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Raptors vs. Thunder: Fighting fire with fire

DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook have been two of the hottest players in the league thus far. Who will step up and lead their team to victory tonight?

By Matt Teague
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

It was a disappointing evening on Sunday night as the Raptors dropped their contest against the Kings and in turn gave Boogie Cousins yet another inch of false Californian hope. Tonight however, the Raptors turn their attention to another superstar and his quest to smash through every atomic being in sight -- Russell Westbrook.

It is to no surprise that Russ has reached peak "F-U" mode to begin the 2016-17 NBA Campaign. Through seven games thus far, the Thunder sit at 6-1 (their best start since they were in Seattle in 2004) and their solo loss came thanks to their new arch nemesis in the Golden State Warriors. The Raptors will have a tall task on their hands entering the appropriately named Chesapeake Energy Center, one of the loudest and most energetic buildings in all of sports. Last season, the Raptors visited Oklahoma City on November 4th, picking up a victory that would set them at 5-0 to begin the season -- it's doable boys!

The Raptors will have to contain the size and athleticism of the Thunder if they want to have any shot at victory tonight. The game will most likely be won on the glass, as the Thunder rank third league-wide in rebounding and the Raptors 11th (third in offensive rebounds however).

There will be no Serge Ibaka, Kevin Durant, or Dion Waiters for the Raptors to deal with, but this OKC team is damn good in a totally different way. Led by their heart and soul in Russell Westbrook, the Raps will have to match OKC's grit and determination in order to find success against a team who is riding the "nobody believes in us" narrative. Well, as the lone basketball team in Canada, we often ride this narrative too -- so bring it, Thunder.

It's time for some top-tier basketball folks. To get a better pulse on tonight's match-up, here is a preview from our man Stephen Campbell. Enjoy the game everyone!

And finally, in an effort to inspire the squad, Steven Adams being infatuated by a seal and also creating the word "sealfie". See Raptors, he isn't so mean after all. Now get at em boys!

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