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John Rohde: Nick Collison will likely play more minutes than Kendrick Perkins against Miami

The Oklahoman's John Rohde took questions from readers in today's OKC Thunder/NBA Power Lunch Chat. Join our Power Lunch Chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on NewsOK.com/Sports. Here's a recap of the Q&A.

By John Rohde | Published: February 11, 2013 Comment on this article

The Oklahoman's John Rohde took questions from readers in today's OKC Thunder/NBA Power Lunch Chat. Join our Power Lunch Chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on NewsOK.com/Sports. Here's a recap of the Q&A.

max 11:00 a.m. Who will OU go after now that Patton is gone?

John Rohde 11:02 a.m. Actually, this chat is intended for Thunder questions. Tune in when Jason Kersey chats and he'll have far more insight. For what it's worth, I assume OU will revisit about hiring Mark Mangino, but he might have too much luggage from his Kansas departure. Personally, I think OU should go get him.

Mike 11:02 a.m. What do you think about a lineup of Russ, KD, Serge, Thabo, and Liggins made especially for the Heat? One big-time defender, one high motor guy to chase Allen/Battier around, and the three stars. It would only be in limited time frames, but I think it could help counter their small lineup.

John Rohde 11:04 a.m. Very good combo you're suggesting, only hesitation is with Liggins because he's never been in such a pressurized situation (assuming you're talking about the Finals). Then again, far less personal pressure is felt on defense than on offense, and Liggins wouldn't even have to touch the ball offensively in that lineup.

Steven 11:04 a.m. When is the last time a team's starting lineup sat four straight fourth quarters?

John Rohde 11:06 a.m. Having the Elias Sports Bureau look into that as we speak. I'll be really impressed if OKC starters make it through six games with no fourth-quarter action, because that would mean they weren't needed in the fourth quarter on Thursday against Miami.

AB 11:06 a.m. Will perkins start against Miami on Thursday, or will brook start someone else?

John Rohde 11:08 a.m. Perkins absolutely will start. You want to be the one to tell him he's not? How much playing time he'll have is the big question. Depends on his effectiveness, or lack thereof. I'd say there's a good chance Nick Collison plays more total minutes.

Scott 11:08 a.m. Will the Thunder draft Marcus Smart.

John Rohde 11:11 a.m. The Thunder will have to get the No. 4, No. 5 or No. 6 overall pick from Toronto (via the James Harden trade) to do so. Smart is fantastic. For OSU's sake, I hope he stays there all four years. He plays more like a fifth-year senior than a true freshman. College basketball needs players like Smart to stay in school. A special talent.

Joss 11:11 a.m. Whats with Thabo?

John Rohde 11:14 a.m. For two years, coach Scott Brooks has been begging for one of his players to shoot the corner-3, which routinely is the easiest of all outside shots. Now he has three guys who can convert it on a consistent basis -- Kevin Martin, Serge Ibaka and Thabo. If opponents decide to start defending Thabo on the perimeter, that literally opens it up for all his teammates.

tom 11:14 a.m. Who should Thunder fans rather see in the playoffs, the Clips or Spurs and why?

John Rohde 11:17 a.m. Clippers, no doubt. The Clippers run hot and cold. The Spurs run hot all the time. I never thought OKC got enough credit for eliminating the Spurs last year. Four straight wins against San Antonio was no small feat. I'm still a little stunned when I think back to what happened. I thought SA was the best team in basketball last year.

Jerry 11:17 a.m. Will Martin be well enough to be back Thursday to help offense?

John Rohde 11:19 a.m. I defer to Darnell Mayberry for that answer. He is with the team in Utah. The answer could come at Tuesday morning's shootaround, which will end around noon, Oklahoma time. If not then, it could come down to a game-time decision.

William 11:19 a.m. Will Thunder make trade for Maynor?

John Rohde 11:25 a.m. Doubtful. Who could the Thunder get who's better for the price ($2.34 million)? The Thunder has zero space under the tax level. To me, the biggest downfall of making a trade is OKC already made a major move before the season, so why mess with team chemistry again 4 1/2 months later? The team is 39-12, fercryinoutloud. Other teams are trying to catch OKC, it's not the other way around. I say "stand pat."

Guest 11:25 a.m. Were Presti and Ilgauskas at the OU game Saturday to scout any OU players or all KU players?

John Rohde 11:29 a.m. Presumably, Ben McLemore and Jeff Withey were to two NBA draws, despite Kansas being on a three-game skid. I don't think Stephen Pledger or Romero Osby are on the draft board, although they could spark some interest if they keep playing like they did against KU.

guest 11:30 a.m. What's up with OU and James Patton?

John Rohde 11:31 a.m. And with that question, we've officially come full-circle. Thanks for the questions (both Thunder and OU related).