OKC Thunder season opener part deux: 3 keys vs. Hornets

The particulars:

Injuries:

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

Thunder:

• Theo Maledon (personal) QUESTIONABLE
• Darius Miller (Achilles) QUESTIONABLE
• Ty Jerome (sprained ankle) – OUT
• Trevor Ariza (personal)- OUT INDEFINITELY+

Miller practiced with the team this week so the potential for him playing is increasing. Maledon is precisely what it says questionable as it’s team policy not to disclose information of this nature.

Hornets:

• Grant Riller (ankle) OUT
• Malik Monk (tested positive for COVID-19) OUT INDEFINITELY
• Cody Zeller (fractured hand) out four to six weeks

The Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina

Tip-Off: 6 p.m. CT

TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma (NBA League Pass)

Radio: 98.1 FM WWLS the Sports Animal and the Thunder Radio Network

Odds:

History:

These clubs have played 58 times in their history with the OKC Thunder winning 40 of those meetings. Due to the pandemic the teams only played once last season in a contest the Thunder won 104-102 that was pushed to overtime.

Enjoy the season opener Thunder Nation and check back afterward for the player grades and three takeaways.