2014-15 Clippers #NBASchedule: 10 Must-See Games

May 13, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in game five of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeated the Clippers 105-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

October 30th vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

2013-14 Season Series: LAC 2-2 OKC

What a better way to start off the 2014-15 season. The Clippers are essentially looking their killer in the eyes. Because of the Thunder, the Clippers were unable to continue to the Western Conference finals. Because of the Thunder, the Clippers fell short of their goal of a NBA championship. And now, in the first game of the year, the Clippers are in prime position for temporary revenge.

Believe it or not, there’s an argument to be made that the Clippers are a better team than the Thunder. The Thunder have the Clippers beat when it comes to being top-heavy: it’s reasonable to take a trio of Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka over Paul, Griffin, Jordan. Once you factor in everything else: depth, coaching, supporting cast to stars, the Clippers have the arm up in each category (the Clippers have also had a better off-season).

That makes this matchup much more interesting because, with the Spurs being the defending NBA champions, the Thunder and Clippers are fighting for second place until the champs are dethroned. The Clippers are the ‘see it to believe it’ team of the NBA. Nobody will believe they’re truly prepared to contend for a championship until they actually do it. It’s an odd approach, but history has forced fans and analyst into that corner–beating the Thunder early on when everyone is healthy will help soften that stance.

The journey starts here.