After splitting two games in Vegas the OKC Thunder will play host to Team Croatia. We preview the team’s third match with a view to what to watch for.
The OKC Thunder continue to blow things up as Jerami Grant followed Paul George out the door in what has become a full-on rebuild. While the fanbase will be actively checking social media for Woj bombs on the news of Russell Westbrook impending trade this game offers us an opportunity to focus on the future.
Entering game three for both clubs the Thunder have split their contests while Team Croatia lost both their outings. Don’t let those two losses fool you, this is a squad who are familiar with each other and therefore bring fluidity and constancy to the hardwood.
Players of note:
In their first outing, Team Croatia witnessed superb play from their forwards with Zeljko Saric scoring 17 points and Luka Babic adding 10 points.
Game two witnessed center Antonio Vrankovic produce a solid outing against the Brooklyn Nets tallying 12 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks and will present a challenge for OKC. Likewise, forward Zeljko Sakic flourished with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
As for the OKC Thunder while their overall team shooting was abysmal in the win Monday over the 76ers there were glimpses of what the future holds from the youngsters. Fans finally got to lay eyes on rookie Darius Bazley who definitely looks raw, but simultaneously showcased reasons why Sam Presti was high on this potential.
Hamidou Diallo is demonstrating growth via a 20 point outing in Game 1 versus the Jazz and 14 points in Game 2 versus the 76ers. Although his second effort produced fewer points his efficiency improved and his overall game was much more effective.
Projected Lineups:
OKC Thunder Roster:
Guards:
- Deonte Burton
- Hamidou Diallo
- Devin Cannady
- Khadeen Carrington
- Luguentz Dort
- Jawun Evans
- Devon Hall
Forwards:
Centers:
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- 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
Team Croatia Roster:
Guards:
- Roko Badzim
- Mateo Dreznjak
- Kresimir Radovcic
- Roko Rogic
Forwards:
- Luka Babic
- Pavle Marcinkovic
- Ivan Ramljak
- Zeljko Sakic
- Domagoj Vukovic
Centers:
- Marjan Cakarun
- Pavle Marcinkovic
- Antonio Vrankovic
Fan Data:
The Venue: Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
The Tip: 3:30 PM ET (2:30 CT), Tuesday, July 9th, 2019
TV: NBATV
The match is bound to offer several lead changes as both teams have experienced wild momentum shifts in their outings. Following the game check back with Thunderous Intentions for our takeaways and insights.