Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder face new era twin towers, Oct 6

Keys to Game:

Although all indications are Adams is okay, the team may choose to error on the side of caution.  Should the OKC Thunder choose this direction this game could get ugly fast. If the Rockets game pinpointed a glaring problem it was the lack of big men depth on the roster. Neither Dakari Johnson or Josh Huestis stepped up to their initial challenge. Given the Rockets utilized PJ Tucker as their center (6’6″) the prospect of behemoths Cousins and Davis is daunting.  For as much as preseason is meant to iron out the kinks, another poor showing upfront may have GM Sam Presti running for the phones to land a center with experience. To that end, TI scribe Lawrence George suggests a Pelican in his search for a big man article.

If Westbrook does play then the focus will be entirely on how the new OKC Thunder Big 3 can mesh and the much discussed shot allocation narrative.

To be fair, this preseason for Donovan offers more than it’s fair share of challenges. First of all, the integration of two super stars who’ve historically been their team’s go to scorer. Factor in Westbrook not being available so far which means there will further integration to come upon his return.

Having two key reserves (Patrick Patterson/Alex Abrines) out injured further complicates matters for Donovan. Specifically, finding rotations which complement one another is limited given Patterson and Abrines are sure to be part of the equation. For now, Donovan priority is to have  the squad focus on defensive fundamentals and continue to find a rhythm to their offense.

Tracking the rotation choices:

It’s only been one game, but through the four preseason games we’ll track the minutes of players outside the solidified starting lineup. Reserves locked in the rotation are Patterson, Abrines, Grant, Felton and vet Nick Collison. That leaves six rotational openings and two 2-way G-League contracts of which Daniel Hamilton has already locked up one contract. Competition for the third string point guard and front court reserves are yet to be cemented. How Donovan distributes minutes though preseason may offer insight to which direction he is leaning.

Guards:

Semaj Christon: DNP

Isaiah Caanan: 28:03

Daniel Hamilton: 20:46

Bryce Alford: DNP

Wings:

Terrance Ferguson: 19:27

Markell Brown: DNP

Kyle Singler: 13:43

*Josh Huestis (who may also find minutes at power forward): 14:51

Bigs:

Rashawn Thomas: DNP

Dakari Johnson: 11:27