Tonight, the Oklahoma City Thunder (4-7) will try to break their four games losing streak. Despite their record and some injured players, the Los Angeles Clippers (5-5) are still a dangerous team.
Keys to the Game
48 Minutes – That’s the length of a game, that’s how long the Thunder must play solid basketball in order to win tonight. Oklahoma City excels in first quarters this season, even in the first half on a few occasions, but when it comes to the third quarter or clutch time, all the balance of the team is gone. There is no apparent reason behind this, the big three suddenly go back into their comfort zone (i.e. isolation basketball, taking turns at shooting) and this destroys the team’s rhythm.
Glass Battle – Tonight, with Steven Adams questionable to play, Oklahoma City will need the support and the effort of all the players to box out and to rebound the ball. The Clippers are ranked first in offensive rebounds per game (12.6) and sixth in total rebounds per game (46.8). Showing you the importance of this element of the game: the Thunder are currently 0-7 when they got outrebounded.
Breathe – When the offense is stuck, the Thunder should not react blindly with a one on one solution, not even if there is a mismatch. Instead, they should take a second to settle down, call a play, and move the ball. The players should move as well and move as a team. With screens and cuts, you can keep the opposing defenders engaged and busy. Simple as that, you can create an extra opportunity which is likely to make the difference.
Injury Report
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Steven Adams (Calf – questionable for tonight)
Los Angeles Clippers
- Milos Teodosic (Foot, out until mid-November)
- Patrick Beverly (Knee, out until mid-November)
- Danilo Gallinari (Hip, out until mid-November)
Teams Stats
Oklahoma City Thunder
PPG 101.6 – OPP PTS 97.2
FG% 44.2 – 3PT% 34.2 – FT% 71.6
APG 21.1 – RPG 42.3 – TOV 15.5
Los Angeles Clippers
PPG 107.5 – OPP PTS 103.8
FG% 45.3 – 3PT% 35.7 – FT% 75.7
APG 20.2 – RPG 46.8 – TOV 14.9
