Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder seek another big win versus Utah Jazz
In the past six games the OKC Thunder suffered a four game losing streak and book ended it with two of their most important victories. Today’s matinee offers the first of those bookends: the Utah Jazz. Game Day breaks it down.
A common trait for the OKC Thunder this season has been beating the upper echelon teams after embarrassing losses to teams they realistically should have beat. To that end, OKC delivered a statement type victory against the Jazz on February 28.
Immediately after that win however the Thunder lost four consecutive games all versus non playoff seeds. But, on the cusp of the wheels seemingly falling off the Thunder grabbed an important win against the Spurs.
As the team adjusts there are still key issues to be addressed. None the least of which is winning on the road and fixing a previously strong defense.
Related: Where OKC Thunder Biggest Issues Lie
Pursuit of Higher Seeds:
One move which may address both issues to a degree was the move of Taj Gibson to the starting lineup. Not only did Gibson fit well in the starting rotation, Domantas Sabonis also appeared to thrive in the backup role.
With 16 games remaining in the campaign the Thunder have a relatively easy schedule in comparison to the opponents they are chasing. A win today would give them the tie break for the season series versus the Jazz.
Realistically catching Utah seems unattainable given they hold a five game cushion. The OKC Thunder while currently 6th have an identical record to 7th place Memphis and trail the Clippers by three games.
Still, every game carries vital importance to the final seeding. Capturing any of the 4th through 6th seeds is far more appealing given those seeds will avoid the Warriors or Spurs in round one.
Triple-Double Watch:
Claiming his 31st triple-double against the Spurs, Russell Westbrook tied Wilt Chamberlain for second on the All-Time list. Furthermore, it removed the Spurs off his short list of squads leaving only the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls as teams he has yet to conquer.
On the season Westbrook is averaging 31.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 10.1 assists. Much like the Thunder tend to win the “big” games, as Westbrook’s numbers dip precariously close to the double digit threshold he seems to produce an effort which drives the numbers back over the top.
For Westbrook to catch Oscar Robertson’s record of 41 triple-doubles in a season he’ll need to increase his typical penchant of accomplishing it ever other game. The more likely scenario is Westbrook maintaining the season long triple-double average. To do so he’ll need to dish 165 more assists (9.7 per game) and grab 136 more rebounds (8.0 per game).
Related: The Key to the OKC Thunder Season May Be the Utah Jazz
Keys to win:
Force the Pace: the Jazz play at the slowest pace in the NBA preferring to play at an almost glacial clip, where their defense can hold them in games.
Handle the Paint and Boards: Adams, Gibson, Kanter and Sabonis will have their hands full boxing out Rudy Gobert and clearing driving lanes.
Replicate Effort: In the win over the Spurs the Thunder mounted a serious effort on both ends of the court.
George Hill Factor: George Hill continues to be the man who makes the machine work for Utah. In games he plays the Jazz are 27-11. Conversely when he’s out Utah are 14-13. Earlier in the season he was hit by a number of maladies, but the big toe that has bothered him for most of the campaign has kept him out of the past two games.
The OKC Thunder therefore need to force quick ball movement and clog the passing lanes so they can create turnovers and get easy scores. If Hill remains out the Thunder will have a much easier task, especially since they’ll be able to put additional defensive pressure on Gordon Hayward.
Take Advantage of Utah’s Weaknesses: The Jazz may have the third best defense, but their are copious stop gaps in their offensive system. To wit, the Jazz take the fewest field goal attempts in the Association, and rank 28th for points and assists. OKC can capitalize on these areas if they control pace and don’t turn the ball over.
Presumed OKC Thunder Starters:
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Victor Oladipo
Small Forward: Andre Roberson
Power Forward: Taj Gibson
Center: Steven Adams
OKC Thunder Reserves:
Guards: Norris Cole, Semaj Christon
Wings: Doug McDermott, Alex Abrines, Jerami Grant, Kyle Singler, Josh Huestis
Bigs: Enes Kanter, Domantas Sabonis, Nick Collison
No Injuries
Presumed Utah Jazz Starters:
Point Guard: Dante Exum
Shooting Guard: Rodney Hood
Small Forward: Gordon Hayward
Power Forward: Joe Johnson
Center: Rudy Gobert
- George Hill has been dealing with a big toe issue injury on and off all season. He’s listed as a game time decision
- Likewise Derrick Favors has been in and out of the lineup with what has been a degenerative knee issue.
- Shelvin Mack is listed as out for this game.
Utah Jazz Reserves:
Guards: Raul Neto
Wings: Joe Ingles, Alec Burks
Bigs: Boris Diaw, Trey Lyles, Jeff Withey, Joel Bolomboy (R)
Venue:
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
Radio and Television Providers:
TV In Oklahoma City and Area: FS Oklahoma HD, and ROOT in Utah
Worldwide: NBA League Pass
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP) and KZNS in Utah
Game Time:
2:00 PM CT and 3:00 PM EST
In an unusual start time of 2:00 PM both teams may be a little rusty from the tip. This should presumably work in the home teams favor. Catch the post analysis back here after the game.