Thunder vs Raptors: Pregame Primer

Ryan Woods -

vs.

Thunder (1-3, 0-3 road) vs. Raptors (2-1, 1-0 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 – 98.7 (24th), Raptors – 113.3 (4th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 109.5 (25th), Raptors – 108.0 (21st)

Another one bites the dust. And then another, and another. The latest injury to the Thunder, a left ankle sprain to guard Andre Roberson means the team will once again have eight healthy bodies tonight against the talented Toronto Raptors.

With Roberson out the Thunder has two available guards: Reggie Jackson and Sebastian Telfair.

In other not so great news: Perry Jones got tangled up with Jarrett Jack last night and injured his knee. His status for tonight is still uncertain at this point.

In his season debut Reggie Jackson scored 23 points and added five assists. Jackson was aggressive getting into the paint and finished relatively well at the rim. He’s made a concerted effort with his three-point shot this offseason and came out ready to put it to the test last night. Jackson’s teammates, namely Ibaka and Perkins didn’t look all too pleased with Jackson last night, looking him off a couple times in the backcourt on routine inbounds passes. Not saying this is a big deal, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

Toronto’s roster has great balance and athleticism. Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan make up one of the best backcourts in the Eastern Conference making this another bad matchup for Thunder U. One thing’s for sure, the energy and effort level on both ends has to look like it did in the Denver game for the Thunder to have any shot in this one.

If you’re looking for a positive: Amir Johnson (left ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game.

Monday’s COTN: Presti forgot to turn off injuries in his 2k15 season. – @d21

Of the theories I’ve seen for all these injuries, ^^^ might be my new favorite.

Look for tonight’s winner in Friday’s Primer.

3 Big Things

1. Ball Movement. Whether the Thunder win tonight or get throttled the ball movement needs to improve with Reggie running the point. After Friday night against Memphis 16 of the Thunder’s next 19 games are against non-playoff teams and chemistry among this group will be vital in snagging the games they should win and maybe a few we don’t see coming.

2. Limiting Turnovers. The Raptors are forcing 16 turnovers a game (11 of 30). Demar Derozan is averaging over three steals per game and will look to give the Thunder’s backcourt fits tonight. Limiting turnovers and transition opportunities is the best way to slow down this offense.

3. Reggie. These next 20 or so games will go a long way in determining RJ’s market value going into next summer. He’s said over and over he wants to start and be the guy, and he’s getting a month long audition that continues tonight.

Tip at 6:30 CT. Go Passport Thunder.