OKC Thunder 3 keys vs. Hawks: Gallinari’s return to Chesapeake
OKC Thunder key number 2: Hawks frontcourt poses issues
As per typical, the Thunder will rest Al Horford in one game of a back-to-back set. The difference this time is Mark Daigneault has opted to do it in the first of the two matches. Through the prior six back-to-back sets, Horford has sat out the second game.
There are two ways to look at the decision. On one hand, it’s a logical move to save Horford for the Nikola Jokic matchup on Saturday versus the Nuggets.
The OKC Thunder has played and lost to Denver twice. The difference is stark with the first match a (119-101) beat down whereas the second was a close (95-97) clutch time decision with only nine players dressed.
The big difference? Horford played in the second match. It begs the question if the parties (Horford, Presti) allowed the big man to chose which game he’d prefer to play as he looks to bolster his trade value.
On the other hand, this feels like a scheduled loss by the Thunder. No shade – – honest. The practical point here is while the Hawks have struggled their frontcourt depth is significant.
To wit, Clint Capela is Atlanta’s rim protector, John Collins is a walking double-double, and Gallo as Thunder Nation knows all too well, represents a skilled big man. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Rookie Onyeka Okongwu has drawn comparisons to some of the best two-way big men in the league and while Solomon Hill hasn’t lived up to the performances he delivered in the playoffs when with the Pacers, he’s always capable of busting loose for one of these big nights nailing 3-pointers and being an x-factor.
Isaiah Roby, Darius Bazley, and Mike Muscala will have a tough task on the boards with the Hawks ranking third on the offensive glass (11.1), and seventh overall (45.4). OKC performs well overall (44.7) ranking 10th in total rebounds but reside 29th (7.7) on the offensive glass.
The fact Gallinari scored 38 points and hit ten 3-pointers on Wednesday is a big red flag for OKC as he has a tendency to get on a hot streak — so be forewarned!