A game day preview of the OKC Thunder versus the Sacramento Kings.
The OKC Thunder are on a four game win streak with wins coming both at home and on the road. Considering the Thunder’s poor road record the past two wins against the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets are especially good signs for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder and Kings have met twice this season, both times in Sacramento. Currently the series is split 1-1, but there are major differences on both sides. The Sacramento Kings are without DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay while OKC has added Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott to the roster.
Sacramento is on their own win streak, be it only two games. Prior to their current streak the Kings had lost eight straight.
Changing roles
Since Gibson has moved into the starting lineup the OKC Thunder have not lost a game. This is not just because of Gibson’s ability, however. Sure his 12 points and 5 rebounds are a welcome addition, but it goes beyond the numbers.
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Domantas Sabonis’ play has energized the second unit which is becoming elite in front of our eyes. His play against the San Antonio Spurs was nothing short of sensational. The block-called-foul against Kawhi Leonard was big; his dunk over Dwayne Dedmon was nothing short of a statement.
Because of the passing ability and shooting range of Sabonis, the second unit spacing has improved. Coach Billy Donovan has been able to utilize Semaj Christon to spell superstar Russell Westbrook for longer. This spells danger for Sacramento.
The triple-double watch
In the previous seasons meetings between the two franchises, Russell Westbrook is one assist away from having two triple-doubles. He has, however, collected four triple-doubles in he last four games.
Westbrook has 34 triple doubles, seven behind the single season record of 41 held by Oscar Robertson. At the end of this game, Westbrook should only require six. Against a team like Sacramento, Westbrook should be able to move the ball in such a manner that he will take a step closer to this feat.
Related Story: Westbrook’s historic season by the numbers
With 14 games left in the season Westbrook only has to collect 103 rebounds at an average of 7.4 per game to reach 10 a game; he only needs to collect 116 assists at an average of 8.3 per game.
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Keys to the game
Keep Eyes On The Prize: With only 14 games left in the season, the OKC Thunder cannot afford any slip-ups. They are only half a game ahead of Memphis for the seventh seed but only a half game behind Los Angeles for the five seed. If the OKC Thunder can keep winning, they are only 3.5 games from claiming the fourth seed and home court advantage in the first round.
Team Defense: The Sacramento Kings have been consistent over their past ten games as a team. Eight of their players are averaging double digit scoring in that time. As a team the Thunder need to shut the ball down early as there are too many players who can score. In particular, the OKC Thunder has to defend the three point line. Eight of the ten double digit scorers from Sacramento are hitting the three ball at over 41 percent.
Roberson on Hield: Buddy Hield is a big part of the future of the Sacramento Kings. He is going to struggle against one of the best perimeter defenders in the league though. If Roberson can break even against Hield, then the rest of the OKC Thunder will be able to take the team to a win.
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
Presumed Sacramento Kings Starters:
Point Guard: Ty Lawson
Shooting Guard: Buddy Hield
Small Forward: Arron Afflalo
Power Forward: Skal Labissiere
Center: Willie Cauley-Stein
OKC Thunder Reserves:
Guards: Ben McLemore, Tyreke Evans,
Wings: Langston Galloway, Garrett Temple
Bigs: Kosta Koufos, Anthony Tolliver
Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 central time at Chespeake Energy Arena.