Game Preview: OKC Thunder continue road swing against the Philadelphia 76ers
Steven Adams MUST stay out of foul trouble
The Big Kiwi’s battle with Joel Embiid will play a large bearing on who wins this ball game. Through December, Adams is averaging 19.1 points and 10.1 rebounds on a whopping 71.3 percent shooting. He has been an unsung hero for the Thunder, cleaning the offensive boards and creating second chance opportunities as OKC’s offense continues to struggle.
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However, tonight he faces “Tro-el Embiid“, the self-proclaimed expert twitter troll and his remarkable offensive skills. Despite his shenanigans off-court, the 7 foot big man from Cameroon can ball, averaging 23.7 points and 11 rebounds on 49 percent shooting.
Embiid is a highlight reel in waiting so if Adams gets into foul trouble early, it will be incredibly difficult to keep Philly from dominating inside. Adams must be smart, don’t bite on pump fakes and give away cheap fouls.
Battle of the Rebound
The 76ers are the best rebounding team in the league, ranking first in total rebounds (57.3), third in offensive boards (12.0), second in defensive rebounds (36.8) and eighth in team rebounds (8.6).
Meanwhile, the Thunder are ranked eighth in total boards (53.6), first in team rebounds (10.2), second in offensive boards (12.0) and 25th in defensive rebounds (31.7). If the Thunder can hold their own on the defensive glass and limit Philly’s offensive boards, OKC can continue to live off second chance points and extra scoring possessions.
The Thunder are number one in the league in extra scoring chances per game (5.5) and third in second chance points (14.8). While Philly rank fourth in second chance points (14.8), they allow teams to score 13.3 points per game on second opportunities (21st). Protecting the glass is key to walking out with the W.
Turn defense into offense
The Thunder possess one of the leagues elite defenses. OKC are ranked third in opponent points per game (99.4), second in defensive efficiency (100.1), first in steals per game (9.9), first in team deflections (17.1) and first in loose balls recovered (8.8). Oklahoma City’s disruptive defense has an opportunity to get out on the break as the 76ers are the most turnover prone team in the NBA, sitting dead last in turnovers per game (17.8).
The Thunder score an average of 19.3 points per game off turnovers (second) thus at every opportunity, OKC need to get out and run. The offense has struggled immensely this season so Westbrook needs to make sure they are going down hill.