After a couple of days of rest, the Oklahoma City Thunder jumps back into action on Wednesday with a chance to set a franchise record for the longest winning streak in Thunder history. Currently riding a 15-game win streak, OKC hosts the Phoenix Suns for the second time in less than two weeks.
The last time these teams played, the matchup was the deciding factor in who would win West Group A of the NBA Cup, advancing to the knockout round. Even though the Suns lost, they earned the wildcard spot, giving them another chance to take on the Thunder, who tied for the best overall record in group play but finished with the best point differential. The winner of this game will advance to the semifinal game on Thursday against the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-San Antonio Spurs game.
OKC’s injury issues have lingered all season long, but three key pieces for the Thunder will return to action tonight, including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso. Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe continue to miss time, but for the time being, the injuries haven’t hurt OKC too much as the next guy on the depth chart steps up and helps the Thunder to a win.
As for Phoenix, the Suns are having nothing short of a successful season so far, at least based on preseason expectations. With the departure of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets via trade, Phoenix was projected to finish near the bottom of the Western Conference, and while there is still plenty of season left to play, the Suns are currently sitting in 7th in the standings with a 14-10 record.
OKC is heavily favored in this game, but due to the high stakes of the NBA Cup Knockout Round, the Thunder shouldn’t expect the Suns to be an easy win. Maintain the same focus and mindset that has existed night in and night out all season long, and OKC should be able to come away with a good win, advancing to the NBA Cup Semifinal Round.
Game Details
Tip-Off: 6:30 PM CT
Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Television: Prime Video
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, Phoenix Suns Official Game Notes
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Cason Wallace
- SF: Luguentz Dort
- PF: Jalen Williams
- C: Chet Holmgren
Suns
- PG: Devin Booker
- SG: Grayson Allen
- SF: Dillon Brooks
- PF: Royce O’Neale
- C: Mark Williams
Injury Report
Thunder
- Isaiah Hartenstein (strained right soleus) is OUT.
- Isaiah Joe (left knee contusion) is OUT.
- Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) is OUT.
- Nikola Topic (surgical recovery) is OUT.
Suns
- Devin Booker (strained right groin) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Jalen Green (strained right hamstring) is OUT.
- Isaiah Livers (strained right hip) is OUT.
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 37-19 against the Suns (21-6 at home, 16-13 on the road).
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder have won the season series against the Suns 10 times, tied once, and lost 5 times.
- The Thunder went 3-0 against the Suns last season (2-0 at home, 1-0 on the road).
- OKC is 1-0 against Phoenix so far this season (1-0 at home, 0-0 on the road).
- The Thunder has won 7 straight against the Suns.