Thunder vs Timberwolves: Pregame Primer
vs.
Thunder (44-37, 15-25 road) vs. Wolves (16-65, 9-31 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 – 107.4 (11th), T-Wolves – 102.8 (25th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 105.4 (15th), T-Wolves – 111.8 (30th)
Welp, game 82 is here.
It comes down to the final night of the season: Thunder need a win, and a Pelicans loss to secure the 8th and final spot in the fast-approaching Western Conference Playoffs.
Russell Westbrook went for 36 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a must-win situation against the Blazers. The win kept playoff hopes alive and set up tonight’s scenario.
Earlier this season when the Thunder was dealing with all. those. injuries. many made predictions as to how many wins OKC would need to reach to make the playoffs. 50 was the consensus, but with a win tonight the Thunder will have a shot to get in at 45-37 (with Kevin Durant playing 27 games).
3 Big Things
1. Injuries
Minnesota has ten. TEN names on its injury report. So here’s who they have available: Zach Lavine, Andrew Wiggins, Adreian Payne, Justin Hamilton, Robbie Hummel, Lorenzo Brown and Arinze Onuaku.
On top of that, Minnesota has ZERO incentive to win this game. They can secure the best odds to get the number 1 overall pick in the draft.
Perry Jones is out tonight and is listed to be dealing with a knee injury (per basketball reference).
2. Transition
This is simple. With a team limited to 7 players (3 rookie starters) the Thunder can look to push the tempo early and often. Minnesota can’t stay with Russell Westbrook for 4 quarters, and it’s clear: Westbrook wants that playoff spot and he’s going to give it all he has to give this team a chance.
3. Defense
If the Thunder do get in, it has to start playing better, more consistent defense. Get after it tonight, and it could be quick work for the Thunder tonight.
Monday’s COTN: “waiters is your dumb kid that you say good job when they get a D on a history test.” -@_Justin
Tip at 7:00 CT. Go game 82.
