Maybe the Oklahoma City Thunder can save this season. Maybe not. If there’s to be a turnaround, it could begin Friday.

The Thunder, a forceful presence in the NBA’s Western Conference the past few years, now resides at the bottom of that half of the league with a 3-12 record. The Thunder have lost six consecutive games.

The explanation is simple. Reigning MVP Kevin Durant has been out all season with a broken foot, though he began taking part in practice on Monday. Guard Russell Westbrook (broken hand) has missed 13 games. The loss of these two All-Stars has been way too much to overcome.

Westbrook, however, may be back for Friday’s game against the New York Knicks. Coach Scott Brooks won’t make any promises beyond continuing to evaluate Westbrook before deciding how soon to play him.

The Western Conference is stocked with strong teams. The Memphis Grizzlies are 12-2, the Golden State Warriors 11-2, the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets at 11-3. Sure, the season is 82 games, but the Thunder now have serious ground to make up, and how quickly will Westbrook and Durant be back at the top of their games?

The Thunder play Wednesday night at home against the Utah Jazz (5-10). Winnable? Perhaps. The future may begin on Friday if Westbrook can return.

Today’s question

Can OKC pull itself together and reach the playoffs?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .