Thunder vs Sixers: Pregame Primer
vs.
Sixers (13-47, 5-26 road) vs Thunder (33-27, 19-8 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 – 106.1 (13th), Sixers – 94.1 (30th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.3 (10th), Sixers – 105.0 (13th)
365 days ago Russell Westbrook did ^^^ that against Philadelphia. He recorded the second-fastest triple-double in NBA history. Tonight Westbrook returns from having face-dented in by your own teammate-surgery and will debut a clear mask as a measure of protection. Tonight will also be the premier of Headband Russ. He’ll wear the headband to keep the mask secured and more comfortable.
With Westbrook returning after just four days from surgery this Thunder team gets a major lift. Oklahoma City did a good job against the Lakers and have a solid win under its belt as the new additions continue the process of ingraining — not only to this team, but this community and culture. And as it has been and always will be for this team, it’s one day and one game at a time. On to the next.
3 Big Things
1. Maskbrook. Russell will likely wear this mask for the next few games if not longer. How it affects him, if at all, will be an interesting story line going forward. Playing the Sixers is a nice buffer to a tougher stretch, but by no means is Russ completely out of the woods yet. The bone that was fractured won’t be completely healed for a few more weeks so it’s important that Westbrook doesn’t take too much contact to that area, but who am I kidding? He runs like he’s never had a single knee surgery. Look at him go.
2. Waiters and Lamb. Sorry #LambFaction, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up for more minutes for Jeremy. It was a fantastic sight to see him get quality minutes and make the most of them, but Dion’s place in the rotation is secured as long as he continues to play solid defense and show Brooks he can be trusted on that end. A lot was made about the possibility of Lamb being a better option than Waiters after Sunday’s game, and it’s valid, but we’re looking at an outlier based on circumstance — not a change in direction.
3. Scoring. The Sixers have been woeful on offense this season, but the emergence of Nerlens Noel (averaging 2.0 blocks per game) has given this team an emerging force on the back line. The Thunder will use Ibaka’s midrange ability to draw Noel away from the rim and allow for quality paint looks. And with Westbrook’s ability to penetrate look for him to draw Noel and find bigs for dump off passes.
The Thunder had 5 players in double-figures against the Lakers on Sunday and could match that number tonight with continued ball movement, good shooting and more of the same from Augustin. Aye man, D.J.has been a boss — a stone-faced boss. The perfect fit.
Sunday’s COTN: “Haiters” – @D21
Haiters gon’ Hait.
Tip at 7:00 CT. Go Russell Maskbrook.
You can follow Ryan on twitter @ryanwoods_
