Thunder vs Pelicans: Pregame Primer
vs.
Thunder (24-24, 10-17 road) vs. Pelicans (26-22, 17-6 home)
TV: 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 – 104.1 (17th), Pelicans – 109.1 (7th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.2 (10th), Pelicans – 107.6 (24th)
The Thunder got a much needed win at home against Orlando on Monday night, and will try to gain valuable ground with a win tonight in New Orleans. The Pelicans are winners of 6 of its last 7 games including an impressive 15-point win over the HaWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWks.
For the fourth time in five games the Thunder will be without the reigning MVP, Kevin Durant, who is still recovering from a sprained toe. Durant’s injury is not believed to be ‘Turf Toe’, just a lingering sprain.
The Pelicans are 2-0 against the Thunder this season, one with Durant (his first game of the season), and one without. Westbrook had 29 points, 8 assists and 5 boards, but Russell’s night and 19 points from Reggie Jackson couldn’t overcome Anthony Davis’ night — 38 points (16-22 shooting), 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists and 1 steal.
3 Big Things
1. Tyreke Evans. This shouldn’t be a thing – much like “can the Thunder slow down J.J. Barea” shouldn’t be a thing, but such is life with this team. Tyreke Evans has cemented himself on the First-Team All Thunder Unguardables. He’s joined by Barea, Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson and his teammate Anthony Davis.
The Thunder has played him as a jump shooter in both games and Evans has lived in the paint and at the free-throw line. Roberson will get first dibs, and will have to be sharp and stay out of foul trouble. If Evans hits you for 40 on straight pull-ups then you shake his hand, but it’s time to roll with the percentages and sag off the guy.
2. Serge. Poor guy. I mean it, poor guy. I’d rather binge-watch Dance Moms than have to guard Anthony Davis. This guy is special, and currently has the highest PER in the history of the freaking NBA. So by no means should Thunder fans expect Serge to totally shut Davis down, but if Ibaka wants to be considered among other elite post defenders he’s got to take this challenge — especially without #35 (get well soon Slim).
3. Bench Scoring. The Dion Waiters that showed up against Orlando is exactly what OKC needs him to be more consistently. A dog on defense, an asset in transition and another ball-handler on the wing that can get past his man and create.
Reggie Jackson, as mentioned earlier, scored 19 against the Pelicans on Dec. 21. He’ll be needed for more of the same tonight. His days could be numbered as a Thunder player, but while he’s here Brooks has a legitimately deep bench with Jackson, Waiters and Morrow. If these three can produce tonight the Thunder should be there at the end.
Monday’s COTN: “Of course I jump on the Hawks bandwagon and they start losing.
Time to jump on the Suns wagon.” – @Durant The Meerkat
What are you waiting for? GO!
Tip at 7:00. Go Playoff Push.
Ryan Woods captains the Pregame Primer ship for DT. Follow him on twitter here.
