Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder face new era twin towers, Oct 6
Predicted Line-ups
Several key players are missing from each side. Of note, Russell Westbrook is listed as out in only one of the three sites I checked. Still, since the game occurs at OKC it may indicate the MVP could make his preseason debut. Steven Adams who suffered a back injury following the egregious take down by James Harden may also miss the contest.
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OKC Thunder Starters:
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Andre Roberson
Small Forward: Paul George
Power Forward: Carmelo Anthony
Center: *Steven Adams
OKC Thunder Bench:
Point Guard: Raymond Felton, Semaj Christon, Isaiah Caanan
Shooting Guard: Terrance Ferguson, Markel Brown, Bryce Alford:
Small Forward: Jerami Grant, Kyle Singler, Josh Huestis, Daniel Hamilton (2-way)
Power Forward: Josh Huestis, Nick Collison, Rashawn Thomas:
Center: Dakari Johnson
Injury notes: Varying reports list Russell Westbrook out while others don’t. Since the team is generally tight lipped about these matters it’s difficult to say if this could be Westbrook’s first game or if the team will continue to hold him out while he heals from the PRP injection. UPDATE: Westbrook will play/start. Likely limited to first quarter minutes.
Patrick Patterson and Alex Abrines are expected to remain out as each deals with healing knee and leg issues. Steven Adams is listed as day to day after sustaining either a back or glut injury (depending on which site you check) in Game 1.
Predicted Line-ups
New Orleans Pelicans Starters:
Point Guard: Rajon Rondo
Shooting Guard: Jrue Holiday
Small Forward: (with Cunningham out, a host of wings could take his place, best guess is Moore)
Power Forward: Anthony Davis
Center: DeMarcus Cousins
New Orleans Pelicans Bench:
Point Guard:
Shooting Guard: E’Twaun Moore, Ian Clark, Tony Allen, Jordan Crawford, Charles Cooke,
Small Forward: Darius Miller, Perry Jones, Jalen Jones
Power Forward: Cliff Alexander,
Center: Alexis Ajinca
Injury notes: The Pelicans also have a host of injured players who’ll miss the game. Solomon Hill is out until at least February with a hamstring injury. Frank Jackson is out til Christmas with a foot injury. Omer Asik is listed as out indefinitely. Cheick Diallo suffered a left ankle sprain and is listed as day to day as is Dante Cunningham.
Injury updates per Roto World and ESPN
Game Specifics:
The Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma.
The Tip: 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT)
TV: none, but will be shown on both the Pelicans and Thunder apps (link to live stream)
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP)
Again, Westbrook’s status remains the most intriguing question of the game. The OKC Thunder will play four preseason games in total with the Australian squad – Melbourne United and a final game in Denver up next.
Check back with Thunderous Intentions after the contest for an overview of the highlights and grades.