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Game 27 Preview: Oklahoma City At Los Angeles Lakers

This also counts as an open thread, so feel free to post your thoughts during the game here.

Time: 8:30 PM Central Standard Time

Place: The Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma, Fox Sports West, NBA TV

Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1)

Enemy Blog(s): Silver Screen and Roll, With Malice, Forum Blue and Gold

Backstory: Ah, we meet our indestructible foes once again.

We've seen the Lakers twice already this season. The first time was an expression of almost pure joy, as the Thunder nearly upset the Lakers, even taking them to overtime. It was at a time where we felt the Thunder oculd conquer even the strongest of the NBA's teams, as we were 2-2 and beat the Magic a few games later. Then, the other game can be seen as a coming back to Earth moment, as the Thunder got pulverized by the better team, which then featured Pau Gasol.

But, what have the Lakers been doing since we last saw them? Winning. And Winning. One Loss to Utah. But then, more winning. Their record is 22-4. They're not going to set records or anything, but it's a record that no team would pass up or sneeze at. Needless to say, this game means a lot more to the Thunder than it does the Lakers. If the Lakers win, it's just another brick laid in the wall of victory. But, if the Thunder win, it would be a Titanic upset, and a huge boost to the Thunder as they would secure wrapping up the toughest part of their schedule at .500. It would also send a huge message to the league.

Needless to say though, the Lakers definitely aren't overlooking us. They know all too well that we can sneak up on tough opponents, and they'll want to make sure to put the Thunder away by the third quarter, or it could mean big trouble.

Below: Matchups, Prediction

Star-divide

Matchups:

Point Guard: Russell Westbrook vs. Derek Fisher

Yes, I'm doing these matchups in reverse order. Why? Well, I copy and pasted them from the last preview, in which they were in reverse order, and because it's the only matchup that we can win. Derek Fisher doesn't do much more than pass the ball, defend poorly, and shoot these days, so I'm glad we have Russell Westbrook on our side. He'll have a mildly productive night, but nothing special.

Shooting Guard: Thabo Sefolosha vs. Kobe Bryant

Now, here's where we can start crying. Kobe Bryant has been successfully slowed, but in no way stopped by Thabo Sefolosha. Don't get me wrong, I love having Thabo in these situations, but it's the equivalent of putting 5 more boxcars on the end of a steam-engine powered train. The train might go a bit slower, but it will by no means stop. Expect lots of valiant efforts and a few more points than usual from Sefolosha, and a slightly watered-down Kobe Bryant.

Small Forward: Kevin Durant vs. Ron Artest

Anything we can do, the Lakers can do better. Sure, we can slow down Kobe with Thabo, but they can majorly slow KD down with Ron Artest. In this case, putting Ron Artest on Kevin Durant is like mixing half grape juice and half water. It's solid, but not as good as it used to be.

Power Forward: Jeff Green vs. Pau Gasol

And here again, the Thunder hit another brick wall. Jeff Green has struggled in every matchup this year against legitimate Power Forwards (well, sans the Pistons matchup). And, here's Pau Gasol, one of the top 5 Power Forwards in the league. Doh! Major advantage to the Lakers here.

Center: Nenad Krstic vs. Andrew Bynum

Hey! It's brick wall city! Krstic has been incredibly ineffective against the Lakers in the past, and not much is going to change here. He's going to get completely dominated on the inside, and the Lakers defense is generally good enough to where they don't have to worry about his jumpshot. Again, Major advantage to the Lakers here.

Battle of the Benches:

Ibaka and Harden have struggled mightily against the Lakers, missing shots left and right. Thus, while I'd say the Thunder generally out-talent the Laker bench in every way but Odom, I'd say the Laker bench will perform slightly better than the Thunder bench here.

Coaching and Intangibles:

The Lakers are on a huge run, are at home, are just as well rested as the Thunder, and have Phil Jackson on their side. Advantage: Lakers.

