Author - Chuck Chaney

Thunder Game Day #14: vs. New York Knicks

8 hours ago
Chuck Chaney
4 min read

Oklahoma City Thunder (8-5, 5-2 home)

vs.

New York Knicks away (4-10, 2-5 away)

Wednesday, November 14 :: 7:00 p.m. CST :: Chesapeake Energy Arena (18,203)
TV Coverage: FS Oklahoma (DirectTV 675, Cox 37, HD 722, Tulsa Cox 27)
Radio Coverage: 98.1 FM/640AM/97.1 Tulsa
View from the enemy: Here.
Line: The Oklahoma City Thunder are a 9.5-point favorites. The over/under is 215.5.
Online Stream: FS OK | WWLS Sports Animal | Live Stats | Twitter | Facebook
Game Notes: Thunder: here | Knicks: here

SETTING THE SCENE

  • The Oklahoma City Thunder go for their ninth win in 10 games as they host the fledgling New York Knicks tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
  • Oklahoma City is fresh off a 118-101 blow out of the Phoenix Suns. The Thunder led by as many as 28 in the victory. Paul George scored 32 points to lead Oklahoma City.
  • The Knicks are being… the Knicks. They’re 4-10 on the season and are on the verge of having yet another losing season. The Knicks haven’t made the playoffs since the 2012-13 season.
  • Russell Westbrook is a game-time decision for the Thunder.

FOLLOWING THE ACTION

  • You can catch the radio on Oklahoma City’s WWLS, 98.1 FM. Matt Pinto will be your play-by-play voice. If you’re in Tulsa, catch it on 1450 AM.
  • Chris Fisher and Michael Cage call the game on the Thunder’s flagship station, Fox Sports Oklahoma. You can watch the game there, catch it on NBA League Pass, or use the Fox Sports App (If you’re in Oklahoma).

SCOUTING THE KNICKS

  • The New York Knickerbockers are 4-10 on the season, 13th of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference.
  • The Knicks are 3-7 in their last 10 games and have lost two straight.
  • In their previous game, New York lost to the Orlando Magic 115-89 on Nov. 11.
  • The Knicks have not beaten a team with a winning record all season. The Nets are the best team they’ve beaten (6-8).
  • All-time against New York, Oklahoma City is 64-66.
  • Since relocation, the Thunder are 13-6 against the Knicks.
  • When the games are played at the ‘Peake, Oklahoma City is 8-2 all-time.
  • In the post-KD era, the Thunder are 3-1 against New York, with their only loss being in New York last season.
  • INJURY REPORT:
    Courtney Lee (neck spasms) is out.
    Kristaps Porzingis (knee) is out.
    Lance Thomas (knee) is out.
  • The Thunder’s largest margin of victory over New York came on 12/25/13, where Oklahoma City prevailed by a score of 123-94 (29-point margin of victory).
  • Meanwhile, the Thunder’s largest margin of defeat (15 points) vs. NYK occurred during a 96-111 loss on 12/16/17.

THUNDER INJURY REPORT

NEXT UP

  • The Thunder will travel to Phoenix to play the Suns on Saturday to round out the week.
  • They’ll play the Kings on Monday, Nov. 19 and then the Warriors on the 21st, right before Thanksgiving.
  • Then, they wrap up the season series against the Hornets on Friday, Nov. 23.



Three Keys to the Game

Free throws

When a team is struggling like New York is, they’re likely to gamble on the defensive side to make things happen. Oklahoma City needs to make the Mavericks pay when they commit silly fouls. The Thunder make their free throws, they run away with this game.

Limit second chance points

Oklahoma City is lower third in the NBA in allowing second chance points. Maybe it’s Westbrook missing a potential fifth game of the season or what, but the Thunder’s blocking out has been lacking. Let’s see if the Thunder can step up and stop the Mavericks from dominating the offensive glass.

End quarters strong

Oklahoma City has done a better job this season of closing out quarters. That starts a little bit with the bench, as they’re on the court for a majority of the quarter endings. This should and has to continue tonight. If the Mavericks can pull some momentum at the end of a frame, it could allow a team that shouldn’t win this game, to smell blood and stay in this one.

We invite you to follow Thunder Digest on Twitter and like Thunder Digest on Facebook. Don't forget to subsribe on Youtube! Our Podcast is on iTunes and on Stitcher. We also have a Thunder Digest Instagram account if you love fun Thunder photography!

