Thunder vs. Warriors: Pregame Primer

vs.

Thunder (57-21, 24-15 road) at Warriors (45-33, 27-12 home)

TV: TNT
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 9:30 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 112.5 (1st), Warriors– 106.3 (12th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 102.7 (4th), Warriors – 105.3 (13th)
Pace: Thunder – 93.3 (9th), Warriors – 94.2 (5th)

View from the enemy: Warriors World

I didn’t even realize it, but the Warriors are only a game up on the Rockets right now. Meaning, with either outcome, it could impact making this a first round matchup. A win for OKC means the Warriors are tied with the Rockets in the loss column.  A loss and the Thunder are now the No. 2 seed.

People get all wrapped up in matchups and seeding, but really, it’s just about tonight’s game and focusing on playing well. To me, you play to win and let the chips fall where they may. And the Thunder didn’t close well at all the last time they played the Warriors at Oracle, blowing a fourth quarter lead as the offensive execution went to poo.

So a good performance would be nice. And would ensure a successful three-game road trip too.

Golden State coming in: Beat the Wolves on Tuesday.

Three Big Things

1. Curry and Klay. Two of the most gifted shooters in the game, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson can light teams up when they start to feel it. When they’re hitting together, it’s scary.

2. David Lee. He’s a poor interior defender, but he’s super skill around the basket, is good on the offensive boards and is a wonderful passer from the high post. Serge Ibaka needs to play well against Lee, otherwise he could dictate the game.

3. KD. He’s had one triple-double against the Warriors and nearly got another in a half the last time they played. Will Durant be a distributor, or a scorer tonight?

Tip at 9:30 CT. Go Blue.