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OKC Thunder continue road trip versus Cleveland Cavaliers – preview

By Matthew Hallett

OKC Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKC Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Keys to the game:

The Cavaliers have a frontcourt which may cause the OKC Thunder some issues. The combination of Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr are all really good at rebounding the basketball. Thompson is getting 4.0 offensive rebounds a game.

This is an area where the Thunder are struggling at the moment. It needs to be a team focus to collect the defensive rebound, because after all, the defensive possession is not over until the rebound is secured.

Love is a very good outside shooter and is hitting the 3-ball at 37.5 percent. Cedi Osman and Darius Garland are also shooting the 3-ball above 36 percent. However, the entire team is 26th in the league, shooting the long ball at 33.7 percent. The OKC Thunder perimeter defense should have no issue containing this.

The biggest area of strength for the Cavaliers is they foul the least in the NBA. The OKC Thunder gets to the line 24.5 times per game which is fifth in the NBA. However, with the starting guard unit being so young, there are going to be numerous trips to the line by Chris Paul with his CP-swing.

The key matchup for the game will be Garland against Chris Paul. The OKC Thunder floor general has been schooling every other point guard in the league. His ability to run a game at the right pace for the Thunder should get them over the line.

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