Heat vs. Thunder: Pregame primer

vs.

Heat (38-14, 18-10 road) vs. Thunder (43-12, 23-3 home)

TV: TNT
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 7:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 109.9 (6th), Heat – 111.7 (2nd)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 102.2 (4th), Heat – 106.1 (16th)
Pace: Thunder – 95.2 (11th), Heat – 92.5 (22nd)

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Thunder versus Heat, round two. The Thunder shook that nasty monkey off their back in the previous meeting, scorching the Heat from deep en route to an easy win. Tonight’s game is more complicated, though. First, Russell Westbrook returns. How much does he play? How does he play? When does he play? Second, the Heat enter having won six of seven with LeBron cranking up his play. How does he play? is Durant going to get him again?

Like last time, this game is less about the actual importance — because it’s not very, really — and more about the statements within it. A win and the MVP is headed to Oklahoma City. A loss, and there will be questions ranging from Westbrook screwing them up to LeBron closing the gap on Durant in the MVP chase.

Whatever the case, it’s gonna be fun.

Three Big Things

1. Perk. He’s going to start. But how much does he play? And what does Scott Brooks need to see to change his mind? Like if the Heat are up 8-4 after three minutes, is that enough? Or do they have to dig a 26-0 hole or something for him to say, “You know what, it’s not working.”

2. Role bros. The difference in the first meeting was Durant besting LeBron. It was Jeremy Lamb, Derek Fisher and Thabo Sefolosha making lots and lots of shots. The Thunder’s role players, for once, outperformed Miami’s and it made the difference. Simple.

3. LeBron vs. KD. Come on. This is what it’s about. And it’s going to be super awesome.

4. Bonus thing: RUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Tip at 7:00 CT. Go Kevin. Go Russ.