Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder look to unsettle the Suns power in the paint

By Shontelle Matano

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on December 20, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on December 20, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder Dennis Schroder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Devin Booker v Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:

Devin Booker is averaging 27.1 points per game which is a career-high in his fifth year. In his second year, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 19.5 points which is almost nine more points than his rookie season.

Booker is unlucky to have missed out on All-Star selection so do expect him to be invigorated and ready to put on a show.

Gilgeous-Alexander looks set to be named a rising star and is playing consistent basketball. These two players are amazing to watch and when excelling, their teams prosper.

DeAndre Ayton v Steven Adams:

The Phoenix Suns Center and 2018 number one pick DeAndre Ayton recorded 31 points, nine rebounds, two steals and a block against the Mavericks in only 29 minutes.

He thrives under the rim and is an agile big man who is showing his reliability to get rebounds and score with abundance.

His matchup with big Kiwi Steven Adams is going to be important. Adams’ exertion in the game doesn’t always reflect on the stat sheet but there’s no questioning how significant he is when on the court.

Adams is a tremendous passer and rebounding machine. He does all the dirty work that has major implications for OKC. So this is a matchup to look out for.

Odds predictions:

More from Thunderous Intentions

I predict that the OKC Thunder and Phoenix Suns will accumulate more than the predicted 222.5 points as the Suns average 113.1 points per game while the Thunder average 110.5 points.

This makes a total of 223.6 which doesn’t make a whole lot of difference. But I believe there is a scoring masterclass waiting to happen.

Game Specifics

The Venue: Talking Stick Resort Arena

Tipoff:  9:00 PM ET  | 8:00 PM CT

TV: FS Oklahoma

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

History:

The teams have played each other 40 times in the regular season with the OKC Thunder holding a 28-12 advantage.

Next. Power Rankings week 14: Thunder among the ‘road warriors’. dark

Enjoy the game and check back after for player grades and takeaways.

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