Thunder vs Grizzlies: Pregame Primer
vs.
Grizzlies (5-0, 3-0 road) vs. Thunder (1-4, 1-0 home)
TV: ESPN/FS Oklahoma
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 – 98.4 (25th), Grizzlies – 101.1 (21st)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 109.6 (24th), Grizzlies – 93.1 (2nd)
Today’s primer begins in a familiar fashion: talk of the most recent fallen Thunder. This time it’s Perry Jones who, as you know, went down holding his knee in Tuesday’s game in Toronto. Jones has been ruled out for tonight’s game against Memphis. On a brighter note, it appears Oklahoma City gets Jeremy Lamb back for the first time this season. Also, Anthony Morrow hasn’t been officially ruled out for tonight’s game after spraining an MCL in practice on October 23.
After filing for the hardship exception the Thunder signed Ish Smith, a 6-foot-0 guard from Wake Forest who has career averages of 2.9 points, 2.0 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game. Smith will provide depth at the point guard position along with Reggie Jackson and Sebastian Telfair.
That leaves the Thunder with Jackson, Lamb, Thomas, Ibaka, Adams, Smith, Telfair, Collison, Perkins and possibly Anthony Morrow for tonight’s game.
The Thunder will need every healthy body they can get as undefeated Memphis comes to town. The Grizzlies defense is quite simply league tops. Marc Gasol comes in with averages of 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists and looks like the Gasol that took home Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2013. You know the drill, Activate Funaki.
After tonight the Thunder’s schedule becomes a lot more friendly with five of its next six games against Sacramento, Milwaukee, Boston, Detroit and Utah.
Tuesday’s COTN: “Reggie playing like he’s the black knight from monty python” – @Half International Man of Mystery Half Amazing.
THE BLACK KNIGHT ALWAYS TRIUMPHS
3 Big Things
1. Interior Defense. The Grizzlies frontcourt is one of if not the best in the league. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol come in averaging a combined 38 points and 18 rebounds per game. Winning this game will be tough, but limiting the Grizzlies paint points is a good place to start.
2. Transition Points. When the Thunder can force misses and get out in transition against the Grizzlies the game completely shifts in Oklahoma City’s favor. More of that, please.
3. Serge. SERGE! What a game from Ibaka on Tuesday night. 25 points on 14 shots to go along with 11 rebounds was all kinds of impressive. I know this early season injury plague and thought of missing the playoffs has dominated the year so far, but if you’re looking for a big picture positive it’s Serge.
The guy looks more mobile than ever after many thought his calf injury would linger into this season after playing for Spain this summer. He’s looked more polished and aggressive offensively than he ever has, and that’s a net win for a team in need of more scoring with Durant and Westbrook.
Tip at 7:00 CT. Go max effort.