The Oklahoma City Thunder have been watching and waiting. The Los Angeles Lakers have been battling and hoping. OKC fans will find out tonight if that week of down time has been good for their home team as the second round series between the franchises kicks off tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Kendrick Perkins was dealing with some injury issues, so having the extra time was likely a good thing for team health and rest in a crazy NBA season. Still it's been a while since they've played a meaningful game, so it will be interesting to see how they respond in the first half. In addition, the return of Metta World Peace to OKC after being suspended for hitting James Harden with an elbow will be a present source of tension for the entire series.
Whether it's Kobe or Kevin, the Artest-Harden match-up or the presence of other stars like Russell Westbrook and Pau Gasol, it's going to be a loaded series.
Game time/date: 8:30 p.m. CT
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
TV: TNT
For more info on the Oklahoma City Thunder, check out Welcome To Loud City. For more on the Lakers, check out Silver Screen and Roll.