OKC Thunder: 3 keys to sweeping the Nets season series

OKC Thunder key no. 3 – Who guards the Nets Big 3?

The onus is on the Nets Big 3 to carry the majority of production. Joe Harris is stellar from deep but also in the starting rotation so he’ll only get so many touches.

Once you hit the Nets bench things are far less certain. They rank 20th for bench scoring compared to the Thunder who rank 10th.

That means the emphasis falls on the Big 3 as it should, given their salaries. The question is who will guard each of the Big 3 and how can the Thunder create advantages against this trio.

Lu Dort will undoubtedly spend the most time on Harden although he could also draw minutes against Irving. If Hill can’t suit up that will put a great deal of pressure on rookie Theo Maledon who might split the assignment with SGA.

Durant is the most dangerous (in TI’s humble opinion) and therefore will require the greatest focus and likely require a group of players as part of the game plan. Expect each of Bazley, Horford, and  Roby to spend time on KD.

All stats courtesy of basketball reference or NBA Stats.

Game specifics:

Records:

• Thunder: 8-9
• Nets: -12-8

The Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Tipoff:  8:00 PM ET  | 7:00 PM CT

TV: Fox Sports  Oklahoma | NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Odds:

Injuries:

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Thunder:

• George Hill missed the last two games and is listed as questionable.
• Josh Hall is out addressing health and safety protocols.
• Ty Jerome (ankle) – out indefinitely
• Trevor Ariza (personal) out indefinitely

Nets:

• Spencer Dinwiddie tore his ACL requiring surgery and he’s gone for the season. Booker missed the last game versus the Nuggets due to a sore hamstring and is expected to be out again.
• Nicolas Claxton has right knee tendinopathy that has kept him out all season and there is no definitive return date.

History:

The teams have played each other 92 times in regular-season history with the Thunder holding a 59-33 advantage. Last season the teams only played once due to the pandemic with the Thunder winning.

This is the second and final meeting between the clubs this season. OKC won the first match 129-116.

Enjoy the game and check back tomorrow for grades and three takeaways.