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Tip-Off: 6:30 PM CST
Location: The Palace (Auburn Hills, Michigan)
Television: FSOK
Radio: The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @TheThunderGuys for live-tweets during the game
Player to Watch
SF Marcus Morris is averaging 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals through ten games for the Pistons. Morris has been an issue for the Thunder in the past, typically due to his physical play and provoking nature. Andre Roberson, who has been playing outstanding defense lately, will be tasked with guarding Morris, so it should make for some entertaining basketball.
Keys to the Game
- Start Strong: The Thunder had arguably their worst start of the season against the Magic last night, and they cannot afford to get down by double digits early tonight against Detroit. The Pistons are a formidable foe, but Oklahoma City should win this game. Russell Westbrook needs to show why he is the leader of this team and start the game with efficiency and focus on both ends of the floor.
- Get to the Charity Stripe: Oklahoma City has done an excellent job at drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line; unfortunately, the Thunder have not converted well, making only 72.4% of their free throws, ranking them near the bottom of the league. The Pistons play outstanding defense, and they do not foul much compared to the rest of the league. The Thunder can be successful tonight by attacking the Pistons in the paint.
- Continue Team Ball: The Thunder has had four games with five or more double-digit scorers, and despite faring 2-2 in those games, the support around Russell Westbrook has to continue. Domantas Sabonis and Andre Roberson have been consistent from behind the arc, and Victor Oladipo has proven he can score at will in spurts, while Enes Kanter continues to be a double-double machine. Oklahoma City has to learn to play consistent team ball on both ends of the floor if they want to win night in and night out.
Article written by Zack Low. Follow @TheThunderGuys on Twitter and Instagram.