OKC Thunder – Utah Jazz battle for fourth seed: 2 critical matchups
Backcourt Battle.
The second important dual is between rookie sensation Luguentz Dort and Donovan Mitchell. The OKC Thunder have relied on Dort to stop some of the biggest names in the NBA. He is a massive part of why the Thunder are fighting for seeding this late in the season.
If you think back to the very first game in the season, it was Mitchell who cut loose in the second half and was the difference in the Jazz win. He deserved his All-Star selection this season, such is the quality of his game.
If Dort is able to stop Mitchell, the Jazz is going to have another game where they struggle, similar to their last matchup against the Raptors. He is leading the team with 24.2 points per game, stop Mitchell and you effectively stop the Jazz.
Odds:
The OKC Thunder are two point favorites heading into the match with a money line of minus -125 for the home squad and plus +108 for the Jazz. The over/under is not set as of this posting.
Game Specifics
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- 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: 8:00 PM ET | 7:00 PM CT
TV: FS Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC
Injuries:
OKC Thunder:
- Darius Bazley is expected to miss between four to six weeks (end of March) with a right knee bone bruise.
- Andre Roberson hasn’t played this season still rehabbing his knee and recently returned to the team to rehab on site.
Jazz:
- Nigel Williams-Goss has not played since January 8thas he is dealing with a left quad bruise.
History:
The two teams have met 45 times as they are named today. The OKC Thunder has a huge advantage 32-13. The two teams played in four contests last season with the Thunder winning all of them.
This season the squads have played two games with the teams splitting them.
Next. Thunder poised to capture home court: W21 scoreboard watch. dark
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