OKC Thunder seek to enter break on positive note: Pelicans preview

Backcourt matchup:

Jrue Holiday versus Chris Paul might seem like a low-key matchup but as stars and talent go this is about as good as it gets in the backcourt. Paul is having a career renaissance this year. Paul arrived in OKC having been pretty much written off as an NBA force due to the struggles of playing alongside James Harden. His renaissance in OKC is highlighting to the NBA that he is still one of the most influential players on and off the court.

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As discussed regularly on the OKC Thunder broadcasts by both Chris Fischer and Michael Cage, Chris Paul is the most clutch player in the NBA this season. As a result, the OKC Thunder are one of the most clutch teams in the NBA.

He is also like a conductor of an orchestra when he is running the team. His play is helping the development of the younger Thunder guards. He is the key to all that the Thunder are trying to achieve. His defense is also crucial and his task will be Jrue Holiday who is averaging 19.4 points and 6.4 assists per game.

Likewise, Holiday will be tasked with stopping Paul. The two-time All-NBA Defensive team member hasn’t lost anything on that side of the hardwood averaging 1.7 steals per contest. This duel is going to be fun to watch.

Odds:

The OKC Thunder are the underdogs in this match by two points and the over/under is 229.5 points.

Game Specifics

The Venue: Smoothie King Center.

Tipoff: 8:00 PM ET  | 7:00 PM CT

TV: FS Oklahoma

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Injuries

• Darius Bazley is expected to miss between four to six weeks with a right knee bone bruise.
• Brandon Ingram is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury

History

The two teams have met 24 times as they are named today. The OKC Thunder have a 15-9 advantage. In the four games played between the clubs last season, each team won twice while the OKC Thunder has won all three meetings this season.

Enjoy the game and remember to check back in after the game for grades and takeaways.