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OKC Thunder vs. Boston Celtics, 2019-20 team preview

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder team previews: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKC Thunder team previews: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder team previews
OKC Thunder team previews: Boston Celtics’ Kyrie Irving makes a driving layup in between Russell Westbrock (0), Terrance Ferguson (23) and Steven Adams. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

Looking forward to the 2019-20 NBA season, T.I. examines the shifts to the Boston Celtics roster and how the OKC Thunder matchup with them this season.

The two-year Kyrie Irving stretch in Boston ended as dramatically as it began with the disenfranchised star reneging on his promise to re-sign. Irving exits for his home town to team up with the injured Kevin Durant on the Nets and yet another roster filled with young talent.

Kemba Walker arrives to fulfill the role of starting point guard with a double-edged mandate. On the court, his priority will be to re-energize the offensive production of 2017-18 and specifically youngsters Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Off the court, Walker will need to use his calm demeanor and leadership to bring peace to the locker room and help rebuild team chemistry.

The Basics:

2018-19 Record: 49-33

Playoff Seed: Fourth in the Eastern Conference, swept the Pacers in round one then lost in round two (1-4) to the 76ers.

Head Coach: Brad Stevens begins his seventh season as the bench boss.

Points per game: Ranked 14th (112.4) | Opponent points per game: Ranked 8th (108.0)

Pace: Ranked 16th (99.6)  | Offensive Rating: Ranked 10th (112.2) | Defensive Rating: Ranked 7th (107.8)

Vegas Odds:

Win-Loss: 49.5 games
Odds to NBA Title: +2500
Odds to Win Conference: +700

* win/loss as per Westgate and Conference/Title odds as per Odds Shark

Last season the Thunder lost the season series with the Celtics. Let’s review the changes the Celtics made this season with a view of what to expect when the team’s tipoff versus each other in the 2019-20 season.

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