Thunder dim the lights on Phoenix 118-101

2 days ago
Chuck Chaney
4 min read

The Suns made it somewhat close but a 15-2 run by the Thunder put the game out of reach as the Thunder won ….

The Thunder improved to 8-5 on the season and now have won eight of their last nine games.

“I thought we played really great first half, both offensively and defensively,” Thunder head coach Billy Donovan said.

With no Russell Westbrook for the fourth straight games, the Thunder used a 22-0 run in the first quarter to grab the lead from the Suns and never look back.

The Suns led 5-3. Sure, seemed like a long time ago, but the Suns missed 10 straight shots over that span as the Thunder’s defense was suffocating. The Thunder forced four turnovers and held the Suns to zero free throws over that time frame.

The lead ballooned to 24-5 lead before the Suns could really do anything. The Thunder saw their lead push to as high as 28 points in the first half, really putting it on Phoenix.

Paul George hit buckets largely in the first half. He was 7-of-10 with five money balls. The Thunder had an answer for almost every single Suns point in the first half. It led to the Thunder having a 64-40 lead at the break.

That’s kinda where the wheels started to fall off. It was like Arthur Morgan led his horse off the side of the ravine. Sure, the horse was hurt and you had to use some reviver, but the Thunder rode the comeback wave from the Suns and survived.

“There are things in the third quarter we could do better,” Donovan said.

The Suns cut it to as low as seven points in the fourth quarter but the closing was as good as the Thunder have done — sans Westbrook — all season.

“Their physicality got the game a little choppy,” Donovan said. “In that third quarter they made some shots.”

Oklahoma City went on a 14-4 run, separating themselves from the Suns, who shot 57.5 percent in the second half. The win was capitalized on an alley oop off the glass from George to Jerami Grant. The Suns put the fear into the Thunder but unlike a couple of weeks ago, the Thunder closed out the game properly.

“We got stops and I thought it was a good response from the Dallas game,” Donovan said.

The Thunder shot just under 47 percent from the field and hit 13 three-pointers, shooting 48.1 percent. They were 19-of-20 from the free throw line. It’s the best free throw percentage for the Thunder since they shot 96 percent (24-of-25) on Dec. 11, 2017.

Paul George finished with 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Dennis Schröder had 20 points and nine assists for the Thunder. Steven Adams dominated Deandre Ayton with 18 points and seven rebounds.

The Thunder will now host Enes Kanter and the New York Knicks on Wednesday night at the ‘Peake. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. It’s going to be the first time the Thunder are going to wear their turquoise uniforms.

Keys to the Game

Start fast: A+

Oklahoma City used a 22-0 run to put this game out of reach early. The Thunder need to do this against bad teams. You aren’t going to get a 22-0 run but you could have a double digit lead after the first quarter.

Make Free throws: A+

19-of-20 from the line? Yep. Everyone is going to take that every time. The Thunder do this more often and they’re going to be awfully hard to be beat by anyone.

Limit second chance points: C

While they had 17 points on 10 offensive rebounds, it’s what happened in the second half that drops this grade. Phoenix scored 13 of their 17 second chance points in the second half. That’s a large reason for their comeback, all of the extra opportunities.

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Thunder Game Day #13: vs. Phoenix Suns

2 days ago
Chuck Chaney
4 min read

Oklahoma City Thunder (7-5, 4-2 home)

at

Phoenix Suns (2-10, 0-5 away)

Monday, November 12 :: 7:00 p.m. CST :: Chesapeake Energy Arena (18,203)
TV Coverage: FS Oklahoma (DirectTV 675, Cox 37, HD 722, Tulsa Cox 27)
Radio Coverage: 98.1 FM/640AM/97.1 Tulsa
View from the enemy: Here.
Line: The Oklahoma City Thunder are a 4.5-point favorites. The over/under is 210.5.
Online Stream: FS OK | WWLS Sports Animal | Live Stats | Twitter | Facebook
Game Notes: Thunder: here | Suns: here

SETTING THE SCENE

  • The Oklahoma City Thunder begin their march towards another 7-game winning streak as they host the Phoenix Suns tonight in a chilly Oklahoma City.
  • The Thunder’s previous winning streak started with a 117-110 win over the Suns back on Oct. 25.
  • The Thunder are coming off a 111-96 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night in the Metroplex.
  • The Phoenix Suns aren’t the best team in the NBA, but only the second worst team in the association. They’ve lost nine of their last 10.
  • Oklahoma City has beat the Suns 14 straight times at home. They’re 15-4 all-time against the Suns at home.

