Tuesday Bolts: 8.15.17
The Thunder’s 2017-18 schedule has been released: All 82 games are now available for gross over-analysis.
Nick Gallo reviews the full schedule: “In total, the Thunder will play on national television 37 times, including six exclusive ABC and TNT broadcasts apiece. 70 of the Thunder’s 82 regular season games will be available to fans in Oklahoma City on Fox Sports Oklahoma, and all will be broadcast on WWLS the Sports Animal and the Thunder Radio Network.”
Erik Horne lists the must-see Thunder games this season: “The NBA released its full regular-season schedule for the 2017-18 season Monday, and the Thunder will be featured in 37 nationally-televised games. Many of those games will be among the most highly-anticipated in the league next season. Here are the Thunder’s most intriguing, for more than just what happens on the court.”
Bleacher Report predicts the Thunder’s record, picks top games and gives championship odds: “All told, a safe estimation for Oklahoma City is around 50 victories and a place inside the West’s top four seeds. The more prominent factor is whether the roster, with potentially a key deadline addition, is able to reach peak efficiency to match up with the Warriors and Co. in the playoffs. Prediction: 49-33.”
Sports Illustrated picks the top 50 games of next season: The Thunder makes seven appearances in the top 50.
ESPN lists when stars will be facing their old teams: “Will Kevin Durant face another barrage of boos when he returns to Oklahoma City? Or has a full season of his absence helped heal old wounds? The crowd reaction alone will be fascinating, as well as any interactions between Durant and his former teammate, NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. But beyond Durant, it will be even more interesting to see how competitive this matchup will be now that Paul George has joined the Thunder.”
Paul George addresses his return to Indiana on December 13: “Yes Indiana, Dec. 13th will be a special night for me too! We all will have different reasons!”
Russell Westbrook & Paul George worked out together for the first time: “Russell Westbrook and Paul George are beginning the process of building chemistry on the court as the new duo had their first workout as Oklahoma City Thunder teammates on Monday in Los Angeles, sources told ESPN.com. At a gym on campus at UCLA, George and Westbrook went through drills and conditioning together, along with a few Thunder players, including Jerami Grant, Kyle Singler, Semaj Christon and Doug McDermott.”
