OKC Thunder game preview: Limiting the sizzling Kemba Walker is key to victory
By Brayden Koch
Projected Line-ups
OKC Thunder Starters:
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Deonte Burton
Small Forward: Paul George
Power Forward: Jerami Grant
Center: Steven Adams
OKC Thunder Bench
Point Guard: Dennis Schroder, Raymond Felton
Shooting Guard: Alex Abrines*
Small Forward: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Abdel Nader
Power Forward: Patrick Patterson
Center: Nerlens Noel
Editor’s note: Based on Brett Dawson’s tweet which stated Abrines would join Ferguson and Diallo on the injured list there are only so many options available to fulfill the starting shooting guard position. Luwawu-Cabarrot is the other natural positional option, but Donovan may want to retain some semblance of consistency on the reserve unit.
Likewise, Donovan could start Schroder at the point and move Westbrook to shooting guard. If he elects to do the latter minutes will need to be staggered on the reserve unit or play Felton more. Given Walker’s prowess and Schroder’s defensive ability don’t be surprised if Schroder starts.
Injury and suspension notes:
- Andre Roberson: is listed as out for tonight’s game but is slowly preparing for a return to the Thunder after suffering a nasty leg injury last season.
- Alex Abrines: Although it could change Brett Dawson tweet suggests he’ll remain out due to an illness.
On the evening NBA injury report, the Thunder list Hamidou Diallo (ankle sprain), Terrance Ferguson (ankle sprain) and Alex Abrines (illness) as out for tomorrow’s game against Charlotte. (Andre Roberson also out, obviously.)
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) November 22, 2018
- Terrance Ferguson: who returned in Wednesday’s game at the Warriors, is out again after landing awkwardly on his ankle and exiting the game early in the first half.
- Hamidou Diallo: suffered a heartbreaking injury in Wednesday’s game against the Warriors but all x-rays have ruled out any severe lower body injuries per Royce Young. Ruled out for Friday’s game.
Update on Hamidou Diallo: After further evaluation today, he officially has a left ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) November 22, 2018
Projected Hornets Starters
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Point Guard: Kemba Walker
Shooting Guard: Nicolas Batum
Small Forward: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist*
Power Forward: Marvin Williams*
Center: Cody Zeller
Hornets Reserves:
Point Guard: Tony Parker, Devonte’ Graham
Shooting Guard: Jeremy Lamb
Small Forward: Miles Bridges, Dwayne Bacon
Power Forward: Frank Kaminsky
Center: Bismack Biyombo, Willy Hernangomez*
Injury notes:
- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is questionable for Friday’s game due to an ankle injury.
- Willy Hernangomez is questionable for Friday’s game after suffering an ankle injury.
- Marvin Williams is questionable for Friday’s game after suffering a face contusion in Wednesday’s win over the Pacers.
Game Specifics:
Recent History:
The Thunder currently are winning the head-to-head matchup with the Hornets 38-18 and despite a 3 game winning streak from January to December of 2017, the Thunder are 13-3 in their last 16 meetings.
Statement win vs. GSW offer reason to give thanks – key takeaways. light. Related Story
Fan Data:
The Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The Tip: 7:00 PM CST (8:00 EST)
TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma and ESPN
Radio: Oklahoma City – WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP) and League Pass Audio