Game information

NBA.com preview | A notice: 8:00 p.m. | Transmitted: Local/League Pass

Pre Pod

In today’s podcast, John and Brandon explain the game, the roster changes and the Thunder’s sunny post-game behavior before today’s game in Denver. Take a listen:

3 big things

• Don’t downplay the nuggets. The Thunder sit on opposite sides of an upside down table. On opening night, we thought Denver was a big league team. They have struggled since then, recording four wins this season against the Raptors, Nets and Jazz. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are out and OKC has a +17.4 MOV for the season. Don’t downplay (checks notes) Master 2023.
• Chet Watch. Chet Holmgren was unfair on defense (OKC has a DRTG of 90.0 when Holmgren is on the court) but faltered a bit on offense (he hasn’t cracked 20 points since Game 3). That’s partly intentional, as the sophomore has played just 23.1 minutes per game in the last four losses.
• Cason clock. Alex Caruso was the eye-catching acquisition, but Cason Wallace was an outstanding impact player this season. Wallace appears in four of the top five 4-man Thunder lineups, and the lineups, including the sophomore, all have a better net rating than the regular starters without him. Wallace’s starters were also at their best when he started against the Bulls, Spurs and Magic.

forecast

Let the good times pass. OKC 122 DEN 99.

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