OKC Thunder: 3 keys to beating Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets

OKC Thunder key No. 3: Hami’s Homecoming:

Now in fairness in the win over the Knicks the reserve unit had a standout performance by Hamidou Diallo.

The native New Yorker registered a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds. It’s common for players to raise their efforts in front of the city they grew up in. Diallo loves New York and will be equally inspired to have another huge game versus the Nets.

For more on Hami’s big night in the Mecca check out Shontelle Matano’s 3 takeaways article.

Game specifics:

Records:

• Thunder: 4-4
• Nets: 5-5

The Venue: The Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

Tipoff:  6:00 PM ET  | 5:00 PM CT

TV: Fox Sports  Oklahoma | NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Odds:

Injuries:

Considering how hard hit some teams are in the association with the coronavirus seemingly wiping out entire starting units the Thunder have been fortunate to avoid that issue to date.

Let’s hope that continues to be the case.

Thunder:

• Mike Muscala took a hit to his ribs versus the Knicks that left him feeling sore although he’s listed as probable for Sunday.
• Ty Jerome (ankle) – out indefinitely
• Trevor Ariza (personal) out indefinitely

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

Nets:

• Kevin Durant missed the last three games quarantining due to contract tracing. While KD tested positive this past summer there isn’t enough science to determine the probability of catching it twice or spreading it even if you’ve had it prior. He’s produced negative tests daily and cleared to play Sunday (probable).
• Kyrie Irving missed the last two games citing personal reasons and is questionable for Sunday.
• Tyler Johnson missed the last two games as he goes through the process of the NBA health and safety protocols and won’t play Sunday.
• Nicolas Claxton is dealing with tendinopathy in his knee which has kept him from playing. He remains out with no definitive timeline for return.
• Spencer Dinwiddle tore his ACL and is lost for the season.

History:

The teams have played each other 91 times in regular-season history with the Thunder holding a 58-33 advantage. Last season the teams played only a single time due to the pandemic and initial season suspension. The Thunder won that meeting.

Enjoy the game Thunder Nation. Make sure to check back later for the grades and takeaways from the game.