Hornets vs. Thunder: Pregame Primer

Pelicans (20-38, 10-20 road) vs. Thunder (41-15, 25-4 home)

TV: FSOK (Cox 37, HD 722, Tulsa Cox 27, DirectTV 679, UVerse 754)
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 7:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 112.6 (2nd), Pelicans– 105.6 (14th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.1 (8th), Pelicans – 108.8 (27th)
Pace: Thunder – 93.8 (8th), Pelicans – 88.9 (29th)

View from the enemy: Pelicans 24/7

The most interesting thing about this game is what happens with the Thunder’s bench. With the Hornets missing both Anthony Davis and (likely) Eric Gordon, it seems that the outcome should already be in hand with OKC. Of course you still have to play and we’ve seen the Thunder fall flat, but it would be very unusual at home.

So really, it’s more about who plays and who doesn’t. Ronnie Brewer and Derek Fisher are both active for tonight’s game so we’ll have a close eye on how Scott Brooks integrates both of them. I fully expect Fisher to play 46 minutes.

Also, interesting thing: Did you know that both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have sat 11 fourth quarters this season? Pretty incredible. And considering tonight’s circumstances, they could be looking at a 12th.

New Orleans coming in: Lost last night to the Nets.

Shootaround Sound

Three Big Things

1. Greeeeeevus. The one player to watch for the Hornets, with Davis and Gordon out, is Greivis Vasquez. I don’t think he’s good enough to necessarily carry them, but he is a very good point guard and someone that can take over parts of a game.

2. Rotations. Top thing to watch tonight, unless for some reason this thing stays oddly close.

3. Don’t completely suck. Yep.

Tip at 7:00 CT. Go Three Quarters