OKC Thunder seek to end 7-game losing streak: Grizzlies preview
Key matchup:
As noted above without Morant the Grizzlies will rely on a trio of players to provide their offense. Of that triumvirate, the one who poses the biggest challenge for the Thunder is big man Jaren Jackson Jr.
Similar to Chrisitan Wood, Triple J is an athletic big man who can score in a variety of ways and will pose a big issue for the Thunder to deal with.
| Rk | Player | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | 2PA | 2P% | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaren Jackson | 26.9 | 5.2 | 12.8 | .409 | 2.1 | 6.0 | .346 | 6.8 | .465 | 3.3 | .870 | 5.7 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 15.4 |
| 2 | Christian Wood | 32.7 | 6.4 | 13.8 | .465 | 1.6 | 4.7 | .344 | 9.1 | .527 | 4.2 | .571 | 11.8 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 16.8 |
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 12/1/2021.
A comparison of Wood and Jackson highlights the similarities between the duo. Although Jackson plays almost six minutes less his point total is only 1.4 points less. Jackson is a better shot blocker and attempts more 3-pointers but pulls down fewer rebounds.
With Morant out Jackson will likely see an uptick in playing time as he did in Toronto (34 minutes). Luguentz Dort will likely be tasked with guarding Desmond Bane so that means Darius Bazley and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will likely draw Triple J.
The other player of note is former OKC Thunder big man Steven Adams who was a monster in Toronto making it virtually impossible for the Raptors to do what they do best (get offensive rebounds and score in the paint).
Even the boards Adams doesn’t grab he’s taking up so much space his presence allows for his teammates to dip in to get the rebound.
While the Raptors are the top offensive rebounding team (13.4) it’s important to note they were missing Khem Birch, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr. in the Tuesday match when the Grizzlies outdid them on the offensive glass 18 to 11 with eight different Grizzlies involved. To be fair, Memphis ranks third (13) so this wasn’t a shocking result.