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Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CST
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City, OK)
Television: FSOK
Radio: The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @TheThunderGuys for live-tweets during the game
Opposing Player to Watch
SG Dion Waiters: Making his return to Oklahoma City for the first time since signing with the Miami Heat over the summer, Dion Waiters is the type of guy that could look to show his former teammates what he is capable of doing without them. Waiters was a streaky player, and while he has not had the best start to his season with Miami, he could very well try to go off against Oklahoma City. The Thunder need to keep an eye on him and not let his “AND 1!!!” outbursts be a distraction.
Keys to the Game
- Take Good Shots: Oklahoma City ranks 20th in the NBA in both 3-point % and 2-point %, and Miami ranks first in opponent overall field goal %, so the Thunder needs to take solid, efficient shots to ensure putting up points against an underrated Heat defense.
- Make Free Throws: The Thunder has struggled at the charity stripe so far this season ranking 28th in the league by making only 68% of their foul shots. When given the opportunity at easy points, Oklahoma City has to knock down free throws.
- Protect the Perimeter: Miami does not shoot a lot of threes, but when they do, they are accurate. The Heat check in at ninth in the league in three-point accuracy at 37%, so the Thunder must play tight defense outside the arc.
Article written by Zack Low. Follow @TheThunderGuys on Twitter and Instagram.