OKC Thunder: comparing the second-half schedule to opponents
With four games remaining in the OKC Thunder first half schedule the team received the specifics for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign.
The All-Star break will begin on March 5th and last five days with game action picking back up on March 10th.
As for the big event, it occurs on March 7th in Atlanta. Adam Silver tapped Devin Booker as the injury replacement for Anthony Davis solidifying no OKC Thunder players participation in the big event.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a first-half performance worthy of inclusion but was far down the fan/player/media voting list, not selected by the coaches, and passed over for the new protege of his former mentor. The Thunder cornerstone took the snub in stride letting his actions speak volumes as he dropped a career-high 42-points to punctuate the point of why he should’ve made the cut.
Instead, he and his Thunder teammates will get almost a full week off with their final first-half game on March 4th at San Antonio and first game back on March 11th when OKC will host the Mavericks.
OKC Thunder second-half schedule specifics
The second half schedule features 36 games for OKC like 13 other clubs. Two teams (Spurs, Grizzlies) will play 40 games to make up for the postponed dates due to COVID-19 and the severe weather impacts. Eight teams play either 37 or 38 games, five play 35 and the Clippers play the fewest (34).
The first half featured 19 road games and 17 home dates and the mirror effect takes place in the second half with 19 dates at Chesapeake Energy Arena and 17 on the road. The number four is featured predominantly in the second half with a trio of four-game homestands and another trio of four-game road trips.
Some notable tough spots in the second half of the schedule are nine back-to-back sets and eight contests where the opposing team will have the rest advantage.
The Thunder strength of schedule is ranked 12 easiest.
A new tweak to the itinerary this season is consecutive games at the same venue versus the same opponent. The Thunder played four of those sets in the first half (Clippers, Rockets, Wolves, Lakers) and will play two more in the second half (Warriors, Kings).
Nationally televised games:
Big surprise — The OKC Thunder is not on any of the ABC, ESPN or TNT Nationally televised games. It’s the big markets and big stars who get the shine.
They do get one token NBA TV spot on Saturday, March 12th at 2:00 p.m. versus the New York Knicks.
For those interested in the teams who are being featured click the links to see the matchups, times, and dates.
As per usual, all games can be viewed on Fox Sports Oklahoma or NBA League Pass..
In terms of the 36 dates, the OKC Thunder will play TI dissected the calendar with a view to specific insights and how the club’s schedule compares to their counterparts.