OKC Thunder seek to avenge recent loss to San Antonio Spurs: preview
Reserves battle:
The second key matchup is the San Antonio Spurs bench against the OKC Thunder bench. Last game between the two franchises, the OKC Thunder bench were outscored by the Spurs bench. This does not happen often.
Patty Mills had 20 points and Derrick White had 17 points to score 37 out of the bench’s 42 points. Dennis Schroder scored 14 and Abdel Nader scored eight points of the OKC thunder bench’s 29 points.
Usually, the Thunder can rely on some good output from Nerlens Noel but the Spurs were able to keep Noel quiet. In fact, the entire Thunder bench had a negative plus/minus last time these two teams met.
Without Bazley there is a relative lack of energy. The rookie demands others to play with energy because he does. While he has had his issues, Bazley’s energy is infectious. With him on the court, it is rare that the Thunder bench is beaten.
Odds:
The OKC Thunder are favored by five points with an over/under of 221.5 cumulative scoring.
Game Specifics:
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
The Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena
Tipoff: 7:00 PM ET | 6:00 PM CT
TV: FS Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC
Injuries:
- Deonte Burton missed the Denver Nuggets game with an illness and is day-to-day.
- Darius Bazley is projected to miss between four to six weeks with right knee bone bruise – which should equate to a late March return.
History:
The teams have played each other 42 times in regular-season history with the Spurs holding a 24-18 advantage. Last season the teams played on three occasions with San Antonio taking two. This year the clubs have met three times previously and the Spurs are up 2-1.
Next. Thunder vs. Spurs, 2019-20 team preview. dark
Enjoy the game and remember to check back after for player grades and insert your thoughts on the game.