OKC Thunder 3 keys: Bazley encore potential given Pacers decimated frontcourt

OKC Thunder key No. 2:  Take advantage of Pacers’ decimated frontcourt

One big advantage the Thunder can exploit is the frontcourt particularly if the injury report is accurate and Sabonis is out.

That means all three of the Pacers bigs will be sidelined as Sabonis joins Myles Turner as well as their third big (Goga Bitadze) who suffered an ankle sprain on Monday and is unlikely to suit up. Factor in McDermott is also questionable which doesn’t leave a ton of options for Nate Bjorkgren.

The players likely to get tapped are (another Canadian) Oshae Brissett who was with the Raptors until this season as well as JaKarr Sampson.

The timing for Moses Brown is fortunate as he’s produced two of his worst performances since inking his new deal. The massive drop-off in the big numbers he was putting up seems suspect. Intentions pondered if perhaps he’s playing through an injury. Or perhaps teams are simply scouting him better.

Regardless, Brown and Tony Bradley will have a huge advantage upfront if all three Pacers can’t go.  play the Thunder will need a better effort from Moses Brown than what he delivered in the last two matches.

OKC Thunder key No. 3 Can Bazley build upon Wizards match?

The Thunder player to keep an eye on is Darius Bazley who delivered one of his most complete games in Washington on Monday. Sure he put up a career-best 26 points but his defensive effort on Westbrook was impressive.

What truly stood out was his 13 free throw attempts punctuating how aggressive he was on the offensive end. Through his last four games, he’s averaging 20.8 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Bazley’s perimeter shot hasn’t been on the mark though. Intentions would like to see him start games attacking the basket. Getting to the line early and witnessing the ball fall through the net can help ease a player into the match and make them feel more relaxed taking outside shots.

Similarly, to the above point, Bazley should be able to get to the basket unimpeded without Turner, in the game.  And, if Sabonis, Bitdze, and McDermott are also out Indiana will be hard-pressed to stop Baz from lighting them up.