Steve's Thunder Notes: Will It Be Memphis Blues Again?

Ten games into the season, six games up and four down. Not exactly the start OKC or their fans were looking for. Adversity has already set in with the injury to Kevin Durant, we should have an answer before the week is finished on a return to the court. Wednesday marks the seven day window for his re-evaluation on the hamstring, that's when the Thunder hosts New Orleans. The Pelicans aren't exactly setting the world on fire at the moment, off to a 1-9 start, missing Monty Williams?

The Nuggets come to New Orleans on Tuesday night, so OKC will face Anthony Davis and company on game two of a back-to-back. Oklahoma City's back-to-back finds them in Memphis tonight. The Grizzlies are struggling at 5-6, but it's the Grizzlies, they always play up for the Thunder. They recently added another shooter in Mario Chalmers (uh-oh) shades of the NBA Finals come to mind from a few years ago.

The Thunder inside game will decide this one tonight. Marc Gasol and the ageless Zach Randolph will make it physical for Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams and Enes Kanter, (what's new?) we may even see Mitch McGary to help bang the Memphis big men. What are the odds of a technical or two called in the paint?

I expect Russ to have a better shooting night, his shot selection will be interesting to watch this evening. He was trying to do too much last night in KD's absence. Coach Donovan will continue to preach that it's ok to make that extra pass. He mentioned last night that his squad may have settled for shots too soon instead passing it on for a better shot, we'll see if the team can make that extra effort in the tough Grind House.  Memphis has won 3 out of the last four meetings against the Thunder.