Tip-Off: 8 PM CST
Location: Pepsi Center (Denver, Colorado)
Television: FSOK
Radio: The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @TheThunderGuys for live-tweets during the game
Player to Watch
SF Wilson Chandler is an explosive player coming off the bench as he averages 16.7 points and 7.5 rebounds in 29.7 minutes per game. Chandler is a capable shooter from anywhere on the court, and with his size, he has the ability to impose himself on defenders as he sees fit. Because Chandler comes off the bench, the second unit for the Thunder needs to be weary of his ability to take over a game.
Keys to the Game
- Strong Second Unit: Denver has six players that average double figures in points and three more that average at least 8.7 points a game. Oklahoma City’s second unit cannot afford to have a defensive letdown when they first come in late in the first quarter. The defense needs to be on the lookout as a number of different players for the Nuggets are capable of having a breakout game.
- Control the Glass: The Nuggets rank first in the league in total rebounds, something the Thunder excels at, so Oklahoma City has to stay in control of the glass. Denver is traditionally a tough place to play, likely due to the difference in altitude, but that cannot stop the Thunder from grabbing every rebound possible and proving themselves to be the more physical team.
- Take 3-Point Shots…When Necessary: The Denver Nuggets are one of the worst three-point defending teams in the league, and though the Thunder are not that great from behind the arc, they are capable of getting hot when taking efficient shots. Oklahoma City needs to look for opportunities to get shooters open, and if they can, knock shots down.
Article written by Zack Low. Follow @TheThunderGuys on Twitter and Instagram.