Oklahoma City-Atlanta pregame: Three things to watch

Russell Westbrook will look to build off his nice performance in Friday's home opener / Getty Images

By Anthony Slater – Aslater@opubco.com - @anthonyVslater

The Thunder play Atlanta tonight in Oklahoma City, tipping off at 6 p.m. Here’s a quick primer:

Three OKC things to watch

1. Kendrick Perkins’ production - The Thunder big man went out late in Friday’s game, limping to the locker room with a sprained ankle. But Scott Brooks said it wasn’t as bad as initially thought and Perkins should play against Atlanta. But that doesn’t guarantee he’ll play well. Even before the ankle injury, Perkins was struggling to start the year. In two games (and 49 minutes played), he’s scored only two points and grabbed only nine rebounds. That limited production, shielded some by Nick Collison’s great play, doesn’t match his bulky contract.

2. KD unmatched - With Atlanta star Josh Smith out, the Hawks choices for Kevin Durant’s primary defender went from underwhelming to nonexistent. Smith’s athleticism could have at least bothered Durant at times. But now? Kyle Korver, Anthony Tolliver and Ivan Johnson will likely share the assignment. Talk about a nightmare mismatch for Atlanta. Durant, who’s yet to score more than 23 in a game this year, may go for 40+ with ease tonight.