When: Friday, 16 October 2015 at 8:00 PM EST

Where: FedExForum, Memphis, TN

In a showdown between the Western Conference's two remaining unbeaten teams, both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies will look to expand and develop on their impressive starts to the 2015-2016 season. With the return of Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka to the Thunder lineup to start preseason, the Thunder have reemerged as a genuine title contender, averaging 111 points per game while only conceding 92.

Despite lengthy absence during last season, Durant and Ibaka have both entered the Thunder lineup seamlessly and have clearly demonstrated just how dangerous a healthy Thunder team can be.

After three convincing wins in the space of six days, Billy Donovan has taken the opportunity to rest Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Enes Kanter and Serge Ibaka. With a loaded bench and a second unit that would contend with many starting lineups around the NBA, this doesn't necessarily mean the Thunder is throwing the game. These omissions will allow for role players such as Dion Waiters, Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow, Mitch McGary, D.J. Augustin and Andre Roberson to receive extended minutes and the opportunity to impress coach Donovan as the beginning of the season looms. With limited minutes available to plethora of talented players, this will be an opportunity for these fringe players to excel. With so much on the line for these players, a level of intensity can be expected by the Thunder in tonight's encounter.

The Opposition 

As mentioned before, the Grizzlies enter the game (along with the Thunder) atop of the Western Conference sitting comfortably at 3-0 for the preseason thus far. As has been the dynamic of the Grizzlies throughout this era, they have relied on their defense to grind out wins and have conceded just 84 points per game. This contrast in electrifying offense and dog-fighting defense has ensured that each of the Thunder versus Grizzlies encounter over the past few seasons has been an exciting one. The teams have plenty of history, having met in the playoffs three times in the past five years, with two going to seven games. Over the offseason, the Grizzlies have made limited moves, bringing in Brandan Wright and also OKC-nemesis Matt Barnes who fits in Memphis' grit-n-grind identity perfectly. 

Playing at home, it is expected that Memphis will play their strongest lineup.

Things to watch:

1) Who will get minutes at Point Guard:
-With Russell Westbrook sitting the game out, point guard minutes will be split between rookie Cameron Payne and veteran D.J. Augustin. Both have played sparingly throughout preseason thus far and will look to take this advantage to secure their spot as the Thunder's backup point guard.

2) Dion Waiters' style of play:
-Since his introduction into the NBA, Dion Waiters has always been a polarizing player who has struggled with consistency. This is largely due to his reliance on low-percentage shots and a refusal to use his powerful frame to bully his way to the rim. Working out with the Thunder in the offseason, it has been noted that Waiters has looked to amend this and, with talks of a contract extension, now looks to be the perfect time for Waiters to show his willingness to adjust and be a true contributor for the Thunder.

3) Shooting Guard Minutes:
-As with the point guard position, there looks to be a real contest to who will get extended minutes at shooting guard. With Dion Waiters, Andre Roberson and Anthony Morrow all contributing very independent skills that have little crossover, they will be fighting amongst themselves for minutes in Billy Donovan's rotation. Throughout preseason thus far, it looks as though Donovan will mirror the approach taken by Scott Brooks and start with Roberson's defensive intensity. However with Waiters' scoring ability and Morrow's lights out shooting, all three have a claim for the starting role.