On the other side of things, the one time the Thunder beat the Mavs this season, Dirk Nowitzki didn't play and Caron Butler had just been ruled out for the season....and the Thunder still only won by 4. I know regular season shit doesn't matter, but that's definitely not a good look.
Oklahoma's Key To Victory: Russell Westbrook has to be more Chris Paul and less Derrick Rose for the Thunder to succeed. It's no military secret that Kevin Durant is the Man in OKC, so to beat Dallas, Westbrook is going to have to do what he did Sunday against Memphis.
Dallas' Key To Victory: Make Russell Westbrook beat you. This is no knock against Westbrook, but if Durant isn't scoring, OKC isn't winning.
Oklahoma's X-Factor: Serge Ibaka. I'm assuming he'll be doing the lion share of guarding Dirk, so his ability on the defensive end may end up being the story for OKC.
Dallas' X-Factor: J.J. Barea. If he murder OKC's bench like he did L.A.'s, this series could be over quickly.
Prediction: Dallas wins in 6. Dallas is secretly one of the oldest teams in the league, so I think that week-plus of rest will be good for them, and they'll handle business. Plus, I can't take Oklahoma City seriously until they get some real uniforms. Their jerseys look like they're from a movie about pro basketball that couldn't secure licensing from the NBA to use the real team's jerseys.
