Hawks contract situation in training camp:
Guaranteed: Chandler Parsons, Evan Turner, Allen Crabbe, De’Andre Hunter, Jabari Parker, Trae Young, Cam Reddish, Alex Len, John Collins, Kevin Huerter, DeAndre’ Bembry, Damian Jones, Vince Carter and Bruno Fernando
Two-Way Contracts: Charlie Brown | Brandon Goodwin
Exhibit 10 Contracts: Armoni Brooks | Tahjere McCall | Marcus Derrickson | Ray Spalding
Thunder performance vs. Hawks in 2018-19
The OKC Thunder won the initial match while the Hawks who played with more vigor in the second half took the second meeting.
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November 30, 2018 – OKC Thunder versus Atlanta Hawks, Win: 124 – 109
January 15, 2019: OKC Thunder at Atlanta Hawks, Loss: 126 – 142
Russell Westbrook was the leading Thunder scorer in both games while John Collins held that advantage for the Hawks.
Hawks Games versus OKC Thunder in 2019-20:
Home Game: Friday, January 24, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. EST
Away Game: Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. EST
Marquee matchup: Trae Young vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Since both games occur in the latter section of the season there is the potential the Thunder could have transitioned into full-on rebuild mode.
Keys to the OKC Thunder winning both games will be the ability of OKC to slow the Hawks pace and manage them in transition. Although the Hawks have plenty of wings who capitalize on the quick transition up court the Thunder should be up to the task in slowing those players given their own depth at the wing and superior defense.
Westbrook feasted on the Hawks last season and while Russ is a beast in his own right this season’s Thunder point guards should have little opposition at producing big offensive days. In fact, without much defense to hold them at bay, the Thunder could have strong offensive showings in both matches.
While the Thunder could win both matches the second game comes on the second night of a back to back with OKC playing in Memphis the night prior then traveling to Atlanta. Given those dynamics and the fact Atlanta will be geared up to push pace so let’s call this season’s two meetings a draw with each club taking their home date.