State Warriors
Every time these two teams play each other, it’ll be must watch television.
January 31 — @ San Antonio Spurs
Last season, the Thunder opened their schedule vs. the Spurs. This year, the fellas won’t see them until the end of January. After the Thunder shockingly rolled over the Spurs in the playoffs last season, the new look Spurs (Timmy Duncan is out, Pau Gasol is in) will be out for a little revenge.
February 11 — Golden State Warriors
Former Deep Deuce resident Kevin Durant returns to the ‘Peake (assuming he hasn’t requested a trade to the Cavaliers or Katie Ledecky’s swim team by this point) on a Saturday night. If I can’t find a ticket to this game, I’ll boo him from my couch. I promise.
March 20 — Golden State Warriors
Okay, I wasn’t going to put all of the GSW matchups on this list, but I’m just that excited. Aside from the game itself, the schedule between these two Warriors match-ups lays out pretty favorably for the Thunder. Expect both teams to be playing their best basketball in late March as the postseason will be right around the corner.
April 5 — @ Memphis Grizzlies
There are only four games following this one before the postseason begins, so this game should give us a good look at a potential first round match-up — as most analysts predict the Grizzlies and Thunder to finish as the 4th or 5th seeds. Memphis’ Tony Allen always gave Kevin Durant fits, so it’ll be interesting to see how the teams match-up now that both rosters have changed.
It’s very difficult to know what to expect from this Thunder team this season. The only thing that is predictable is Russell Westbrook bringing his insane competitive energy every night. It’s what has made this team fun to watch since they’ve arrived, and this off-season we’ve added more athleticism. Get ready — this’ll be a fun season to watch.
Let’s do this.
