NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder Reuters

Despite the return of Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City Thunder have gone 0-3 in their first three games since the star point guard’s comeback from injury. Is OKC a better team without Westbrook in the line-up? The team faces another stern test on Friday when the Thunder host the tough Memphis Grizzlies.

OKC critics—especially those who believe that Westbrook’s presence is bad for the team—have had more bullets since the All-Star break as the Thunder have lost thrice since his return. The Thunder suffered blowout losses to the Miami Heat, 103-81; Los Angeles Clippers, 125-117; and shockingly to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-104.

The Thunder have never lost four straight since their first season in Oklahoma City and Memphis, winners of five of its last six games, wants to add to their woes.

Westbrook scored 14 and 13 points in his first two games back but shoot poorly making just 6-of-24 shots. He did score 24 in the loss versus the Cavs but could not contain either Kyrie Irving (31 points) or Jarrett Jack (21 points) as Cleveland’s starting backcourt outscored OKC’s, 52-32.

Kevin Durant was his usual self with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists but if the Thunder wants to hold on to the West’s top spot they need to stop the current skid and solve the Westbrook conundrum.

The Grizzlies are coming off a 108-103 win over the lowly Los Angeles Lakers. Courtney Lee top-scored with 18 points and added 5 assists for Memphis which also got contributions from off-the-bench players Tony Allen and James Johnson who added 17 and 14 markers, respectively.

Betting Against the Spread (ATS)

Memphis Grizzlies Trends
 - The Grizzlies are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games on the road
- The Grizzlies are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games
- The Grizzlies are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after a win

Oklahoma City Thunder Trends
 - The Thunder are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. Southwest division teams
- The Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games at home
- The Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games