Thunder vs Kings: Pregame Primer

vs.

Thunder (17-18, 7-11 road) vs. Kings (14-20, 8-10 home)

TV: FS Oklahoma
Stream:  Click here
Radio:  WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 9:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 105.0 (20th), Kings – 106.8 (14th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.7 (9th), Kings – 109.4 (25th)

Umm… The Warriors are very good. From the jump Golden State outworked Oklahoma City in route to a 117-91 thumping, spoiling this team’s first chance at a winning record this season. Tonight OKC takes on a team it’s 2-0 against thus far this season. In the previous meeting (Dec. 16) Russell Westbrook gave us THIS. I have significantly fewer stairs in my case than he does. Sheeeeeeeeesh.

The Matchup

The Kings were without Demarcus Cousins a couple weeks back due to an illness, but tonight he’s good to go. He and Adams should be a really fun matchup to watch. Cousins’ feet are lightning fast, and he seems stronger than ever with the ball around the rim. He comes in averaging 23 and 12 — I mean, come on. Just goofy stuff.

Tonight the Thunder have a new addition via trade, as Dion “DT Crasher” Waiters makes his Thunder debut. Waiters is a player capable of creating his own shot off the dribble and when given space, can knock down shots from all over the court. Waiters also has a versatile frame and build that will give Brooks even more flexibility in his rotations. Waiters could potentially play both guard positions freeing up more minutes for Reggie to play with the starters if Brooks so chooses. *Tears.

When these two teams last played the Thunder took great care of the ball, only 10 turnovers for six SAC points, while the Thunder turned 19 Kings turnovers into 26 points on the other end. Russell Westbrook had four steals to go along with 32 points, six rebounds, seven assists and just one turnover.

Tonight is also Round 3 of Perk-Rudy — The Clown vs The Virus. The unofficial tally thus far is The Clown: 2, The Virus: 0. With Perk-Rudy and Adams-Cousins brewing we could be looking at a few techs being handed out before this one wraps up.

Friday’s COTN: “Can we have pinto every game please?” @CLthunderfan

Michael Cage has had no idea what to do with Pinto’s objectivity.

Tip at 9:00. Go Dion? Go Dion!