Is OKC a Better Team Without Westbrook in the Lineup? Thunder 0-2 After Russell’s Return

Russell Westbrook returned to action last Thursday (February 20) but Thunder have gone 0-2 with him on the court. On Wednesday night, Westbrook and the Thunder host the Cleveland Cavaliers with Kyrie Irving, one of premier point guards in the NBA.

Can OKC snap out of back-to-back losses or will critics of Westbrook have more bullets in saying that the Thunder is a better team without Kevin Durant’s partner-in-crime in OKC?

Westbrook has scored 14 and 13 points against the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers, respectively since his return but missed 18 of 24 shots and also had a total of turnovers. Kevin Durant had 42 points and 10 assists in the last game, a disappointing 125-117 home loss to rivals Los Angeles Clippers.

Despite the mini-slump, the Thunder still have the best record in the West with a 45-14 win-loss record.

Meanwhile, after their longest winning streak this season-- six games from February 7 to 19-- the Cavaliers have suffered three losses in a row twice to the Toronto Raptors and once to the Washington Wizards.

Kyrie Irving had 25 points and 9 assists and new center Spencer Hawes had 15 points and 7 boards in a 99-93 home loss to the Raps last Tuesday.

Betting Lines: Cleveland Cavaliers (+14.5) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (O/U: 204.5)

Game time: 11:00 am AEDT

Betting Against the Spread (ATS)

Cleveland Cavaliers Trends
- The Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on the road
- The Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. Northwest division teams
- The Cavaliers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games

Oklahoma City Thunder Trends
- The Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a loss
- The Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. Central division teams
- The Thunder are 2-5 ATS in their last 5 games