OKC Thunder: 3 keys to bouncing back versus Wolves

OKC Thunder key no. 1 – Be prepared for Towns return

It’s not confirmed but all the injury reports indicated Karl-Anthony Towns was a game-time decision on Friday. He’s missed 11 games and this would be the perfect match to ease him back into the lineup.

The Wolves are riding the high of winning and closing out a game down the stretch (something they’ve struggled with) so there isn’t added pressure on KAT.

Clearly, even in limited minutes Towns drastically alters what Minnesota can do on both sides of the floor. He’s the primary option on the Wolves so his presence alone demands attention which opens up the floor for D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Anthony Edwards.

OKC Thunder key no. 2- Minute distribution

While the Wolves may get Towns back, similarly the Thunder may also get some of their core back.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Theo Maledon are all listed as game-time decisions.

Regardless pf whether any or all of the trio return Mark Daigneault will need to be careful in his minute distribution.

In the event, none of the Thunder youngsters are back the one player who this affects the most is Al Horford. To date, the big man hasn’t played on the second games of back-to-back sets. And, if SGA, Dort, and Maledon remain out the Thunder will have no choice but to play him.

Furthermore, if Towns returns Horford will provide the primary defensive matchup against him.

While the Wolves sit at the bottom of the West this could prove to be one of Daigneault’s greatest challenges through his early days as head coach.