OKC Thunder: 3 keys to defeat the Toronto Raptors

Game Specifics:

Records:

• Thunder: 19-27
• Raptors: 18-29

The Venue:  Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK

Tipoff:  8:00 PM ET  | 7:00 PM CT

TV: Fox Sports  Oklahoma | NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Odds:

Injuries:

The Raptors like the Thunder are dealing with multiple injuries. Toronto has another two players who contracted the virus out which now makes seven players who’ve been felled by COVID-19 plus their entire front row of the coaching staff although they are back with the initial five who missed three weeks or more of action.

As per the NBA injury report …

OKC Thunder:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss his fourth consecutive game with plantar fasciitis
• Al Horford has been shut down for the season to allow the younger players a chance to develop and claim a spot on the future roster.
• Darius Bazley will miss his tenth consecutive game with a shoulder contusion.
• Mike Muscala is out with an ankle injury.
• Luguentz Dort is out in the concussion protocol program.

Raptors:

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• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Kyle Lowry sat Sunday, played Monday but is dealing with a foot injury which might take him out of this match.

Fred VanVleet jammed his knee in the second quarter and played through the pain, but it won’t be surprising if he’s ruled out in this match.

DeAndre Bembry has missed the last three games in health and safety protocols and not expected back for this match.

Likewise, Paul Watson has also missed the last three games in protocols and expected to remain out.

Patrick McCaw has missed the last four games with a knee injury and expected out again.

Jalen Harris has a right hip pointer which is expected to keep him out.

History:

The two clubs have engaged in some intense battles in the course of history with the Thunder holding the edge of 29 victories versus the Raptors 18 in their 47 prior meetings.

Last year the squads split the two games they played each winning on the other team’s court.

This is the first meeting between the clubs in the 2020-21 campaign.

Ties that bind:

It’s unfortunate SGA and Lu Dort won’t be available to play their hometown team as both enjoy playing the Raptors. Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander had a breakout performance versus the Raptors in Toronto.

Another tie between the clubs is Raptors head coach Nick Nurse is also the Canadian National head coach. He misses an opportunity to see (in person) the two young Thunder stars who’ll definitely be on the National team if they elect to participate.

Check back in the morning for the grades from tonight’s match.