Fantasy Weekend: OKC Thunder look to bounce back

After a tumultuous start to the season, the OKC Thunder look to improve with a pair of big games this weekend

Welcome back to your weekly dose of fantasy basketball. After missing last week, we return with some key picks for the OKC Thunder and their opponents. The boys in blue technically only have one game this weekend (Saturday vs Memphis) but we will add their Monday night tilt against Charlotte just to spice things up a little.

Oklahoma City comes into the weekend having won three of their last four games. With the opportunity to get to .500 on the line, expect some big performances in these two games.

Without further adieu, we move on to some players who are going to show out in the coming days.

Note: this article was written prior to the game in Mexico City.

Steven Adams

The Big Kiwi has been such a force for the OKC Thunder in this young season. He has now scored 20 points in two of the last four games and at least 10 in all of those contests.  If these trends continue, look for Adams to extend his dominance.

In four contests against the Grizzlies last season, Adams posted a double-double average of 10 points and 11 rebounds. He was just as good against the Hornets, averaging a very similar 10 points and 9.5 rebounds in 2 games. Even with Marc Gasol and Dwight Howard playing for the opposition, the trends show that the OKC Thunder Center has a good track record against these teams.

Kemba Walker

I always look at Kemba Walker as one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA. He plays like a poor man’s Kyrie Irving and it’s entertaining to watch. Despite the lack of wins during his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets, Walker has consistently put up good numbers.

Last season against the OKC Thunder, the UCONN product averaged a very solid 24.5 points and 6.5 assists in two games. Look for Walker to continue that production Monday night against Oklahoma City.

Marc Gasol

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It has turned into a frustrating and peculiar season for Marc Gasol and the Grizzlies. They sit at 8-16 and they recently fired their coach David Fizdale. Regardless of those hardships, the Spanish big man is still one of the best centers in the NBA.

He has historically played well against the OKC Thunder, especially during all of those intense playoff series. Last season, Gasol averaged 22 points, 6 rebounds and 3.3 (!) blocks per game.

Patrick Patterson

For our sleeper pick this week, Patrick Patterson will get the nod. With the recent injury to Jerami Grant causing him to miss the Nets game, the door has opened for Patterson to gain more playing time. It has been a tough start to the season for him, but let’s hope that by picking Patterson here will start a string of big games from him and the OKC Thunder bench unit.