After losing 3 of a 4-game stretch, all at home, the Oklahoma City Thunder managed to wrap up a 6-game home stand with 2 wins. At 5-3, OKC is already looking much improved from last season, and all those preseason expectations are honestly growing at this point.
Tonight the Thunder continues their climb towards a successful season as they take on the Sacramento Kings in game 1 of a 2-game road trip. This is the second game of OKC’s NBA In-Season Tournament group play, and OKC is a slight favorite with De’Aaron Fox sitting out for the Kings due to a sprained ankle.
The Thunder has had varied success shooting the ball so far this season with some high highs and some low lows. Tonight might be a good opportunity to establish a more consistent rhythm on offense while finding a groove on a defense. Keeping opponents off the glass should continue to be a focal point for OKC if they want to be viewed as a legitimate threat in the West.
Game Details
Tip-Off: 9 PM CT
Location: Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, California)
Television: Bally Sports Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @ZacharyLowNBA for live tweets and discussion during the game
Game Notes: Oklahoma City Thunder Official Game Notes, Sacramento Kings Official Game Notes
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Josh Giddey
- SF: Luguentz Dort
- PF: Jalen Williams
- C: Chet Holmgren
Kings
- PG: Davion Mitchell
- SG: Kevin Huerter
- SF: Harrison Barnes
- PF: Keegan Murray
- C: Domantas Sabonis
Injury Report
Thunder
- Keyontae Johnson is OUT (G League — two-way).
- Kenrich Williams is OUT (lower back spasms).
Kings
- De’Aaron Fox is OUT (sprained right ankle).
- Trey Lyles is OUT (strained left calf).
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 33-21 against the Kings (19-7 at home, 14-14 on the road).
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder has won the regular season series against the Kings 10 times, lost it 3 times, and tied it once.
- The Thunder went 0-3 against the Kings last season (0-2 at home, 0-1 on the road).