Game Preview: OKC Thunder seek to continue home cooking vs. Knickerbockers

Dennis the Menace coming into his own

When OKC first acquired Dennis Schroder I was on the fence about the addition. But, so far this season Schroder has proved to be a solid acquisition and I’ve softened on the super sixth man. He is beginning to resemble former OKC Thunder guard Reggie Jackson. To clarify, not the version of Jackson who became a poison to the locker room, but the version who was a key contributor off the bench. In fact, Schroder’s  and Jackson’s 2013-14 season stats are strikingly similar.

Through 13 games Schroder is excelling either as a starter or leading the reserves. Final judgement on his fit won’t occur until the team is fully healthy with a full complement of games under their belt

Take advantage of poor defense

In the six games, Westbrook has missed this season Oklahoma City has gone 3-3. Going .500 in Westbrook’s absence is no small achievement, however, the Thunder are struggling to score without Russ.

Oklahoma City has only scored 100 or more points twice in the six games without Westbrook.  More concerning is all six opponents rank 15th or lower in defensive rating. The Knicks rank 21st defensively with a 109.5 defensive rating (DRTG).

Given the Knicks porous defense it offers the perfect opportunity for the Thunder to excel offensively. If OKC’s offense does evolve while Russ is sidelined, they could exceed their preseason expectations once they are fully healthy.

Feed Steven Adams

Steven Adams has established himself as one of the leagues best centers. However, Adams could develop into a top tier NBA center if he was given more touches on offense.

Given Adams will face a front line of Enes Kanter and Mitchell Robinson he should be poised for a big night assuming the Thunder get him touches. But, that’s not a foregone conclusion. Against the Suns he scored 14 first half points, but finished with just 18 points.

Once OKC properly utilizes their star big man the team will greatly profit.