Thunder vs 76ers: Previewing the First Game of the Season

It’s October 26th, which means Thunder vs 76ers is finally here. Let’s break down the things to watch, most important matchups and predict the final score.

It’s been a long offseason, but basketball is back. Thunder fans got a win already, watching KD and the Warriors look like a fringe-playoff team last night. But we’re here to talk Thunder vs 76ers.

Things to Watch

How many minutes will Russell Westbrook play?

The Thunder superstar did not play a single minute of the fourth quarter in preseason. We have no clue how much Billy Donovan plans on using Russ, but it’s feasible to think he will play 40 minutes.

With the Cameron Payne injury and Ronnie Price training camp cut, OKC only has one true backup point guard: Semaj Christon. The rookie played well enough in the preseason to convince management he’s an NBA point guard, but I have my worries. He’s very sporadic, and first game nerves could prove to be his downfall tonight.

Christon is sure to play some minutes tonight, especially if the game is a blowout. But if it’s close, don’t be surprised if Russ is bringing the ball up the court virtually the whole game.

Who will be the first players off the bench?

Enes Kanter is projected, and almost guaranteed, to be the first bench player to register minutes for OKC. But after that, it gets a little tricky.

Oct 11, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (5) passes the ball around Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) and guard Alex Abrines (8) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Alex Abrines is expected to play tonight, but he missed the last preseason game with a bruised hip. Kyle Singler has played well this preseason, and his experience could push him ahead of the Spaniard.

And then there’s Ersan Ilyasova. Ersan was my personal surprise from the preseason, showcasing his range and rebounding ability. We did not see much of Ilyasova and Adams paired up in the preseason, but that combo could be a go-to for Donovan all season.

With the depth in Oklahoma City, this question will be something we will have to watch all season.

Important Matchups

Steven Adams vs Joel Embiid

Adams and Embiid are two of the preeminent athletes at the center position in the NBA. Both players dominated the opposition in their limited preseason action; neither guy faced a player built like themselves.

Next: Steven Adams is Everything We Expected and so Much More

I would watch 82 games of Joel Embiid and Steven Adams playing one-on-one. That honestly might be more exciting than the five-on-five we watch tonight. Adams will be able to cover Embiid out on the perimeter unlike any other center in the league, while Embiid will be able to match Adams strength in the post unlike any other center in the league.

Can this game just get started?

Domantas Sabonis vs Dario Saric

The two rookies faced off in the Olympics and it did not end well for Sabonis. Saric ended the game with 18 points and 6 rebounds while the OKC rookie only managed 2 points in 10 minutes of play.

Round Two should be easier for Sabonis. Unlike Saric, Domantas has proven weapons around him that will take attention away from him. However, Dario is my pick for Rookie of the Year this season, so I’m still giving the nod the 76ers rook.

Prediction

The Thunder are blessed to play the 76ers in their first game. Philadelphia has the looks of a bottom-three team; OKC needs an easy game to get this new roster adjusted to the regular season.

More from Thunderous Intentions

There will be a few bumps and bruises along the way, but the Thunder should win this game by double-digits. Russell Westbrook will be the best player on the court; Adams and Victor Oladipo round out the top three.

Barring Embiid playing like Hakeem Olajuwon (honestly I wouldn’t be surprised), this game should give OKC an opportunity to go deep into the bench.

Final Score

Oklahoma City Thunder: 106

Philadelphia 76ers: 90

Home/Thunder News