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Thunder vs Magic preview: OKC faces more questions in Orlando

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The Thunder look to solve their myriad problems tonight.

NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Orlando Magic Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After a long three day, well needed rest, the Oklahoma City Thunder take their talents to Orlando to face the Magic. This game is set to start at 7:00 PM CT at the Amway Center.

According to Yahoo Sports, OKC has a 77 percent chance to break their two game losing streak.

It seems like a likely outcome on paper, but just when everybody thought the Thunder got their chemistry flowing together when they manhandled Golden State — OKC ended up losing two straight against beatable teams. OKC showed their defensive stance on both games, but the problem remains their offense.

Good for OKC, Orlando is on a nine game losing streak, and playing great defense is the opposite of what the Magic are doing. In those nine games, opponents scored over 115 points in six games. In addition, those nine games Orlando is getting outscored by an average of 117.4 to 102.4, according to Yahoo Sports.

Unlike the Thunder, the offense is there for the Magic. They are averaging 107 points per game, shooting 46.3 percent as a team and 38.3 percent from three.

The Thunder offense will have the opportunity to get their offense going against Orlando. How? The key will be in setting 4&1 picks and 1&4 picks ( The four setting the pick for the one, Melo setting the pick for Westbrook or vice versa to get the defense confused), Getting Paul George easy rim looks, and letting Westbrook be the men. The Magic is sitting 23rd in defensive rating (107.3).

Defensively, taking Evan Fournier out of the equation and making him a liability on the court should be the gameplan. Fournier ignites the fire in the offense. Andre Roberson and Steven Adams are going to have their hands filled the most. Adams matching up against Nikola Vucevic is no cake walk. Vucevic is averaging 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and have the ability to stretch the floor by shooting the three.

As we wait for all three players to click consistently, finding a rotation that could simply bring out each other full potential is a must. Head coach Billy Donovan needs to put out better offensive rotations.

The keys to winning this game against the Magic is simple, OFFENSE.

Poll

Who do you think will win tonight?

This poll is closed

  • 22%
    Thunder
    (30 votes)
  • 77%
    Magic
    (104 votes)
134 votes total Vote Now