OKC Thunder: Preseason versus Wolves – gameday preview

The OKC Thunder play their second preseason contest as guests of the Minnesota Timberwolves. TI preps you for the match via the game day preview.

Preseason continues for the OKC Thunder as they head to Minnesota to face inter division rivals the Timberwolves. Although preseason is meant to be a time to make minor tweaks in the system, test lineup chemistry and find hidden gems this match offers a bit more. That’s because the squads have developed a bit of a rivalry and although two-fifths of the starting rotation is missing the desire to let Minny know OKC intend to be the dominant team is in place.

While the Thunder enter on the heels of learning Andre Roberson suffered a setback the Wolves have their own drama to address. Jimmy Butler remains at home awaiting word of a trade after asking to play elsewhere. ‘Buckets’ never took to the lack of defensive effort by his young cohorts Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. The former signed a five year $190 million deal this summer and seems to be the player Butler is least enamored with .

Making matters perplexing is the haul Tom Thibodeau is asking for in return for a player who could walk at season end. The most recent team to jump into talks with Minnesota is the Clippers. Thibs is out of his mind in the ask. Several iterations of trades suggest LAC include Tobias Harris (who was the Wolves main ask), rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lou Williams AND a first round pick! Umm – maybe Tom should stick to coaching.

Or maybe Thibs is trying to “look like” he’s actively shopping Jimmy, but secretly hoping nothing happens in order to keep him in Minny. Regardless, Butler won’t be playing tonight. Read: Wolves defense should be entertaining. The other Wolves player out for sure is Justin Patton who can’t buy a break after another injury rendered the big man out for a lengthy period as he underwent surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his foot.

As for the OKC Thunder we know Russell Westbrook, Andre Roberson and Abdel Nader are all out with knee injuries.

What to watch for:

Continuing chemistry development of Schroder and Adams:

The duo have shined in the two occasions we’ve seen them and Thunder Nation is giddy over how well (and quickly) Dennis Schroder has taken to the OKC Thunder system. Speaking of entertaining – can’t wait to see how KAT tries to defend the Schroder – Adams pick and roll.

Donovan running out a series of his wing men:

With the news on Andre Roberson’s set back. look for Billy D to get as many minutes as possible to  all his wing men. Based on news today from Erik Horne it appears the starting spot is Terrance Ferguson‘s to lose. But, for as much as Donovan is saying that could he be baiting his other wings to step up and steal the spot from TFerg?

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• 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

Regardless, expect minutes for Alex Abrines, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, and Hamidou Diallo and Deonte Burton. Also, the loss of ARob for an extended period will likely mean more preseason minutes from K.J. McDaniels who the team may decide to ink to an OKC Blue contract as insurance. Plus let’s not forget there is still an open roster spot. Albeit, it doesn’t seem likely Presti will jump on filling that until closer to the trade deadline.

Figuring out top bench rotation:

In the game versus the Pistons the reserve lineup which featuring Raymond Felton, Ferguson, Diallo, Jerami Grant and Nerlens Noel was highly productive, particularly defensively. Watch to see if Donovan gives that specific group (with TFerg replacement) more run to garner additional chemistry between them. And the possibility of Paul George playing with that quartet to test their chemistry.

Boards:

A key point of emphasis for the OKC Thunder has to be defensive rebounding. With Adams having a tall task guarding Karl-Anthony Towns watch to see if Billy Donovan inserts either Grant or Noel with Adams to add size when facing KAT.

Game Time:

7:00 p.m. central time (8:00 p.m. eastern standard time)

Viewing:

live stream on okcthunder.com or Thunder Mobile App.

Radio:

WWLS the Sports Animal 98.1 FM (97.1 Tulsa)

Following the game Thunderous Intentions will have post game reaction and notes on the match and later the Topic: Thunder crew will offer their insight on the highs and lows from the match. Enjoy the game.