OKC Thunder – Blazers Game 1 preview: grab a cupcake and let the journey begin!

Prior to each game of the series, we’ll serve up our gameday preview revisiting the game prior and highlighting keys to winning from lessons learned the game prior. For this first offering, however, let’s dive into some of the intriguing work the Thunderous Intentions talented staff has been busy producing.

Broadcast schedule:

First, so you won’t miss any of the games Rylan Stiles offers the full TV listing information complete with start times, stations and announcers: click here

Appreciating Westbrook:

Stiles also penned an article paying homage to his childhood NBA hero Dirk Nowitzki and noted how the big man’s sendoff reminds us to take time to appreciate the wonderful enigma that is Russell Westbrook while he is still active.  click here

Title Odds:

Opening odds to win the NBA 2019 title: click here

Diving into the series versus the Blazers:

Special Film Room Session:

Steven Maichak takes a deep dive to analyze how the fourth ranked OKC Thunder defense will address the third ranked Blazer offense in a special film room session. For those who appreciate the combination of analytics, systems, and visuals this is a must read.

Thunder film room: defensive keys to shut down Trail Blazers offense

OKC Thunder X-Factors:

Maichak follows up with an insightful look at who might tip the series balance in favor of the OKC Thunder via his article: OKC Thunder: 3 potential playoff X-factors the team needs

Series Matchups:

Thunderous Intentions will serve up installments featuring matchups between the teams throughout the first round. To wet your tastebuds here are the first from this group:

The Bench:

Tailor Finney offers – Whose bench mob will feast?

Westbrook vs. Lillard:

Shade Piper opines on perhaps the most definitive matchup in the series:  Brewing rivalry of Russell Westbrook and Damian Lillard

Adams vs. Kanter:

And, while the above pairing may offer the spiciest talent matchup in the series Rylan Stiles dives into what may well be the most captivating as two former Stache Brothers combat each other via the Enes Kanter – Steven Adams matchup: ‘Can’t play Kanter’ returns to playoffs, this time in favor of OKC Thunder

Annual OKC Thunder playoff roundtable:

Our scribes got together to answer 10 burning questions prior to Game one.

Part 1: Superstars, grades, Donovan, favorite moments and more –click here

Part 2: Awards, ARob’s future, predictions and more  click here

More to come:

As the series progress, the TI writing team will continue to produce articles featuring other player matchups, key statistical data, and looks for ways the OKC Thunder may adapt on a game per game basis.