DNB TGIF Preview- Raptors vs Thunder

I am heading down to the T-Dot to watch the team I cover take on the team I picked to win the NBA Finals. I am pretty sure not to many people have the OKC Thunder to win the NBA Title. Sure that many folks are shocked that Raptors if the playoffs started today Toronto would be in them. Thunder have showed they are more then just Kevin Durant. They have been getting wins without their franchise player. The biggest reason for that has been the play of Russell Westbrook who has taken his game to another level. The Raptors even with some injures this season have still kept fighting on most nights. Durant status for this one is up in the air. But even without him this Thunder team is no joke. Raptors have beaten some marquee opposition in the best 2 teams in the East in Orlando and Boston. Oklahoma City is now in that elite class of teams.

The Basics: OKC Thunder 13-6 (7-2 On The Road) Raptors 7-11(1-5 vs West)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors could do no wrong. We mention taking it to another level in the opening and the Raptors did that against Washington. 72 first half points was more than enough to secure a Raptor victory from there. Ed Davis impressed in his NBA debut and DeRozan got back on track and led the team in scoring with 20.

Key Match ups: Russell Westbrook is playing at an all-star level. Jose Calderon I will admit has improved but can he match-up with Westbrook on D? Doubtful it might be one of those nights where we see Weems take Westbrook and Bayless when he is in there. If K.D does not play this becomes the most important match-up in this game. Andrea Bargnani needs to take advantage of his match-up. The Thunder do not have a big that can hang with Bargs. But we need a full 48 from Andrea in this one. The other match-up to keep an eye on is Demar DeRozan taking on Thabo Sefolosha. Should be a good test for DeRozan to see if he can string together back to back efforts.

Our DNB Game Plan: Now as I have mentioned in terms of getting interviews in pre-game it can be hit or miss. But I am going to try to talk with Jerryd Bayless and Ed Davis pre-game. May even wander over to Thunder Locker room and see If I can get K.D's thoughts on Texas having some Canadian Content in the NCAA. Just like with the Raptors the game plan might not work but will try to execute it.

In Case you missed it: This is the first of what will be every Friday that Raptors are at home the DNB will be in the house covering games. Hence the TGIF Preview. Also Vince Carter Via Twitter says you fans here in Toronto boo much louder in comparison to Cleveland last night. Lebron James put the wood to his former club throwing down 38. In case you have been living under a rock the Miami Heat take their talents north on Feb 16th just after Valentine's Day for the first appearance of Chris Bosh in an opposing uniform. Also according to local papers in OKC Kevin Durant is expected to take morning shoot around and based on that they will determine his status for the Match-up tonight at the ACC.

With all that said I will be taking my talents to the T-dot and keep it tuned in on Twitter @Dinonationblog for updates and info on tonight's game.

Update on K.D Status 11:30am: Word is no K.D tonight which is bad news in the sense he is fun to watch. But does improve the Raptors chances at sneaking out a win.