Thunder Gameday: @ L.A. Clippers (9-32)

It wasn't even a month ago that people were saying the Oklahoma City Thunder would go down as the worst team in NBA History, and finish the season with less than 9 wins. Those comments were even made by analysts at ESPN, and I remember reading them and being upset by the stupidity of those comments. Of course I'm a longtime Sonic fan, and Native Oklahoman, which makes me a true Thunder Homer, but the team I was watching showed so many flashes of potential even in their most dreadful of games, that it seemed clear to me that all these people were not "watching" Thunder basketball. They seemed to merely be checking out the box scores, and ESPN highlights, and nothing else, and while I can't say I watch anything but Thunder games, I also don't go around giving analysis on teams I don't watch. So what are we driving at here? The Thunder enter tonight's game with probably more confidence than they have had since the relocation of the franchise, heading into tonight's game with the Los Angeles Clippers.

After just 4 wins in the 2008 portion of the season, the Thunder have come roaring back in January with a 5-5 record, and having won 4 of their last 6 games. For a team that won 4 games through January 1st, going 4-2 over a 6 game stretch is sure to boost your confidence level. That was never more clear than in the win on Wednesday night, against the Golden State Warriors, and after Jeff Greens buzzer beater/Game winner, the Thunder enter tonight's game with more swagger than they have had all year.

The Clippers, however, are probably at the polar opposite point right now, having dropped 14 of their last 15 games, wow, 1-14. Its crazy to actually be saying this, but the Thunder have to be careful about looking past their next opponent, and when facing a team with only 1 win in all of January, its an easy enough thing to do. The Thunder will have to be careful not to fall into that trap, it wasn't so long ago that they were the team hoping to be looked over.

The Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that Marcus Camby practiced Thursday and could make a return on Friday against Oklahoma City. If Camby plays, keeping him off the boards will be the number 1 priority of the night for the Thunder. If they can keep Marcus from having his way down low, it should be an easy win for the Thunder, provided they continue they improved play both offensively and defensively.

Of course it all seems to be lining up for an easy Thunder win, but we also can't forget that this is a team that beat us...TWICE.....AT HOME........IN LOUD CITY. Stay confident fellas, but don't be cocky.