Thunder vs Bulls: Pregame Primer
vs.
Thunder (34-27, 14-19 road) vs. Bulls (38-23, 19-13 home)
TV: TNT
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 7:00 CT
Offensive Rating: Thunder – 106.2 (13th), Bulls – 107.6 (8th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.3 (10th), Bulls – 104.7 (12th)
I’ve watched that around 50 times since it initially happened and it’s more amazing every time. What Westbrook is doing gets more historic every day. Now the first person to record four-straight triple-doubles since Michael Jordan in 1988-89. Westbrook’s 49-point explosion vaulted him into the top spot for the scoring title at 27.0 ppg. Kevin Durant, who knows a bit about scoring titles remains out tonight but looks like a return could be nearing.
Speaking of returns: Craig Sager, one of the most unique men in sports media returns to the sidelines tonight after almost a yearlong bout with cancer. All the best to Sages for beating the crap out of leukemia and returning to a job where he has no equal.
The Chicago Bulls have used depth to overcome their own slew of injuries. Tonight the Bulls wrap up a 7-game home stand without Derrick Rose (knee surgery), Jimmy Butler (sprained elbow) and Taj Gibson (sprained ankle).
The Bulls are just percentage points ahead of the Cavs for the Central Division lead, while the Thunder are just a game ahead of the Pelicans for 8th out West. Regardless of who’s in and who’s out for these teams respectively, this game will be hard fought from the jump as both teams have a lot to play for.
3 Big Things
1. Point Godzilla. Russell Westbrook helped OKC its 9th win in 11 games last night, and set career-highs for points and rebounds (49-16). In the Thunder’s last meeting against the Bulls Westbrook came up just short of a triple-double scoring 17 points with nine assists and nine rebounds in a 97-85 Thunder win on the road. Tonight the Thunder needs another big night from Russ. It doesn’t necessarily have to look like it did last night, but from a leadership standpoint he’s got to set the tone.
2. Frontline Battle. The Bulls are without Taj Gibson, but they still have Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol and rookie Nikola Mirotic. Mirotic had a second consecutive strong game on Tuesday, scoring 23 points. He’s totaled 52 points on 17-36 shooting and 17 rebounds in two games without Gibson.
The Thunder’s frontline is missing Steven Adams, who could be back as soon as Sunday night, but without him tonight they’ll need continued good play from Nick Collison and Mitch McGary of the bench. Enes Kanter had a rough night last night (just 8 points and 5 boards), but could give the Bulls and Pau Gasol problems down low. Serge Ibaka didn’t shoot well last night, but was a force around the rim down the stretch. These two teams rank 1 and 2 in the rebounding and all of these names will play big roles in which team wins tonight.
3. Guarding Guards. Last night it was Isaiah Canaan who went off against the Thunder, and the Bulls have multiple backcourt candidates who can light it up on any given night. Westbrook and Roberson will need to be sharp against both Aaron Brooks and Tony Snell from the jump as they are both very capable shooters and scorers. D.J. Augustin will be facing one of his former teams tonight in a building he’s very familiar with. Given the Bulls’ smaller guards look for him to get a lot of minutes along side Westbrook tonight after success last night.
Wednesday’s COTN: “Ryan doesn’t even give a crap about COTN anymore.” – @FunakiEjectsAnother
Oh but I read every one. :)
Tip at 7:00 CT. Go #SagerStrong.
