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Game: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns
Time: 8PM CST
Location: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix
Broadcast: FS-OK, FS-AZ
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After not playing since Wednesday versus the Knicks, the Thunder are back in action Saturday night versus the Phoenix Suns. Oklahoma City last played the Suns on Monday, and won comfortably with a score of 118-101. The Thunder will look to duplicate that performance, despite being on the road in this encounter.
There are a few personnel questions going on tonight:
So, to recap: Terrance Ferguson (personal reasons) is out and not with the team. Russell Westbrook (left ankle sprain) and Alex Abrines (illness) to be evaluated prior to tonight’s game. Westbrook participated in shootaround, Abrines did not.
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) November 17, 2018
However, even if Westbrook does not play, with a win tonight, the Thunder would move to 5-1 since Westbrook been out. But with Ferguson not making the trip and Abrines potentially unavailable, it remains to be seen who will start at shooting guard. To continue success, OKC will need Paul George to continue his recent hot streak. George has posted back to back 30 point games, while shooting over 50 percent from the field and from three.
One of the keys to stopping Phoenix is limiting their star player Devin Booker. Booker is a deadly shooter, who will take advantage of any space the defense gives him. Oklahoma City did a good job of that on Monday. Booker shot 7-18, and only managed to score 19 points. However, if OKC is thin at the SG spot we won’t know who has the responsibility of slowing down the sharpshooter.
As we all know, the Thunder are one of the best teams in the league in forcing turnovers. Yet, it seems that the Thunder haven't been able to score quickly off those turnovers. Coach Billy Donovan is aware of how important it is to push the tempo.
“Trying to keep the main things, getting the ball out the net quickly, getting up the floor, and getting into offense quickly,” Donovan said.
The Thunder are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now, winning nine of their last 10 games. A loss to a struggling Suns team would be very disappointing. With a win Saturday, the Thunder will be riding a three gam win streak heading into Sacramento on Monday.
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