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Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 keys to victory against the Golden State Warriors

By Kenneth Teape

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors on February 11, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors on February 11, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 keys to victory against the Golden State Warriors
Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images /

1. A little luck

When you are facing off against a team as talented and dominant as the Warriors, a lot goes into pulling off the victory. A good gameplan and players stepping up is a must. Another thing that can go a long way is a little bit of luck and the Thunder could be getting some.

Kevin Durant is questionable for the game with a sprained left ankle. It is tough to imagine Durant missing this game, especially since he practiced in full on Tuesday. However, he is questionable, so the Thunder would catch a huge break if he does end up sitting out.

If Durant does play, the Thunder could get lucky if he is a little bit rusty. Durant missed only one game, but athletes are creatures of habit. Durant could be a little off to at the beginning of the game as he looks to get back into his groove. Durant torched the Thunder last season. If he is unable to suit up, it would be favorable for OKC.

The Thunder are also catching the Warriors at a good time scheduling-wise. The Warriors are wrapping up a four-game road trip tonight against the Thunder. It started against the Boston Celtics before a back-to-back against the 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. The Warriors will go 11 days between home games. Could they be looking forward to heading back home and not come out as sharp as they should?

We saw it for the first half against the 76ers and the second half against the Nets. The Warriors haven’t put together a full game on this road trip. Can the Thunder get lucky and catch them in a lull and knock them off?

The Thunder have the talent to knock off the Warriors, but a little bit of luck never hurt anyone. Getting some favorable news on the injury report or catching the Warriors looking ahead to being home for the holiday could be the edge that the Thunder need to pull off the upset.

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