Timberwolves vs. Thunder: Pregame Primer

vs.

Minnesota Timberwolves (15-61, 5-33 road) vs. Ok. City Thunder (47-28, 24-13 home)

TV: FS Oklahoma (Cox 37, HD 722, Tulsa Cox 27, DirectTV 679, UVerse 753)
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 6:00 CDT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 107.8 (14th), Wolves – 101.5 (29th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.8 (8th), Wolves – 111.1 (27th)
Pace: Thunder – 92.9 (14th), Wolves – 96.1 (3rd)

View from the enemy: Howlin’ T-Wolf

Wait, so we have to keep playing? I thought it was all finished last night? That’s the state of mind that scares me a little tonight. The weight of the playoff chase has been lifted, everyone can let off a big sigh of relief and forget about that. Yet, there are still seven really, really important games left.

Did you know: Oklahoma City is just two games out of second in the West? Can you believe that? And with games against Utah, Denver, Phoenix and Portland coming shortly, you can’t afford to be dropping home games to the Timberwolves.

Minnesota coming in: The Wolves just ended a long, 16-game win streak against Sacramento last week. They last played Saturday at home against Miami. On the road, Minnesota is just 5-33.

THE MATCHUPS
Corey Brewer has done quality work defending Kevin Durant and on the flip side, has played some nice offensive games against OKC. However, Brewer was 0-9 for one point against Miami. So of course be prepared for him to breakout with a 8-12, 24-point performance tonight. Ryan Gomes is the Wolves starting three, but I think Brewer will be used because of his length.

The matchup key is inside with Al Jefferson. Jefferson isn’t the same dominant post player he once was, but he’s still extremely skilled. Serge Ibaka has done good work on him this year and with the Thunder’s rotation of bigs, it shouldn’t be that big of a disadvantage.

Overall, there’s not much to say about this. The Thunder’s a superior team, playing at home and playing well. Nothing but a solid, convincing win should be in order.

Tip at 6:00 CDT. Go Playoff Team.