Thunder Vs. Grizzlies Predictions: Kevin Durant Should Thrust Oklahoma City Ahead

There's a lot to like about the Memphis Grizzlies, especially the way the team throttled the San Antonio Spurs' offense in the first round. Memphis was excellent in rotating back in transition defense, and made the Spurs miss their few three-point attempts. But when the last time someone bothered Kevin Durant's shot? How many times does Russell Westbrook screw up in transition? Where the Spurs are somewhat small and slow (despite playing up-tempo), the Thunder are big, fast and athletic. The Grizzlies have the antidote to efficient halfcourt play. But the Thunder have the antidote to the antidote. Its name is Durant, and in the halfcourt, he's unstoppable.

That the Thunder's defense picked up in the first round against the Denver Nuggets is just more kindling for the increasing belief in Oklahoma City's chances to make the NBA Finals. The Nuggets had the NBA's No. 1 offense in the regular season; they were worse than league average in the Thunder series. While Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins will have their hands full down low, no one -- not Tony Allen, not Shane Battier -- can stop Durant. Add in Westbrook, James Harden and the advantage Eric Maynor should offer over Greivis Vasquez off the bench, and I see the Thunder taking the series in five.