The Miami Heat (38-14) will play big NBA rivals, the Oklahoma City Thunder (43-12), at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City tonight. The game starts at 8:00 p.m. ET and can be watched online through free live stream via the link provided below (free for subscribers to the NBA network).

The Miami Heat had a lot of trouble with the Oklahoma City Thunder the previous time both teams faced each other. They might have even more to deal with tonight.

Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook made it through a full practice yesterday for the first time since his latest surgery, just in time for tonight's rematch with the two-time defending NBA champion Heat. Westbrook's presence could be the difference for a team that already has the best record in the NBA.

His return nearly eclipses the usual hype that goes with matchups between Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant and Miami's LeBron James.

"It's like trading for an All Star at the trade deadline," said NBA's leading scorer Durant to reporters adding. "We're looking forward to it. We're definitely excited for him to get back."

Westbrook, a three-time All-Star, has missed 27 games since having a procedure on Dec. 27 to heal the swelling in his injured right knee, his third operation on it in nine months. Coach Scott Brooks would not make an absolute statement on Westbrook's status for Thursday's game, but talked at length about the way team dynamics could be altered upon his return.

"I thought he had a good practice today," said Brooks to reporters adding. "We went pretty hard, no question. We did a lot of things in transition, we did a lot of halfcourt. We did a lot of defensive drills, and he was able to participate in all of our drills."

Tonight's game will start at 8:00 p.m. ET and can be watched on TV on the TNT network or online through live stream by clicking here.