Matchup: @ Golden State Warriors
Oklahoma City has faced little trouble this season dispatching the Warriors on two previous occasions, only one of which saw Golden State soldier on without Stephen Curry. The third meeting between these two squads could follow the same script.
The average age of the Thunder’s roster is “Definitely going clubbing on the West Coast after beating the Blazers in OKC on New Year’s Eve.” Youth has a way of recovering quickly, but day-after-New-Year’s inertia comes for everyone.
To be fair, the Warriors are playing their own Dec. 31 tilt on the road. But that’s against the Charlotte Hornets, a team you don’t always realize you just played. Golden State is also veteran enough that only, like, one-third of the roster will be attending Pat Spencer’s Parks and Recreation-themed dive bar New Year’s extravaganza.
Verdict: This will be OKC’s second loss of the season. I think. Maybe.
Dan Favale is a National NBA Writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Bluesky (@danfavale), and subscribe to the Hardwood Knocks podcast, co-hosted by Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes.