Oklahoma City Thunder (2-2) vs. Chicago Bulls (3-1)
8 p.m./TNT
The Thunder and the Bulls remain two of the top teams in the league despite the changes to the roster that happened to both rosters. The Thunder are still adjusting to life without James Harden and Kevin Martin appears to be settling in. The Bulls are settled in because they are a veteran team and they have found a way to replace and survive without Derrick Rose.
In style, these two teams could not be much more different either. Oklahoma City wants to get out on the break and push the tempo. The Bulls can grind out the game more with Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng capable of executing and winning on defense.
This matchup of opposites always gets interesting. Especially when both teams play at such a high level. The Bulls and Thunder are already playing pretty well for this early part of the season.
TNT could not ask for a better matchupto kick off this evening's festivities. Even without Derrick Rose, the Bulls are a solid team that works together and is committed to defense. That should bode well for them moving forward this year. Oklahoma City still has Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant and that makes for good TV too.
There is not a better reason to tune in than to see two great teams playing against each other.
Other Storylines to Watch
-Kevin Martin is still integrating himself into the Thunder atmosphere. He recently arrived for an 11 a.m. practice early and found that Durant and Westbrook were already there working up a sweat. That is a great atmosphere to be playing in. Martin scored 28 points in a loss to Atlanta earlier this week and followed that up with 15 points in a win against Toronto. Yep, Martin is getting more comfortable. Look out, West.
-No word yet if Scottie Pippen will be in Chicago to take this game in. He had a pretty big honor Tuesday, participating in the President's traditional Election Day pickup game. Pippen said, his staff went easy on him. He told the Columbus Dispatch that the lane opens up pretty wide for the President when he drives.
Tonight's Other Games
Los Angeles Clippers (3-2) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (2-2)
10:30 p.m./TNT
Damian Lillard makes his national TV debut on the bright lights of TNT. Lillard has taken the NBA by storm in his first four games, averaging 19.3 points per game shooting 40.6 percent. The Trail Blazers are using Lillard heavily and he is delivering in this early part of the season. Are you ready to meet Mr. Chris Paul, Damian?
