2018 NBA Summer League: OKC Thunder vs. Toronto Raptors, game preview
Rosters:
OKC Thunder Roster:
The Thunder split their two matches and stuck with the same lineup in both games. They’ll be looking to take advantage of the Raptors squad who’ve failed to gain chemistry yet. With so few roster spots and the rookies drafted this season not being official it’s likely OKC will play Devon Hall, Kevin Hervey and Hamidou Diallo extra minutes in order to make a decision on what their futures will be with the franchise.
The options do exist to sign them, put one of them on a two-way contract or send one overseas to play in Australia for example.
To this point, as per above Hamilton, Rashawn Thomas and Diallo have (at least in my opinion) given Sam Presti the best reason to invest.
OKC Thunder Starters (Game 2 vs. Nets)
- Point Guard: P.J. Dozier
- Shooting Guard: Terrance Ferguson
- Small Forward: Daniel Hamilton,
- Power Forward: Rashawn Thomas,
- Center: Dakari Johnson
OKC Thunder Reserves:
- Bench: Devon Hall, Kevin Hervey, Phil Pressey, Deonte Burton, Hamidou Diallo
- DNP CD (did not play, coaches decision): Awudu Abass, Michael Cobbins, Justin Leon, Michael Carrera
Raptors starters (Game 2 vs. Timberwolves )
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Last season the Raptors arrived in Vegas with a bunch of their existing youngsters promptly climbing to the top of the seeded chart. And, just like the varsity squad tend to do failed to advance to the final round.
Like the OKC Thunder the Raptors have started the same five players, but have shifted the reserve minutes. Unlike OKC Toronto didn’t participate in the draft so their roster is comprised of OG Anunoby who didn’t get to play in Vegas last season as he was recovering from his torn ACL.
The remainder of the roster features Raptors 905 players, undrafted prospects and international players. However, the most intriguing player may be Giddy Potts. During child birth his mother was giggling so a family member suggested naming the baby Giddy. Although Nathaniel is his given name, he’s always gone by Giddy.
No word on specific rotations, but it’s feasible they could play tonight.
- Point Guard: Marquis Teague
- Shooting Guard: Malcolm Miller
- Small Forward: OG Anunoby
- Power Forward: Alfonzo McKinnie
- Center: Augusto Lima
Toronto Raptors Reserves:
- Bench: Tryggvi Hlinason, Codi Miller McIntyre, Rawle Alkins, Malachi Richardson, Shevon Thompson, Jordan Loyd, Giddy Potts, Andrew Rowsey
- DNP CD: Fuquan Edwin, Chris Boucher
Game Specifics:
Tip off: 2:30 PM CST | 3:30 PM EST
Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Vegas
TV: NBA TV
Next games:
Following the outcome of this game and once all teams complete their third match the teams will be seeded and enter second phase of the tournament. Records and scores will be utilized to rank the teams 1 through 30.
But, as the Raptors can attest to after solid performances the past two seasons it means nothing in the playoff portion. In other words the 30th ranked team could win the tournament.
Other relevant info:
OKC Thunder draft picks and trade:
Prospect previews:
Thunder:
- Hamidou Diallo rolled the dice and lost
- Kevin Hervey arrives with injury prone reputation
- Senior sniper Devon Hall could fill OKC perimeter needs
NBA Summer League Miscellaneous:
Odds: OKC Thunder have 3rd worst odds to win Summer League
Thunder Roster Preview: OKC Thunder preview for 2018 NBA Summer League
Game 1 Post Game: Thunder vs. Hornets, July 6 roundup and Player Grades
Game 2 Post Game: Thunder vs. Nets, July 7 roundup and Player Grades
Next: Meet the OKC Summer League Roster
Check back following the match for a roundup of the action and post game grades.