Thunder face tough matchup against Memphis in upcoming game

Injuries may be the only thing that can derail the Thunder. Your 50-11 Thunder have a tough game Wednesday in fourth-place Western Conference foe Memphis.

At OKC’s game with Houston on Monday, I couldn’t help but shield my eyes every time Chet Holmgren went from zero to fifty at the drop of a hat. Missed all of year one, most of this season & has already missed time with an ankle sprain. He’s not on the injury list, so it should mean he’ll lace 'em up in Tennessee tomorrow.

Gotta say that the big fella looked rusty last night. Especially when he decided to dribble, as every time it triggered a sprint to the ball by five hungry opponents, forcing a turnover most every dribble. Reminded me of two things: One, it’s exactly how the Thunder defend. Two, it looked like a couple of hyenas pouncing on whatever red-meated animal they can find.

Chet also has to gain better chemistry with the other 7-1 Man of Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein. They flash lethal potential. They should have time to solidify that relationship but also create better continuity with a team of wealthy kiddos who’ve established a beautiful blend of constant body and ball movement.

One question is when Thunder brass will more or less shut it down to get ready for the playoffs.

An absurd eleven games over their nearest Western opponents, OKC will clinch with lots of games remaining. What strategy will the Big Brains at Big Blue deploy? I don’t know. But I’m not paid to know. The combo platter of Coach Daigneault and GM Presti is there, and is there any doubt that they’ll (again) make the wise decision?

Lastly, Alex Caruso is even better than advertised & he’ll play substantial crunch time in the playoffs. IF … I say IF, the former Aggie can stay healthy.

He’s listed “out” for Wednesday's game with an ankle injury. And get this: it’s already the SIXTH time this season that Alex will have missed games to injury. Ouch.

Elsewhere:

Woe, no, Mavs. Luka’s gone, newbie Anthony Davis seriously injured and out in his first game in Dallas, and now Kyrie Irving is done. A season-ending torn ACL in the left knee of the 32-year-old. In the meantime, Luka’s Lakers keep rising in the standings.

Freddie Boom Boom Couples says close pal Brooks Keopka regrets his move to LIV Golf. Wants to return to PGA Tour.

And while we see potential upside in OU’s hire of GM Jim Nagy, a little bird with a lot of important knowledge tell me he’s not exactly the most gregarious guy in the world. In the job he’s been charged to handle, communicating with everyone – but mostly 17-21-year-old athletes and their agents.

Where’s a Dale Carnegie class when you need one?