The Oklahoma City Thunder play the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Tipoff is at 10:30 p.m. ET. Watch the live stream or listen to the radio broadcast via the links provided below.
Kevin Durant is sidelined with a fracture in his foot, putting the burden of scoring almost solely on Russell Westbrook. It's a burden the shot-happy point guard is likely happy to take on for the six to eight weeks Durant is out. While Westbrook is certain to get off more shot attempts in Durant's absence, the All-Star indicated his role -or his style of play - wouldn't change.
"Just constantly do what I need to do to help us win games," he said, via ESPN. "Find a way for guys to step up and play together."
With Durant's free agency two seasons away, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks is hard-pressed this season to make a deep postseason run and show Durant that if not this season then next season the team can be a title contender.
For his part, Brooks believes the team is on the cusp of returning to the finals.
"We are close," said Brooks. "We've been close for a few years now. A lot of teams would love to be in this position. It's a very competitive league."
Portland, meanwhile, is looking to improve upon last year's playoff run and get a quick start in the competitive Western Conference. The Trail Blazers can score with LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard, but coach Terry Stotts believes the team as a whole needs to improve on defense to make the jump to the next level.
"We need to be a better defensive team. We need to realize what made us a good offensive team and stick with that," he said. "After that, you just play games."
Watch the live stream HERE, or listen to the radio broadcast HERE (OKC) and HERE (POR).
