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Preview – OKC Thunder host Grizzlies for potential bounce-back game

By Wil Harrington

MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 9: The Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder tip-off during over time on December 9, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 9: The Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder tip-off during over time on December 9, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 9: The Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder tip-off during over time on December 9, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.  Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 9: The Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder tip-off during over time on December 9, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.  Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Another loss to a below .500 team could spell confidence and cohesion issues for a team that is demonstrating highs and lows. The Warriors matchup shows what the Thunder are capable of, but what will it take to keep it going?

Here are the keys to taking the game at home with Memphis:

Crash the glass

Memphis is 28th in the NBA in rebounds per game, whereas the OKC Thunder are 2nd. Nothing is a given in the NBA and OKC cannot automatically assume that they will scoop up every rebound.

The Thunder have been out-rebounded in their last two games and need to use this game to get back on track. Certainly not having Westbrook against the Lakers accounted for some of the lack of rebounding.

Marc Gasol is the most potent Grizzly and fewer rebounds means fewer touches down low for the younger Gasol brother.

Watch the fouls

One of the few statistical categories that Memphis excels in is free throw percentage. They are right around 80 percent at the line this season, good for fifth in the NBA.

Memphis’ other shooting statistics are all towards the bottom of the league, so the Thunder need to practice restraint and watch little fouls against the struggling Grizzlies.

It would not be a bad idea to limit technical fouls as well, which have been popping up over the last week.

Use all advantages to take care of business

The OKC Thunder have more star power than the Grizzlies. They have more shooting, better rebounding, and substantially superior defense.

They will be playing in front of an Oklahoma City crowd that is at the edge of their seat waiting to see this team live up to their potential like they flashed in Oakland.

This will be the team’s 57th game of the season. The consistency issues are becoming less and less of a viable excuse all the time. This should be an easy win for OKC if they play right.

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