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OKC Thunder face reeling Philadelphia 76ers – game preview

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket as Steven Adams #12 of the OKC Thunder defends. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket as Steven Adams #12 of the OKC Thunder defends. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder, Abdel Nader, Dennis Schroder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Bench advantage:

While Korkmaz and Scott can be an issue the reality is the Thunder possesses a true advantage from their reserve unit.

On the season the Thunder rank tenth in reserve scoring whereas the76ers rank 26th as per Hoopsstats.  Much of that scoring prowess could be tied to Dennis Schroder but overall the Thunder reserve advantages run deeper as they best Philly in rebounding (18th versus 29th) and are first in blocks although Noel affects that stat.

Perhaps most telling is the Thunder reserves Deff (difference in efficiency – again as per hoopsstats) ranks OKC as seventh-best while Philly is 22nd.

The easiest translation of Deff is the overall performance of the squad in terms of production, efficiency and the difference between themselves and their opponents.

Ultimately, the five keys can be summarized as trying to limit Embiid, playing strong transition defense, protecting the paint, capitalizing on reserve depth and getting to clutch time where the Thunder can steal the victory.

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