Thunder vs Magic preview and gamethread: OKC looks to get back on winning track

Game: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic

Time: 7PM CST

Location: Chesapeake Arena, OKC

Broadcast: FSOK

Counterpart: Orlando Pinstriped Post

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The Thunder are back in action tonight after suffering a frustrating loss at the hands of the Boston Celtics where once again OKC’s defense was a primary culprit. Even in the midst of their 7 game winning streak, the defense — once considered formidable this season — has been carved up repeatedly as they failed to hold a single team under 100 points. And the Magic too were part of that, nearly pulling the upset after going on a 28-5 run in the 2nd half to temporarily take a short-lived lead.

The reason the game was in doubt late, aside from the poor defense, was OKC’s inability to keep Nikola Vucevic out of the lane and off the boards. OKC’s struggle was hindered by the absence of Steven Adams, who missed the game with a sprained ankle. But even with Adams present, the Thunder’s rebounding edge has been waning as of late, and struggle in this area would once again be a threat to starting a new winning streak.

Russell Westbrook will be vying for his 7th straight triple-double, and last game he did a great job attacking the smaller Magic backcourt, recording 23 points and 14 assists in leading his team to shoot 54% from the floor.

Terrance Ferguson will be back as well after missing the last Orlando game, and he too will be looking to continue his hot shooting streak from beyond the arc.

The Thunder have two weaker teams on the docket this week (Memphis is next) until they get to the Rockets this weekend, but every game is a chance to reestablish what makes them good, and tonight is no exception.