Thunder vs Spurs preview: Can OKC get first signature win of the season over San Antonio?

The Thunder travel to San Antonio tonight to face what would be their biggest game of the season following their loss to now the league-leading Boston Celtics. OKC is riding on a 3 game winning streak, but it is a bit of fools gold; there have been stretches where they look like they’re heading somewhere, such as the 2nd halves against the Mavericks and Clippers, but then there are Pyrrhic victories such as what we saw against Chicago, games that tell us more about the negatives than positives.

• Location: San Antonio
• Tip-off: 8PM EST
• Network: ESPN
• Key injuries: Steven Adams, Kawhi Leonard

The Thunder are looking for a signature win where they can begin to compare themselves against some of the league’s best. Unfortunately, the Spurs will still be without Leonard, and they are coming off a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Regardless, they will play with discipline and patience, two things of which OKC has struggled so far this season.

However, one of San Antonio’s long-standing issues is in dealing with scoring guards, and Russell Westbrook is looking for a breakout game. Can he get one? It may start again with the defensive side of the ball and the team’s ability to secure key rebounds against the big front line of LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol.

A patient offense and a defense that plays to its capabilities can spell a big win for OKC who, with a 4th straight win, would finally see them creep back over .500 for the first time in weeks.