The OKC Thunder host the Orlando Magic as they seek to keep their momentum rolling. Gameday breaks down the match.
The OKC Thunder are currently playing a good brand of basketball. The movement on offense is producing good looks. The defense is switched on and is causing difficulties for the opposition. The Thunder perimeter defense is holding their opposition to just 28.7 percent of 3-point makes, this is good for second in the league.
Likewise, the Orlando Magic defense is tough. The addition of Al-Farouq Aminu has certainly helped the franchise. They are only allowing 98.2 points per game. This is second in the NBA and makes the Magic one of two teams who have allowed opponents to less than 100 points per game.
Both of these teams are at the lower end of their respective conferences, both having a 2-4 record. However, the Magic have played two teams expected to go deep into the playoffs being the Toronto Raptors and the Milwaukee Bucks. They have lost by a combined total of 41 points to these two teams.
On the other side of the equation, the OKC Thunder have lost all of their games by a combined margin of 24 points. This is surprising as the Thunder experienced a huge roster turnover and the Magic kept most of their roster from last season. The continuity between seasons should be moving the Magic up the standings, but is not.
Orlando upgraded their point guard position by trading for Markelle Fultz, the former No. 1 overall pick. He has flourished since being outside of the spotlight of being on a contending team.
With all of this being said, it is time for our keys to the game.