The Oklahoma City Thunder got back on track on Sunday afternoon with a 129-104 victory at home over the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite a two-point game at halftime, the Thunder locked in on the defensive end in the third quarter, and it made all the difference, as the lead swelled to 16 headed into the final frame, and it only grew from there.
The Thunder has a quick turnaround as they host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. OKC saw Isaiah Hartenstein, Isaiah Joe, and Ajay Mitchell all leave in the second half on Sunday, so the Thunder could be without them. However, Atlanta is dealing with health issues of their own. Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen Johnson are out due to illness, and Trae Young is questionable with a quad contusion.
The Hawks were having a pretty good season until lately, dropping their last 6 and 10 of their last 12. Injuries have been part of the problem, but this team isn’t built for winning, primarily due to the defensive issues. Despite having one of the top defenders in the league in Dyson Daniels, the Hawks allow over 120 points per game.
After a solid win over a good 76ers team yesterday, the Thunder’s focus needs to continue to be on the defensive effort. After looking pretty sloppy against the San Antonio Spurs, OKC came alive yesterday against Philly, forcing 23 turnovers for 31 points. The Hawks are a better offensive team than the 76ers, but OKC was able to cause problems in Atlanta in the first meeting between these two teams, a 17-point win for the Thunder.
While the Thunder may be missing some significant guys, this game shouldn’t really be close. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should do his thing, Chet Holmgren is coming off a fantastic all-around game, and this feels like a good opportunity for Jalen Williams to make some forward progress after struggling at times since his return.
Game Details
Tip-Off: 7 PM CT
Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Television: FanDuel Sports Network 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, Atlanta Hawks Official Game Notes
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Luguentz Dort
- SF: Jalen Williams
- PF: Chet Holmgren
- C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Hawks
- PG: Trae Young
- SG: Dyson Daniels
- SF: Zaccharie Rissacher
- PF: Jalen Johnson
- C: Kristaps Porzingis
Injury Report
Thunder
- Ousmane Dieng (strained right calf) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Isaiah Joe (neck soreness) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Ajay Mitchell (ankle) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) is OUT.
- Nikola Topic (surgical recovery) is OUT.
- Jaylin Williams (right heel bursitis) is QUESTIONABLE.
Hawks
- N’Faly Dante (torn ACL in right knee) is OUT.
- Nikola Djurisic (G League — on assignment) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Caleb Houstan (G League — two-way) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Jalen Johnson (illness) is OUT.
- Eli John Ndiaye (G League — two-way) is OUT.
- Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is OUT.
- Malik Williams (G League — two-way) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Trae Young (right quad contusion) is QUESTIONABLE.
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 20-13 against the Hawks (11-5 at home, 9-8 on the road).
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder has won the season series against the Hawks 6 times, lost it 3 times, and tied 8 times.
- The Thunder went 2-0 against the Hawks last season (1-0 at home, 1-0 on the road).
- The Thunder is 1-0 against the Hawks so far this season (0-0 at home, 1-0 on the road).