Thunder vs Mavericks: Pregame Primer

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Thunder (15-16, 7-9 road) vs. Mavericks (21-10, 11-5 home)

TV: FS Oklahoma
Stream:  Click here
Radio:  WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 6:30 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 104.5 (22nd), Mavericks– 114.6 (2nd)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 102.2 (4th), Mavericks– 107.9 (22nd)

The Thunder took care of business in convincing fashion Friday night at home against Charlotte. Russell Westbrook’s relentless 29 points in three quarters of play allowed him to put his feet up for the night as the Thunder reserves took care of business in the fourth. Tonight’s matchup against Dallas won’t be near as easy as Oklahoma City goes for three straight.

The Matchup

The Western Conference was already overrun with great point guards, and this week the Dallas Mavericks added Rajon Rondo to that list. The trade sent Brandon Wright and Jae Crowder to Boston for the former NBA Champion. Rondo, while not near the player he was before his ACL tear, is still a brilliant passer to put into this already ingenious offense. The other end of the floor has been a different story for both Rondo and the Mavericks — allowing 103.0 points per game.

Russell Westbrook had a field day against the Spurs and Hornets over the last two games averaging 31.5 ppg, 8.0 apg and 3.5 rpg. Rondo will get tasked with defending Westbrook, which should serve as a reminder to some and an awakening to others that Rondo isn’t the defender he used to be. Tyson Chandler has been an affective rim protector against Westbrook in the past, but will miss tonight’s game due to back spasms. This is normally where Brandon Wright would step in, but you know, Rondo and stuff. Greg Smith will likely start in place of Chandler. #ACTIVATEFUNAKI

Hey look who’s number one in the league in rebounding! Oklahoma City has gotten some huge efforts on the boards from both Adams and Ibaka in the last month — both have set season highs in the last week. With this potent of an offense, it’s imperative to hold Dallas to just one shot.

Andre Roberson has been some kind of good on the defensive end, and tonight he’ll have to play extremely well again going up against Monta Ellis. Ellis leads the team in scoring at 20.0 points per game. With as much as the ball moves inside Dallas’ attack the Thunder will need sharp, aggressive rotations to cover shooters.

Rick Carlisle will likely play a lot of small ball with Chandler out which means it could be a nice night to insert Perry Jones or Jeremy Lamb for some extended minutes. RELATED: This might not be the game for Perkins.

Friday’s COTN: “Perks post moves looks like an elephant trying to do ballet” – @NZ_Salmon

Let’s be real — we’d all pay to see elephants do ballet.

Tip at 6:30 CT. Go three-straight.