Thunder vs. Mavericks: Pregame Primer

Alex Roig -

vs.

Thunder (35-27, 12-19 road) vs. Mavericks (25-36, 17-14 home)

TV: ESPN/FSOK
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 930 AM (Spanish))
Time: 7:30 PM CST

Team Comparisons (per NBA.com/Stats)

  • Offensive Rating: Thunder – 104.4 (20th), Mavericks – 104.0 (23rd)
    Defensive Rating: Thunder – 105.1 (10th), Mavericks – 105.6 (13th)

Injuries

Victor Oladipo – back (Out)

Three Big Things

1. Rebounding

The Mavericks are the worst team in terms of grabbing rebounding in their area. They are No. 8 on the defensive boards and 29th on the offensive glass. With the Thunder’s big man rotation completely healthy, this should be a big advantage for the Thunder.

2. Taj Gibson

Rookie Domantas Sabonis has the unenviable of guarding future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki. If Domas shows his “rookie-ness” in guarding Nowitzki, I could see Donovan pulling the young PF in favor of the veteran Taj Gibson.

3. Road Record

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s road record is something that is indicative of a young team. With 2 rookies getting major minutes, and the Thunder being the second youngest team, pre-trade deadline, the road issue could be something that bites this team in the butt in the playoffs, especially if they don’t get home court advantage at any point in the playoffs.