Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder complete preseason in snowy Denver
Tracking the rotation choices:
Through three games Donovan is demonstrating which players he’s leaning toward retaining via his minutes distribution.
Guards:
Semaj Christon: DNP +21 + 13 (34)
Isaiah Caanan: 28:03 + 7 + DNP (35:03)
Daniel Hamilton: 20:46 +17 + DNP (37:46)
Bryce Alford: DNP x 3
Although Hamilton was a DNP last game and has one of the two 2-way G-League contracts, do his extra minutes speak to the franchise potentially using the youngster as their third tier guard. Or will Christon remain lucky by staying with the team once again?
Wings:
Terrance Ferguson: 19:27+ 24 + 35 (1 hour 19: 27)
Markell Brown: DNP x 3
Kyle Singler: 13:43 + DNP + DNP (13:43)
*Josh Huestis (who may also find minutes at power forward): 14:51 +17 + 11 (42:51)
Since Ferguson didn’t play in Summer League odds are the coach wanted a better look at the youngster.He’s held his own for the most part and isn’t afraid of the moment. Though he’ll likely be buried at bench end, if he does remain with the varsity. In spite of that, Ferguson’s savvy and intellect bode well for him to get minutes.
Bigs:
Rashawn Thomas: DNP x 3
Dakari Johnson: 11:27 +14 + DNP (25:27)
The TI team felt Semaj Christon and Kyle Singler were in the most precarious position. In need of adding depth up front the question is whether Presti will retain them.
Predicted Line-ups
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: 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: Patrick Patterson (kee) and Raymond Felton (ankle) are out for sure, with Alex Abrines a game time decision.
The Nuggets enter the night having played four games (3-1) already. The following rotation is based on who the Nuggets utilized in their last preseason game against the Spurs.
Nuggets Starters:
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Point Guard: Jameer Nelson (*Jamal Murray)
Shooting Guard: Gary Harris
Small Forward: Wilson Chandler
Power Forward: Paul Millsap
Center: Nikola Jokic
Nuggets Bench:
Point Guard: Emmanuel Mudiay, Monte Morris
Shooting Guard: Malik Beasley, Will Barton, Torrey Craig,
Small Forward: Josh Childress,
Power Forward: Trey Lyles, Juan Hernangomez, Kenneth Faried, *Darrell Arthur, Tyler Lydon
Center: Mason Plumlee
Injury notes: Jamal Murray sat out the previous game for rest and Darrell Arthur will be a game time decision
Injury updates per Roto World and ESPN
Game Specifics:
The Venue: Pepsi Center – Denver Colarado
The Tip: 9:00 PM ET (8:00 PM CT)
TV: FS Oklahoma HD
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP)
The Odds: Nuggets are 3.5 point favorites with an over -under of 214.
After a closer than necessary win versus the scrappy United presumably OKC won’t take the Nuggets for granted. Furthermore, the Thunder should be seeking a better 2-way balance. Westbrook’s minutes have been extended each time out. With this being the last competitive game until the preseason opener versus the Knicks the lineups should be closer to rotations Donovan will utilize.
Check back with Thunderous Intentions after the contest for an overview of the highlights and player grades.