2015 All-Star Game: Early Predictions for Oklahoma City Thunder

By Jonathan Brannon
OKC Thunder Ibaka Westbrook Durant
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The Oklahoma City Thunder seem to be finally shining after an unreal number of injuries to the team including major injuries to Russell Westbrook and reigning NBA MVP Kevin Durant. The Thunder are starting to click and are quickly reminding everyone that the Western Conference championship will have to go through OKC.

Westbrook has played brilliantly so far this season. Even for those who disapprove of his shot selection, his energy and intensity is undeniable. Westbrook may be the most explosive player in the league and he has used that to his advantage thus far scoring almost 26 points per game, which puts him near the top in the league. He has only played in 11 games thus far, but if Westbrook remains healthy, expect to see him playing at the All-Star game.

Durant has suffered through most of the season with injury, but last season’s NBA MVP has come out hot since his return. Durant is averaging almost 21 points per game with about six rebounds and four assists. If the game were next week, it would be hard to include Durant with less than 10 games under his belt, but over the next month and a half, Durant will earn his spot.

Serge Ibaka led the team through the absence of Durant and Westbrook, and is currently leading the Thunder in rebounds, while being fifth in the league with over two blocks per game. Ibaka has not yet made an All-Star game appearance in his career, but this year looks to be his best chance. If not voted in by the fans, the coaches will surely name him a reserve, as all NBA coaches are well aware of the defensive monster Ibaka can be.

If Westbrook and Durant stay healthy, they will earn a spot, but there is no more room for error for the two of them.

Prediction: Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka.

Jonathan Brannon is a San Antonio Spurs writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jbrannon89, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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