OKC Thunder face well rested Hornets – preview

Finishing off the back to back set the OKC Thunder faces a very well rested Charlotte Hornets squad. Gameday previews the match with keys to winning.

The OKC Thunder arrives in Charlotte to play the second game of a back to back set and in one of the craziest scheduling benefits of the year, the Hornets haven’t played since Sunday. For those keeping track that’s five days rest versus none!

Talk about a huge advantage for Charlotte. Then factor in the propensity for OKC to start games off poorly and this one could get out of hand quickly. Conversely, perhaps the rust vs. rest can come into the equation.

To that end, let’s hope OKC learned from the loss to the Memphis Grizzlies as they hit the hardwood tonight and make sure to jump on the Hornets from the tip. Equally important is how they come out of the break making sure to not allow Charlotte to feast in the third quarter. This is typically the frame the club struggles and often is where OKC lose their matches.

Charlotte also has something to prove given their last game featured a sound beating at the hands of the Boston Celtics when they lost 119-93 even though the Hornets held a 37-30 edge after the first quarter.

The Thunder are missing Danilo Gallinari and as of this posting, it looks like he won’t be back until the Sunday match versus the Raptors so Darius Bazley should get the start again.

Although the Thunder are at a big rest disadvantage it’s important they summon all their grit to capture this victory.

This game is the first of two the Thunder will play in their mini road trip but what lies ahead over the next nine games is daunting. Six of the teams the club will face currently reside on the playoff ladder.

With that let’s look at the three keys to winning …