Records: Oklahoma City Thunder (29-7) at Atlanta Hawks ( 21-15)
Time: 6:00 PM Central Standard Time
Place: Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA
TV: SportSouth, FS Oklahoma HD
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1), KMEZ 106.7 FM
Enemy Blog(s): Peachtree Hoops, Hoopinion
Previous Meetings: None. Last Season - Dec. 31, March 4 (Thunder won series 2-0)
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The Thunder conclude their road trip tonight against the Hawks in Atlanta. The Hawks are once again competitive most nights this season, and are currently seeded sixth overall in the Eastern Conference. No doubt they will be playing hard to continue to improve their position as the second half of the season goes on in order to get a favorable first round match-up.
Tonight's game could potentially be as much about who is not playing as for who is. The Thunder's Russell Westbrook is questionable tonight after spraining his ankle against the Magic. Meanwhile, the Hawks' Joe Johnson is definitely out tonight with tendinitis in his knee. Even if Westbrook is still able to play, he may be limited in action, which means that Reggie Jackson and Royal Ivey will be even more instrumental in the Thunder's efforts tonight.
I think tonight's game will be a higher scoring affair, as the Thunder will look to open things up against the Hawks. If the team can get out and run, they should be able to put the home team on their heels. Be wary though of the second half letdown though; OKC needs to maintain its focus in the end if they want to return home with a third road win in a row.
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Prediction: Thunder 109, Hawks 100
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