OKC Thunder key number 3: Stick to the game plan
Diving into the four miscellaneous areas the one where the Mavericks are most vulnerable is opponent points allowed in the fast break. Dallas opponents score an average of 13.8 fast break points per game.
Unfortunately, the Thunder ranked 28th in fast break scoring with an average of 10.0 points per game.
Neither club is proficient on the glass although the Thunder does hold a slight edge on the defensive glass.
If Doncic plays (see below) Luguentz Dort will have his work cut out. Last week 76ers guard Ben Simmons had a fairly successful game against the Mavericks star so it’s likely Lu already viewed that game film in preparation.
Also, look for Mark Daigneault to mix up the defensive coverage on Luka to try to keep him a little off-kilter (good luck with that). Like I said – neither Luka or Shai will allow opponents to force or dictate their play. Sure they’ll respond and adapt but ultimately, it will be the defenses constantly adjusting to what they do.
All stats courtesy of basketball reference or NBA Stats.
Game specifics:
Records:
- Thunder: 14-20
- Mavericks:17-16
The Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Tipoff: 8:30 PM ET | 7:30 PM CT
TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma | NBA League Pass
Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC
Odds:
Injuries:
Typically the Thunder rests Al Horford in the second game of a back-to-back set but in the last series, they sat him in the first game. We’ll learn which game he’ll sit when Mark Daigneault does his pregame presser.
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OKC Thunder:
- Hamidou Diallo missed the last two games with a groin injury and coach Daigneault updated he’ll be out at least two more days so he’ll miss this game.
- Darius Miller (illness) missed the last game and is questionable for Wednesday
- George Hill underwent a procedure on his ailing thumb that will keep him off the court until early March.
- Trevor Ariza (personal) out indefinitely
Mavericks:
- Luka Doncic is experiencing lower back tightness. He’s listed as questionable.
- Willie Cauley-Stein hurt his thumb in the Monday match versus the Magic forcing him from the game. He is questionable for Wednesday.
History:
The teams have played each other 160 times in regular-season history with the Thunder holding an 83-77 advantage. In the 2019-20 campaign, the clubs played twice with each team winning one contest.
Typically same conference teams play each other between three to four times a year. Due to the pandemic, subsequent season suspension, and revamped Orlando schedule the clubs never met in the bubble. That makes this match the first time the teams have faced each other in over a year (January 27th, 2020).
These teams will play each other three times this season with the second and third games both occurring in OKC on March 11th and March 29th.
Enjoy the game and check back tomorrow for grades and three takeaways.