Bottom Line:

Okay, so I've spelled major doom and gloom so far. And you want to know what it will take for the Thunder to win this game. I'll tell you what it will take: A Christmas Miracle. Okay, okay, all joking aside, it's going to take a lot. First of all Russell Westbrook has to exploit the Derek Fisher matchup somehow. He's done decently in the past, but I'd like to see him get to the line more often, which is kind of difficult to do gainst Derek Fisher, one of the best floppers in the league. Secondly, Jeff Green needs to find his way around Pau Gasol. Not an easy task, but maybe resorting to a good amount of mid-range jumpers will do the trick. Thirdly, Ibaka, Krstic, Collison, and Thomas all need to play out of their shoes and prevent Bynum and Gasol from exploiting us inside too much. Fourthly, James Harden needs to step up and make his shots. In the close game he was 3 of 9, but in the blowout he was 2 of 15, also going 0 of 10 from 3 Point Land. Yikes. Just pass the ball if you can;t make it, dude.Fifth, Thabo Sefolosha will have to have a profound effect on Kobe Bryant. I'm talking turnovers, missed shots, whatever. If all of those things happen, we'll win. If 3 or 4 happen, winning is a possibility. If less, then I really doubt the Thunder will win.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers 105, Oklahoma City 83

Don't let me discourage you guys though. I want to see an upset tonight! I hate the Lakers! Go Thunder!!!!

How do you think the game will go? Vote in the Poll!

And, again, feel free to drop any comments you might have during, before, or after the game below. I might be here during the game to drop my thoughts as well. Go Thunder!

Poll
Who's going to win tonight?
The Oklahoma City Thunder
13 votes
The Los Angeles Lakers
65 votes

78 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 54 comments  |  Add comment  |  0 recs  | 

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Comments

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If we shoot very well I think we have a shot against anybody. It’s going to be hard to win a lot of games until we get better big guys.

by ace328 on Dec 22, 2009 3:46 PM CST reply actions  

Very true

If we can catch them in a trap game senario then maybe we will win ….. This is really RW0 games to win because the fish is old and slow if Russel comes throught big we win and get national attention

How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.

I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!

by bouzi on Dec 22, 2009 4:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

For real

A lot rests on Westbrook. He’s pretty much got the only advantage matchup we’re going to have all-night, except perhaps for when Lamar Odom comes into the game to matchup against Jeff Green, but those moments will be rare.

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 5:50 PM CST up reply actions  

nice trade.

we have a long term solution at backup pg, we gave up no assets, just dollars.

by gratis1920 on Dec 22, 2009 5:56 PM CST reply actions  

I'm not seeing a blowout...

close until the 4th, Lakers pull away, OKC stays with them until the last few minutes. Lakers come out lethargic, too much xmas sweets for Odom.

by rickpidero on Dec 22, 2009 6:12 PM CST reply actions  

Great Trade: Thunder got Eric Maynor and Matt Hapring (who wont play) for Peter Fehse. This is the backup point guard we need and like a free 1st round pick. I am biased when it comes to Maynor because i went to school where he did, but he showed when D-Will was out that he can ball at this level and if he can improve his strength we have added a great player for nothing.
http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_14050781

by Michael Gleich on Dec 22, 2009 6:35 PM CST reply actions  

the thunder waived mike wilks and livingston to make room.

by Michael Gleich on Dec 22, 2009 6:42 PM CST up reply actions  

wow...

dont like the fact that we lost Livingston in the deal.

by rickpidero on Dec 22, 2009 6:50 PM CST up reply actions  

they didnt lose him, they cut him, big difference.

by Michael Gleich on Dec 22, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions  

not like livingston was producing at all when he was healthy anyway.

by Michael Gleich on Dec 22, 2009 6:55 PM CST up reply actions  

So...

can he technically join up with the 66ers?

by rickpidero on Dec 22, 2009 7:19 PM CST up reply actions  

go check

a jazz site for a laugh. they’re chafed.

by gratis1920 on Dec 22, 2009 7:16 PM CST reply actions  

Trade Article Here:

http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2009/12/22/1213341/breaking-news-the-thunder-acquire

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 7:20 PM CST reply actions  

The Lakers have looked incredibly lazy so far

and the Thunder have gotten extremely lucky. Lets see how long this good fortune can last.

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 10:06 PM CST reply actions  

Lakers...

will play lazy until the 4th and then goes into the phone booth…

by rickpidero on Dec 22, 2009 10:18 PM CST up reply actions  

Thunder is close to losing an 11 point lead. Good game so far.

Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.

by daddydai on Dec 22, 2009 10:39 PM CST reply actions  

russ seems to have extra motivation tonight. 8pts 4 rebs 10 dimes in a half. part of that is being back in LA, but part of that has to be proving this is his team as he was so adamant about when there were those rubio pg rumors around the draft. i will not maynor will start over russ, but the competition will make them both better and only help this team.

by Michael Gleich on Dec 22, 2009 10:47 PM CST reply actions  

yeah

kobe doesn’t want to try that fadeaway when jg is on him

by gratis1920 on Dec 22, 2009 11:13 PM CST reply actions  

What a great game

Loving the intensity so far, and loving the fact that we’re keeping up. I really, really hope we can hold on.

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 11:19 PM CST reply actions  

couldn't

take advantage of a switch. odom on rw, fish on jg. we are so in this, lakers are champs because they get like 7 team turnovers per game. they’re beatable

by gratis1920 on Dec 22, 2009 11:21 PM CST reply actions  

Dude, Grant Long is at the game!

What a celeb!

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 11:21 PM CST reply actions  

Lolz!

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 11:23 PM CST up reply actions  

phantom foul

he was hacked by the spirit of christmas

by gratis1920 on Dec 22, 2009 11:40 PM CST reply actions  

+1

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 11:41 PM CST up reply actions  

Argh, those blasted and annoying Lakers

putting away hope just when I thought it was going to be intense.

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 11:41 PM CST reply actions  

kobe

i just saw how big the cast is on his finger. how can he shoot with that?

by gratis1920 on Dec 22, 2009 11:52 PM CST reply actions  

Yeah, that's pretty huge.

Who knows?

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 11:55 PM CST up reply actions  

Game is getting intense!!!!

I’m ready for an upset! Comeon!

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 11:56 PM CST reply actions  

Argh Remington Park!

Worst graphic ever!

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 22, 2009 11:59 PM CST reply actions  

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Ah well, we’ve still got a chance!

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 23, 2009 12:01 AM CST up reply actions  

excellent effort. they need to run the O thru KD more in the 4th. Good work by Russ tonight, the jumper still needs a lot of work. ibaka’s development in basically 1/3rd of the season is impressive and bodes extremely well for the future.

by Michael Gleich on Dec 23, 2009 12:03 AM CST reply actions  

Who'se going to shoot the 3?

If we’re going for 3, I say go to Harden. If we’re going for the two, Westbrook will probably drive again.

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 23, 2009 12:05 AM CST reply actions  

i would run pick and roll w Harden and Green because either can get the look. spot thabo up opp corner.

by Michael Gleich on Dec 23, 2009 12:07 AM CST up reply actions  

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooo…………

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 23, 2009 12:09 AM CST reply actions  

im more excited

than ever to be a okc fan. have a good night ya’ll

by gratis1920 on Dec 23, 2009 12:11 AM CST reply actions  

To you as well.

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 23, 2009 12:12 AM CST up reply actions  

I really dislike the no-calls kobe got. OKC should have won.

Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.

by daddydai on Dec 23, 2009 12:12 AM CST reply actions  

Yeah, but that's almost standard fare

any time we come to LA. Ugh.

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 23, 2009 12:13 AM CST up reply actions  

Agreed.

Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan

by Zorgon on Dec 23, 2009 2:18 AM CST up reply actions  

is it just me or does Ibaka seem to be getting bigger everytime i see him?

by Michael Gleich on Dec 23, 2009 12:14 AM CST reply actions  

I don’t know about bigger, but he sure seems to jumper every game. I swear he almost blocked a good mid-range shot near the apex of the arch.

Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.

by daddydai on Dec 23, 2009 12:19 AM CST up reply actions  

yea. his activity, tenacity and smarts continuously improve. the future is bright for him.

by Michael Gleich on Dec 23, 2009 12:25 AM CST up reply actions  

when...

is it time to put him into the starting lineup

by rickpidero on Dec 23, 2009 1:04 AM CST up reply actions  

You can tell I was sleepy last night.

jumper = jump higher

Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.

by daddydai on Dec 23, 2009 6:58 AM CST up reply actions  


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