OKC Thunder: 3 keys to upsetting the defending champion Lakers

After the OKC Thunder split the weekend series versus the Wolves they prepare to play six of their next eight games on the road. The initial three matches feature a tough test with consecutive games versus the Lakers and contest in the always difficult high altitude in Denver.

At least they should be closer to full capacity as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Theo Maledon were all back on Saturday plus Al Horford who sat for rest should be available.

That said, two games against the defending champions will be a daunting task and while this Thunder squad is competitive they still have the memories of the 128-99 loss against the Lakers from earlier this season.

It’s not like I’ll throw in the towel early on these next two games but the prospect of playing the Lakers right after the worst Eastern Conference team (Pistons) pushed them to double overtime isn’t exactly the best situation for OKC to be in.

Instead of putting too much pressure on the young Thunder perhaps it’s better to approach these next two matches with a view to using them as a litmus test for how OKC stacks up against the best.

With that let’s dive into the three takeaways.

OKC Thunder key number 1: Next man up is essential

With Isaiah Roby out and Mike Muscala likely also out after taking an elbow to the head the frontcourt for the Thunder is thin.

Fortunately, Al Horford should be back in the rotation given the reason he missed Saturday’s match was for rest.

That means he’ll Horford and Darius Bazley will have the unenviable task of trying to keep Anthony Davis and Montrezl Harrell in check.

Mark Daigneault will likely have to stagger their minutes to ensure one of them is always on the floor and rely on their wings to help out. Luguentz Dort and Hamidou Diallo will likely get the major task of having to guard the King who despite being 36 and in his 18th season remains an MVP candidate.