After a puzzling stretch of games, the OKC Thunder look to improve their play on the road this weekend.
This team is the NBA’s version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The OKC Thunder can look like world-beaters one moment and like a G-league team the next – it really does not make any sense. What does make complete sense, however, is our weekly fantasy outlook for Oklahoma City.
Road games in Phoenix and Portland haven’t been kind to Oklahoma City lately, but I have faith they can bounce back this weekend. Every game feels important with how close the West is, so the Thunder will bring their A game. At least that’s what we hope.
Now on to what you all came for. Here are the four players that I believe will be the difference between winning and losing your fantasy matchup(s) this weekend.
Steven Adams
How can you not love Steven Adams style of play? The OKC Thunder center is in the midst of his best season yet, proving to be unstoppable on the offensive glass. Adams averages an astounding 5.1 offensive boards while averaging 9.1 total rebounds. I don’t understand it, but I love it.
Look for the Big Kiwi to play strong against a weak Phoenix Suns front line and win his duel with Jusuf Nurkic the night after in Portland.
Damian Lillard
It’s hard not to mention Damian Lillard when talking about the Portland Trailblazers. He is in fact the face of the franchise and an elite-level talent. Lillard is the main reason the Blazers are alongside the Thunder in the heated Western Conference playoff race.
The All-Star point guard scored 36 points and dished out 13 assists in his one previous game against OKC this season. I unfortunately expect more of the same for Dame, setting the stage for an epic duel with Russell Westbrook on Saturday night.
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Devin Booker
Not enough people talk about how good Devin Booker is. Sure, he is on the shockingly bad Phoenix Suns, but he is one of the best young players the NBA has to offer. He has torched the Thunder in the past and it wouldn’t shock me if he were to do it again. Especially with how poorly the Thunder have played lately.
Booker is averaging 24.7 points per game and shooting 38% from the great beyond. Don’t be afraid to play this guy against the Thunder, because he might just light up the score board.
Raymond Felton
Our super-sleeper-selection of the weekend is none other than Raymond Felton. The veteran point guard has been a very good backup point guard for this Thunder squad and has had some nice games lately. If he gets a lot of run this weekend, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him post some decent numbers.