One of the most highly anticipated games for the next season is Kevin Durant’s return to Oklahoma City. The former Thunder star will have to play as a visitor in an arena he called home for the past nine seasons.
We may now know when that return will occur. Though the schedule has not yet been released, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that the league is tentatively planning the game on February 11.
Story going online now: League sources say Oklahoma City is tentatively scheduled to play host to Kevin Durant for the first time on Feb. 11
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 8, 2016
The first matchup between the two teams will likely occur on November 3, per Stein. That will of course happen in Oakland. On a Thursday, that game will likely be featured as the late game on TNT.
Durant’s return to Oklahoma City, however, would be played just before the All Star Break. It would give both teams a chance to get acclimated to their entirely new rosters.
Additionally, February 11th lands on a Saturday. If the league does stick to this reported plan, the game would be featured in ABC’s Saturday Showcase which will probably begin after the Super Bowl.
The matchup will have many storylines to follow. The Warriors could be looking to improve from their status as the greatest regular season team ever. Kevin Durant spurning his longtime team should make for an interesting reception in OKC.
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook, who signed an extension to stay with the Thunder, will be looking for blood against his former teammate.
All things considered, this should be one of the best games of the season.
