Bobcats at Thunder
THE STORY: Saturday's tilt between the Charlotte Bobcats and the host Oklahoma City Thunder represents one of the biggest mismatches of the season – at least as far as the stats are concerned. Charlotte opens a four-game road swing with just two victories in 20 games away from North Carolina. The chances of earning victory No. 3 aren't good as Charlotte tangles with a Thunder club that has won 17 of 19 home games – though one of those defeats is fresh, as they fell 96-90 to Cleveland on Friday night.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Oklahoma
ABOUT THE BOBCATS (5-33): Charlotte head coach Paul Silas took an unusual step Friday, giving his son Stephen the opportunity to lead the club against the visiting New Jersey Nets. Stephen – who led the club to a stunning rally over Orlando on Tuesday after his father was ejected – said he enjoyed his time at the helm. “It was a surprise to me, but I'm ready for it,” he said. “It was fun. Challenging, of course. But when you prepare as much as I do, it's gratifying to get the chance to do it.”
ABOUT THE THUNDER (31-9): At first glance, Oklahoma City was its usual efficient self on offense in Friday's shocking loss to Cleveland. The Thunder shot 48.7 percent while the team's two scoring stars, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, combined for 42 points. But a closer look reveals two major flaws that ultimately served as the team's undoing. Oklahoma City allowed the Cavaliers to pull down a season-high 21 offensive rebounds while shooting just 6 for 24 from beyond the arc. Durant was the main offender, going 1 for 7.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Thunder have won four of the last five head-to-head encounters, but the teams haven't met since last March 18.
2. Durant has struggled against the Bobcats in his career, averaging 23.9 points on 43.8-percent shooting in eight games.