Tip-Off: 7 PM CT

Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City, OK)

Television: FSOK, NBA TV

Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC The Sports Animal

Twitter: Follow @TheThunderGuys for live-tweets during the game

After a terribly slow start in Game 1 on Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed back to take a lead and hold it for good early in the second quarter. Despite letting up towards the end of the game, the Thunder was able to stay on top primarily due to shooting a high-percentage from the three-point line, mid-range, and free throw line. Oklahoma City is likely unable to sustain those high percentages, so they will need to be effective in the paint tonight.

As for the Jazz, they will need their star rookie Donovan Mitchell ready to go if they want to have a realistic chance at competing in this series. Mitchell sustained a foot contusion in Game 1, and while he was able to continue playing, he definitely looked uncomfortable. His status for tonight is unknown at this time, but Utah cannot afford to play without him.

Projected Starters

Thunder

• PG: Russell Westbrook
• SG: Corey Brewer
• SF: Paul George
• PF: Carmelo Anthony
• C: Steven Adams

Jazz

• PG: Ricky Rubio
• SG: Donovan Mitchell
• SF: Joe Ingles
• PF: Derrick Favors
• C: Rudy Gobert

Injuries

Thunder

• Andre Roberson (left patellar surgery) is OUT.

Jazz

• Thabo Sefolosha (MCL surgery) is OUT.
• Donovan Mitchell (foot contusion) is QUESTIONABLE.

Head-to-Head

• Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 27-12 against the Jazz (17-2 at home, 10-10 away) in the regular season.
• In 10 seasons, the Thunder has won the season series with the Jazz eight times, lost it once, and tied once.
• The Thunder won this season’s series with the Jazz 3-1.
• Oklahoma City has won 11 of the last 13 matchups overall with Utah and 14 in a row in Oklahoma City.

Game Notes

• Oklahoma City has won four games in a row, while Utah is on a two-game losing streak.
• In eight appearances, Oklahoma City has a 52-45 record in the playoffs (34-16 at home, 18-29 on the road).
• The Thunder is 8-9 all-time in Game 2 appearances (6-4 at home, 2-5 on the road).
• The Thunder is 3-2 in Game 2 appearances at home following a Game 1 win.
• Oklahoma City is 6-3 in series wins whenever they win Game 1.
• Paul George set a Thunder-franchise playoff record in Game 1 by hitting eight three-pointers.

Be sure to check out our special Playoff Preview, as well as our latest edition of “Thunder Things with the Thunder Guys” with our special guest Matt Hofeld.

Article written by Zack Low. Follow @TheThunderGuys on Twitter & Instagram, and give us a like on Facebook.