Thunder set to start playoff run tonight

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma City Thunder hope dynamic point guard Russell Westbrook is the difference when they meet the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs. A year ago, Memphis blew past Oklahoma City in the Western Conference semifinals, but the Thunder were without Westbrook because he injured his right knee during the first round. He is healthy now, and the Thunder are confident heading into this year’s first-round series with the Grizzlies, which starts Saturday night.

A person familiar with the decision says Memphis Grizzlies point guard Nick Calathes has been suspended for 20 games for violating the NBA’s drug policy. The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday on condition of anonymity because the NBA has not announced the punishment, says Calathes will miss Memphis’ first-round playoff series against Oklahoma City. Calathes, a 25-year-old rookie reserve, averaged 4.9 points and 2.9 assists in 71 games this season.