Thunder at Magic: Pregame Primer
vs. 
TV: KSBI-52 (Cox 15, HD 715)
Stream: Click Here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 6:00 CST
View from the enemy: Orlando Magic Daily
Offensive Rating: Thunder – 102.9 (23rd), Magic – 108.8 (9th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 99.5 (4th), Magic – 103.4 (13th)
Pace: Thunder – 90.6 (25th), Magic – 91.7 (22nd)
Onward. A goal was to come back to OKC with a split. Now that’s locked away. So a sweep… well, that would be outstanding.
History would say that since Oklahoma City played so well last night that it will come out flat and under-perform tonight. But that’s only happened when a lackluster team follows the good game. So now you’ve got a really good team, with the Thunder coming off a big win. So I guess I would expect a loss, which means OKC will probably win which means I have no idea. I guess. I just don’t know what to think anymore.
What’s most scary is the thought of the Thunder’s 28-point kicking fresh on the Magic’s mind. Stan Van Gundy had some stronger words after that one, as did Dwight Howard. Oh, and now Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis are back. So Orlando is almost full tilt, except that Jameer Nelson is hurt again and will miss 4-6 weeks.
THE MATCHUPS
Can Russell Westbrook start to put solid back-to-back games together? I mean, I guess he kind of already did, but you know what I’m getting at. This is a good opportunity as he’ll have Jason Williams (not this one or this one… this one) guarding him. And White Chocolate isn’t exactly known for his stiff D. Thabo gets another tough assignment in guarding Vince Carter. I actually like the matchup for Thabo, because he frustrates jumpshooters with his length. And Carter isn’t near the slasher he was once was. Carter is going to look to spot up shoot and Thabo can handle that.
I think Mickael Pietrus is an underrated defender and will give Durant a little trouble tonight. Not to say KD won’t get his 25, because he’s done that in all but one game this year. Plus Matt Barnes is a pretty tough defender and he’ll spell Pietrus. I actually wouldn’t be all that shocked if Jeff Green didn’t take Pietrus and KD take Rashard Lewis. It might make for a better match on the Thunder’s end.
Obviously nobody matches Howard, but if OKC goes at it the same way as last time, meaning SWARM SWARM SWARM, then the Thunder can maybe limit the big guy. OKC either caught a break or made a break last time, by forcing Orlando into a horrid 3-16 game from 3. And that’s their game. They’ve got Ryan Anderson, Lewis and Carter all back and ready to fire so that’s going to be key.
Sweeping this Florida trip would open some eyes for sure. This team is hungry and they intend to do it. But winning a fourth straight on the road is never easy, especially in the House of Howard.
Tip at 6:00 CST. Go Brooms.
!! Kyle Weaver sighting !!
Weaver!!!!
Does anyone know why WWLS hasn’t streamed the last two games?
Serge Ibaka showed so much energy on those free throws.
i want harden to take a shot on every possession for the remained of the game
I really hope that Weaver can figure out the PG position. He seems to have a defensive presence about him and decent court vision.
DJ White flag is in.
Mullins, Mullins, Mullins.
Ollie actually hasn’t been that bad as a backup recently. It’d be nice to upgrade there but he’s been surprisingly effective especially on defense.
I think Mullens is inactive.
I’m so disappointed in Jeff and how he hasn’t learned to go to the basket when his shot isn’t falling. When some of us fans say he should come off the bench there are others saying oh no Jeff should stay a starter.
Well not when he’s a black Krstic (or the like lately) and seems to forget that he’s athletic enough to go to the rim. Yeah the game last night was a good win, but im seeing some suspect calls from the tip of this one. It looks like every Magic player is getting Wade type calls in the paint.
the anonymous was me
See DJ White is cash money.
Our scrubs kick your scrubs’ asses.
wow harden looking mighty delicious out here……PAUSE
@GAP It is concerning that he doesn’t play like a Power forward. He also goes to the rim and then at the last minute does a little finger roll or something to avoid contact, instead of going up strong….
I hope this doesnt’t mean that for Harden to play like this every game the rest of the team is gonna have to do that also. :p
It just underscores many people’s opinion that the team would be much better with a traditional PF that can finish strong at the basket with contact, etc. Jeff Green struggles mightily when those jumpers aren’t going in.
Wow Ibaka has that clueless, deer-in-headlights aura about him
He is overwhelmed and out of his element
Washington is looking good against Cleveland, that game is no gimme.
You guys think Harden has earned more PT here?
We could have one of the best benches in the league if green is ok with being our version of lamar odom by accepting a demotion to the bench for the good of the team
With him, harden, collison, and etan we would have a lethal bench
p.s. I mean this in the most heterosexual way possbible but I am absolutely aroused beyond belief by harden’s play tonight
I dont’ think it will take Royce long to get up a recap :O)
I think the game recap should just be a blank page.
The starters tonight shot 31%
The team as a whole without Harden shot 39%
Yuck.