After the disappointing loss to the Brooklyn Nets in Mexico City, the Oklahoma City Thunder will try to bounce back tonight in Memphis against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Thunder have incredibly struggled on the road this season, they only won two games out of twelve away from the Chesapeake Arena. This game could be an opportunity to redeem themselves because the Grizzlies don’t seem to be in good shape right now. In fact, Memphis lost twelve of their last thirteen games, fired their head coach, and Mark Gasol just called out his teammates for their presumed lack of effort.
Paul George and Jerami Grant should also be able to come back from their injuries.
Keys to the Game
Offensive Flow – Regardless of Paul George’s and Jerami Grant’s return, the Thunder have to move the ball and stay away from the isolation basketball they played during the second half against the Nets. It’s hard to understand why the team reverts to this bad habit which never worked and never helped them.
Free Throw Line – The Thunder have several issues on the offensive end of the floor, one of those is definitely their incapability to convert fouls into points from the FT line. Oklahoma City is taking 22.3 free throws per game (16th in the league) and is scoring only on a 72% rate (29th in the league). This is an aspect which the team must improve as soon as possible.
Heart & Effort – Oklahoma City is going through rough times right now, they are not fun to watch, and their record is below .500. It’s time to regroup and row all in the same direction for the sake of the team. Playing with heart and effort will be fundamental, especially on the road, to possibly cover the lack of chemistry that yet has to grow.
Injury Report
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Paul George – Calf Contusion (Game time decision)
- Jerami Grant – Hip Contusion (Game time decision)
Memphis Grizzlies
- Brendan Wright – Groin (day to day)
- Mike Conley – Achilles (Expected to be out at least until Dec. 13)
- Wayne Selden Jr. – Quadriceps (Expected to be out at least until Dec. 13)
Teams Stats
Oklahoma City Thunder
PPG 101.8 – OPP PTS 98.9
FG% 43.9 – 3PT% 33.8 – FT% 72.0
APG 20.9 – RPG 43.4 – TOV 15.3
Memphis Grizzlies
PPG 98.1 – OPP PTS 101.6
FG% 44.8 – 3PT% 34.1 – FT% 79.7
APG 21.0 – RPG 38.6– TOV 14.3
Cover Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
