Thunder vs. Rockets (8 p.m. ET, NBA TV)
Failure To Launch
The Rockets have stumbled out of the gates in 2015-16 to become the first team in NBA history to lose their first three games by 20-plus points. Last night, the Rockets held a 21-point lead over Miami in the 3rd quarter but ended up losing by 20 to become the first team since the Clippers on March 18, 2000 to lose a game by 20 after leading by 20. Harden said postgame that, “you can’t have a stagnant offense and not get stops. That’s a sign of a disaster.” Will the Rockets be able to avoid another disaster at home against the Thunder tonight? A loss would cause the Rockets’ first 0-4 start since 2011-12.
Bringing Back KD
Kevin Durant is showing little signs of wear as the Thunder quickly bring him back from last season’s foot injuries. The former Kia MVP is averaging 38.6 minutes (including an impressive 54-minute night in Oklahoma City’s double-overtime win against Orlando) to go along with 30.0 points (on 48.3 percent shooting), 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists over his first three games. Coach Billy Donovan says there are no plans to sit Durant during the Thunder’s current four games in five night stretch and Durant said, “I’m really tired of y’all talking to me like I’m a 19-year vet, man […] I can play those minutes. It’s not like I’m struggling next day.” Tonight will give you a chance to see Durant at full force as he and Russell Westbrook lead the Thunder.
Harden vs. OKC
James Harden against the Thunder is always a reason to tune in. Since being traded to Houston from Oklahoma City in 2012, Harden has averaged 27 points, 5.8 assists and 6.3 rebounds in 10 games against the Thunder. In his last matchup against his former teammates, Harden scored 41 points with six assists, six rebounds and three steals in a win over the Thunder without Durant. Is another big game in store for Harden as he attempts to rescue his team from their dreadful start to 2015-16? The Rockets have won four straight over the Thunder, including a sweep of the season series in 2014-15.
Grizzlies vs. Warriors (10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV)
Playoff Rematch
The Warriors eliminated the Grizzlies in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals last season and both squads return with similar rosters in 2015-16. With one exception — the Grizzlies have their point guard, Mike Conley, healthy after he missed one game in the series and was limited in the others after suffering multiple facial fractures during the first round against Portland. Conley has started 2015-16 strong, tallying 14.3 points, 8.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game over the first three contests. Will his presence help Memphis get some payback against the undefeated, champion Warriors?
Hot Curry
If the Grizzlies hope to have any chance tonight, they must somehow slow down the red-hot Kia MVP. Stephen Curry has scored 118 points over his first three games (joining Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West as only players to do that) including a 24-point first quarter on opening night and a 28-point third quarter against the Pelicans again on Saturday. He’s shooting an absurd 48.6 percent from 3-point land and 58.8 percent from the field to go along with 7.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He’s playing so well that it caused our own Fran Blinebury to ask, is Curry even better than he was last season? We’ll get another chance to find out tonight on NBA TV.
Back On Track
The Grizzlies rebounded from an embarrassing, 30-point loss at home to the Cavaliers on opening night by handling the Pacers, 112-103, and Nets, 101-91, on Thursday and Saturday. Conley sparked the Grizzlies’ attack with 22 points and eight assists against the Nets. Center Marc Gasol had a down game, though, going just 2-for-10 from the field and hauling in only four rebounds. On the season, Gasol is averaging 13.0 points on 42.9 percent shooting, well below his career average (50.8). With Warriors center Andrew Bogut likely out after suffering a concussion, Gasol should be in line for a strong performance against backup Festus Ezeli tonight.
— NBA.com staff reports
