Thunder (35-11, 15-8 away) at Cleveland Cavaliers (13-34, 7-21 home)
AT
Where: Quicken Loans Arena – Cleveland, OH
When: 7:00 pm
TV: FS Oklahoma (679 Directv, 37 Cox, 754 AT&T U-Verse, 416 Dish)
Online Stream: Here.
Radio: WWLS Sports Animal 98.1 FM/640AM/97.1 Tulsa
View from the enemy: Here.
Line: OKC favored by 10.4 O/U – 205
Official Game Notes: Here.
Projected Lineups:
| Thunder | Cavs | |
|---|---|---|
| PG: | Russell Westbrook | Kyrie Irving |
| SG: | Thabo Sefolosha | Dion Waiters |
| SF: | Kevin Durant | Alonzo Gee |
| PF: | Serge Ibaka | Tristan Thompson |
| C: | Kendrick Perkins | Tyler Zeller |
| 6th: | Kevin Martin | Marreese Speights |
Last Time: Oklahoma City won earlier this season with the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-91 in Cleveland on November 11th, 2012. The Cavs led by as many as eight in the first few minutes, but the Thunder took the lead by the end of the quarter, never looking back. Russell Westbrook dropped a double-double.
The Thunder are coming off a blow out win over the new look Memphis Grizzlies. Overshadowed by Westbrook, Oklahoma City never trailed in the game, and led by as many as 25 points in the match up. Oklahoma City used solid defense, and fast transition to really help shut down the grizzlies. Oklahoma City allowed the Grizzlies to get within 10 points at the end of the third quarter, but then Westbrook shut them down.
The Cavaliers on the other hand, fell to the Detroit Pistons last night 117-99. The First and Third quarters really did Cleveland in during this game. Tristan Thompson carried the Cavaliers in this game, with 19 points, 9 rebounds. However, the Pistons found ways to slow down Kyrie Irving.
Cleveland is coming into tonight’s game averaging 95.6 points per game. They’re allowing 101.0 ppg. That’s worst for 26th in the league. The Cavs also are second worst in the league at sharing the rock. They’re only averaging 19.7 assists per game. Well, I think if they were hitting more shots, they’d be having more assists. The Cavs aren’t shooting the ball well either. They’re 29th in the league at 42.3 percent. They’re also 23rd in shooting the three. 34.8 percent for them.
Tonight is the 9th match up between the Thunder and the Cavaliers. Oklahoma City trails in the series, 9-5 since the move to Oklahoma City. The Thunder also hold the 59-41 series lead overall. Oklahoma City has won the last game, and the Thunder have won three of the last four games. Oklahoma City is 1-2 in Cleveland since the move.
Daniel Gibson is questionable for tonight’s game with a toe injury. Luke Walton, yes that Walton, is questionable with a personal family matter. We wish him the best.
Jeremy Lamb, with back spasms, will not play tonight.
Keys to the Game
Score Points
Oklahoma City can score, Cleveland struggles to stop scoring. It seems like it’s that easy. Probably is. I think if Oklahoma City can hit 100 points, they can win this game. Anything over 100 will be just a cushion on the victory. That’s just me and this team has proved me wrong before.
Points in the Paint Defense
The Cavaliers are young in the paint. Oklahoma City needs to use Serge Ibaka down low and then allow everyone else to take the ball to the rim. Force the Cavaliers to try another way to beat Oklahoma City.
Thunder Money Balls!
Oklahoma City is one of the best teams at shooting the three-ball. The Thunder need to hit the ball well tonight on the road. It’s tough sometimes to shoot well away from home. Oklahoma City, is the very best in shooting the deep ball. Will expect it again tonight.
