OKC Thunder vs. 76ers – big positional advantage for home side

The OKC Thunder completed a mini two-game road trip against the Jazz and Rockets netting two losses. Tonight the team will play their first match at the Paycom Center in their home opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Although they are at home their next three opponents offer up tough tests as they face the 76ers, Warriors, and Lakers before heading back out on the road where they’ll face the Warriors, Clippers, and Lakers.

Suffice to say it’s conceivable the Thunder could start the season 0-8 considering the stiff competition.

OKC Thunder vs Philadelphia 76ers preview – Positional pros and cons

The 2021-22 season is about growth and development and that hushed “T” word (tanking). Yet through two matches, the OKC Thunder haven’t exactly been carving out areas of prowess.

Some are concerned about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s slow start and failure to score. In fairness, he’s a marked man who is drawing extensive attention from opponents and that’s not likely to change anytime soon.

The good news is this experience will help SGA build his skills and learn how to be a better player facing double and triple teams. The hope is he’ll figure out the coverages sooner than later so he can still vie for Most Improved Player this season.

As for the Sixers, they are intent on building upon last season when they finished atop the East’s ladder but were unceremoniously bounced by the Atlanta Hawks in the semi-finals. Making matters worse, one of the two superstars left that series with no desire to ever play for Philly again — Ben Simmons.

It’s a tricky situation because he’s an extremely talented player who finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and can instigate the fast break arguably better than any player of his size. The problem is Simmons signed a five-year contract and only played one season before demanding a trade.

The big question is if the Sixers acquiesce and trade him how will that impact the league and rookie contacts moving forward?

Consider how small markets will feel if this becomes the trend rather than an outlier. All the benefits of being able to draft quality picks and then lock them down if they prove to be successful will take on a whole new spin if players sign their max deals and then demand a trade after one season.

Moving forward, look for this to become a very contentious point in the new CBA. During Adam Silver’s tenure as the Commissioner player empowerment and control have taken a big leap. However, in this specific situation, I think Silver needs to side with the board of governors.

If not then the NBA will become a league that only emphasizes big markets (LA, New York) or clubs that create super teams. There are more franchises who reside in small to mid-size markets so this is arguably the biggest issue Silver will face to ensure there is parity or at a minimum equal opportunity in the association.

Something worth noting is what Jackie McMullen said on Bill Simmons’ podcast ‘what if he (Simmons) comes out and says I’m struggling with mental health. That would mean the 76ers have to allow him to not participate while also having to pay him.”

Ironically, the very next day that’s precisely what happened. It’s a sad situation that we’re even questioning the validity of his mental health but given it’s the first time he’s raised this issue and the other efforts he made to force the 76ers hand it’s inevitable.

While I hope he’s not using this excuse simply to get paid as he awaits a trade I also sincerely wish him nothing but a quick return to health.

With that let’s dive into the matchup with a view to matchups, stats, and game specifics.