Thunder at Mavericks: Game 1 Pregame Primer

vs.

OKC Thunder (8-5, 2-4 road) vs. Dallas Mavericks (8-2, 4-0 home)

TV: ESPN (Cox 29, HD 720);
Stream: Click here (Also on ESPN3.com)
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 8:00 CT

Series: Series tied 0-0

View from the enemy: The Two Man Game

A role reversal for the Thunder. No longer is it about holding serve at home. Now it’s about stealing one on the road.

I get the feeling this game presents a bit better opportunity to do that than Game 2, because the Mavs very well could be rusty from their nine-day layoff.

This game will likely have a lot of feeling out, but one thing the Mavs have had is time to prepare. I’m sure as soon as OKC took Game 5 over Memphis, they started prepping for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

It’s pretty important to win one of these two games in Dallas, but not absolutely critical. At some point the Thunder will have to win a game in Dallas if they want to take the series and like I said, this might be the best opportunity for it.

I’m curious to see how ready OKC is for this game. A Game 7 win just two days ago is a pretty emotional thing to come off of, especially when it meant advancing to your first ever Western Conference Finals. The Mavs have been itching to play since sweeping the Lakers so they’ll be ready. Maybe a little too ready. Who knows. I think this game is going to be a good one though.

Tip at 8:00 CT. Go North Side Red River.