OKC Thunder: 3 keys to sweeping series versus Knicks

OKC Thunder key No.1: Positionless strategy gets tested

With the news, Gilgeous-Alexander will join Darius Bazley on the injured list it offers up questions of what the starting lineup will look like. In the last match without Baze, rookie Aleksej Pokusevski got the nod so presumably, he’ll start again.

As for who replaces SGA the logical assumption is Ty Jerome because he’s a shooting guard with playmaking ability and ranks fifth in assists on the roster behind SGA, Theo Maledon, Al Horford, and George Hill.

The other option would be going bigger and inserting the all-around talent of Kenrich Williams.

The Thunder won the initial match in New York scoring 101 points, grabbing 62 rebounds, and dishing 16 assists. Gilgeous-Alexander and Diallo produced the majority of that offense for a cumulative 48 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists.

It’s an opportunity for Daigneault to test the OKC Thunder strategy of positionless basketball so the reality is the coach could tap a number of individuals. In fact, the defensive strategy could dictate who starts. If the Thunder want to add size even Isaiah Roby is a possibility.

Bottom line, without SGA, Bazley, or George Hill the priority will be defensive intensity and focus.