Game Day Preview OKC Thunder: Time for the Utah Jazz to face new OK3 music

After the OKC Thunder successfully overcame the New York Knicks in the season opener, they now turn their attention to division rival Utah Jazz

With one game played in the season, the much hyped OK3 of the OKC Thunder dominated the game as expected. Russell Westbrook produced his customary triple double and Paul George played like a star. However, it was the game Carmelo Anthony needed to close the chapter on part of his career and he delivered.

Now the OKC Thunder travel to Utah to take on the Jazz, who are sitting 1-1 on the season after they defeated the Denver Nuggets, but lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

It is a little early in the season to compare statistics of the teams. However, it is worth noting the Jazz held the Nuggets to less than 100 points. Meaning their defense is still good despite the loss of Gordon Hayward. However, in their loss to Minnesota they allowed 100 points

The OKC Thunder, on the other hand scored 105 points against the Knicks, translation- the offense is running smoothly. This despite the fact of the starters only Westbrook, Steven Adams and Andre Roberson have played together in the NBA.

The OKC Thunder defense looks good as they held the Knicks to 85 points. This bodes well as the Jazz have typically not been known as a good offensive team in the past.

Key matchups

Russell Westbrook against Ricky Rubio

Ricky Rubio is a reasonable defensive point guard , but has his hands full facing the MVP of the NBA last season. If Rubio is able to slow down the Westbrook run offense, the Jazz are going to be in a reasonably good position to keep the OKC Thunder under 100 points.

If Westbrook is able to produce at his explosive best, the perimeter game  added through the summer will help create space to work in. Westbrook’s ability to nullify the defense of Rubio will go a long way to determining how the Jazz team defense works against the Thunder.

Paul George against Joe Ingles

This seems like a win for the OKC Thunder on paper. Ingles is a solid player who finished third in the NBA last season in 3-point percentage. He has the ability to create for himself and others off the dribble. George will have to defend the Australian with his usual intensity. Ingles is an important glue man who the Jazz need to play at his best to compete.

George was a crucial part of the offense which allowed the OKC Thunder to cruise past the Knicks. His defense led to transition points. He also went 6-of-13 from three, helping to space the floor.

Carmelo Anthony against Derrick Favors

It is this match-up which will potentially decide the outcome of the game. Favors and Rudy Gobert are a traditional big lineup which  protect the rim well. It is the ability of Anthony to shoot from the outside which will cause the Utah big man some discomfort.

On the defensive end, Anthony  will need to keep Favors away from the basket as this is his preferential portion of the court to score from.

History

Last season OKC won three out of four contests. The only loss they suffered was on the Utah home floor. In the three wins, Westbrook had a triple double each time. In the Thunders only loss, he was not able to accomplish this feat.

However, the lineups for the teams have changed so much from seasons end. Gordon Hayward and George Hill have departed the Jazz. Anthony, George, Patterson and Felton have all joined the OKC Thunder. This makes the dynamics of the game totally different.

All time the OKC Thunder hold a 103-77 margin of total victories. Since moving to OKC  the Thunder have a 24-11 record.

Predicted Line-ups

OKC Thunder Starters:

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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 , Daniel Hamilton (2-way)
Shooting Guard: Alex Abrines, Terrance Ferguson,
Small Forward: Jerami Grant, Josh Huestis
Power Forward:  Patrick Patterson, Nick Collison
Center: Dakari Johnson

Utah Jazz Starters:

Point Guard: Ricky Rubio
Shooting Guard: *Rodney Hood
Small Forward: Joe Ingles
Power Forward: Derrick Favors
Center: Rudy Gobert

New York Knicks Bench:

Point Guard: Alec Burks
Shooting Guard: Donovan Mitchell
Small Forward: Thabo Sefolosha, Joe Johnson
Power Forward: Jonas Jerebko
Center: Ekpe Udoh

Injury notes: Points guard Dante Exum is out for an undisclosed period of time. Raul Neto is a game day decision with a hamstring injury. Rodney hod is considered a game time decision after sustaining a lower leg injury and being carried from the floor last night.

Game Specifics

The Venue: Vivint Smart Home Arena

The Tip:  9:00 PM ET

TV: FS Oklahoma HD

Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC

The Odds: OKC Thunder are favored by 5 points with an over/under of 201

Prediction: The OKC Thunder are going to take this one easily. Last season the defense of the Jazz was great. However, it relies heavily on the rim protection of Rudy Gobert. With the outside shooting added of Anthony and George, the Jazz are going to struggle to contain the Thunder. Therefore I’m predicting the OKC Thunder win by a comfortable ten point margin.

Check back with Thunderous Intentions after the game for highlights, players grades and more excellent articles. If you missed the opening game versus the Knicks TI can bring you up to speed: grades, post game video recap and 5 take aways.