Game Preview: How OKC Thunder can execute an effortless win over Cleveland
Projected Line-ups
OKC Thunder Starters:
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: * Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
Small Forward: Paul George
Power Forward: Jerami Grant
Center: Steven Adams
OKC Thunder Bench
Point Guard: Dennis Schroder, Raymond Felton
Shooting Guard: Alex Abrines, Deonte Burton
Small Forward: Abdel Nader
Power Forward: Patrick Patterson
Center: *Nerlens Noel
Note: the starting lineup is who Donovan used for the Denver Nuggets match. There is the potential for Abrines or Burton to start, but a key area the team is looking to improve is the reserve unit and getting some consistent minutes to grow chemistry is important. Given the Cavaliers don’t represent an elite opponent it’s likely the coach sticks with this rotation.
Similarly, Donovan could elect to insert Schroder, but again, it’s important to develop bench chemistry.
Injury and suspension notes:
- Nerlens Noel is nursing a calf injury, so while he’ll likely dress the team may elect to get him some longer term rest given OKC has just two games this week and both are against lower tier opponents.
- Hamidou Diallo: (sprained left ankle) will be re-evaluated early December.
- Terrance Ferguson: (left ankle sprain) expected to be re-evaluated two weeks after injury which occurred versus Warriors.
- Andre Roberson: continues to rehab with the goal of a return in the early New Year.
Thunder has Hamidou Diallo (left ankle sprain) and Terrance Ferguson (left ankle sprain) listed as out, and Nerlens Noel (left calf contusion) listed as questionable against Cleveland on Wednesday.
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) November 27, 2018
Projected Cavaliers Starters
Point Guard: Collin Sexton
Shooting Guard: Rodney Hood
Small Forward: Cedi Osman
Power Forward: Larry Nance Jr.
Center: Tristan Thompson
Projected Cavaliers Reserves:
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Point Guard:
Shooting Guard: Jordan Clarkson, Andrew Harrison
Small Forward:
Power Forward: Kyle Korver
Center: Ante Zizic
Injury notes:
- David Nwaba (sore right knee) questionable to play
- George Hill (sprained right shoulder) questionable
- J.R. Smith (personal) team/player has agreed to end their relationship as Cavaliers management looks for trade partners and/or decide to waive him.
- Sam Dekker (sprained left ankle) expected out up to four weeks (early December).
- Kevin Love (surgery to left big toe) out until January minimum.
Game Specifics:
Recent History:
The Cavaliers own the all-time record having bested the Thunder in 12 of their 20 meetings. Last season the teams split the series and have already played once this season with the Thunder winning 95-86.
Odds:
The Thunder are 13 point favorites with an over-under of 216 points.
If 20 game theory is true to form Thunder have secured a playoff berth. dark. Next
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