FOLLOWING THE ACTION

  • You can catch the radio on Oklahoma City’s WWLS, 98.1 FM. Matt Pinto will be your play-by-play voice. If you’re in Tulsa, catch it on 1450 AM.
  • Chris Fisher and Michael Cage call the game on the Thunder’s flagship station, Fox Sports Oklahoma. You can watch the game there, catch it on NBA League Pass, or use the Fox Sports App (If you’re in Oklahoma).

SCOUTING THE SUNS

  • The Phoenix Suns are 2-10 on the season, worst in the Western Conference.
  • The Suns are 1-9 in their last 10 games, including a three-game losing streak.
  • In their last game, Phoenix 119-99 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
  • In their three-game losing streak, the Suns are losing by an average 16.3 points per game.
  • All-time against the Suns, Oklahoma City actually trails the series 127-109.
  • Since the Thunder relocated, Oklahoma City is 24-12.
  • When the games are played at the ‘Peake, the Thunder are 15-4 against the Suns.
  • The Thunder have won 14 straight. They’ve won four of the last eight by double digits.
  • Oklahoma City is 5-3 against the Suns in the post-KD era.
  • INJURY REPORT:
    The Phoenix Suns are relatively healthy coming into tonight’s game.
  • The Thunder’s largest margin of victory over Phoenix came on 2/8/13, where Oklahoma City prevailed by a score of 127-96 (31-point margin of victory).
  • Meanwhile, the Thunder’s largest margin of defeat (22 points) vs. PHX occurred during a 118-140 loss on 2/20/09.

THUNDER INJURY REPORT

NEXT UP

  • The Thunder travel to New York on Wednesday night and then will travel to Phoenix to play the Suns on Saturday to round out the week.
  • They’ll play the Kings on Monday, Nov. 19 and then the Warriors on the 21st, right before Thanksgiving.
  • Then, they wrap up the season series against the Hornets on Friday, Nov. 23.



Three Keys to the Game

Free throws

When a team is struggling like Phoenix is, they’re likely to gamble on the defensive side to make things happen. Oklahoma City needs to make the Mavericks pay when they commit silly fouls. The Thunder make their free throws, they run away with this game.

Limit second chance points

Oklahoma City is lower third in the NBA in allowing second chance points. Maybe it’s Westbrook missing a third of the season or what, but the Thunder’s blocking out has been lacking. Let’s see if the Thunder can step up and stop the Mavericks from dominating the offensive glass.

End quarters strong

Oklahoma City has done a better job this season of closing out quarters. That starts a little bit with the bench, as they’re on the court for a majority of the quarter endings. This should and has to continue tonight. If the Mavericks can pull some momentum at the end of a frame, it could allow a team that shouldn’t win this game, to smell blood and stay in this one.

We invite you to follow Thunder Digest on Twitter and like Thunder Digest on Facebook. Don't forget to subsribe on Youtube! Our Podcast is on iTunes and on Stitcher. We also have a Thunder Digest Instagram account if you love fun Thunder photography!

Thunder Game Day #12: at Dallas Mavericks

4 days ago
Chuck Chaney
4 min read

Oklahoma City Thunder (7-4, 3-2 away)

at

Dallas Mavericks (3-8, 3-2 home)

Saturday, November 9 :: 8:00 p.m. CST :: American Airlines Center (19,200)
TV Coverage: FS Oklahoma (DirectTV 675, Cox 37, HD 722, Tulsa Cox 27)
Radio Coverage: 98.1 FM/640AM/97.1 Tulsa
View from the enemy: Here.
Line: The Oklahoma City Thunder are a 1.5-point favorites. The over/under is 216.5.
Online Stream: FS OK | WWLS Sports Animal | Live Stats | Twitter | Facebook
Game Notes: Thunder: here | Mavericks: here

SETTING THE SCENE

  • The Oklahoma City Thunder put the NBA’s longest winning streak on the line as they are in the Metroplex to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
  • The Thunder, who’ve beaten everyone it feels like since blowing that second half lead to the Boston Celtics back on Oct. 25, have done it by an average of 12.1 points per game.
  • Oklahoma City should be without Russell Westbrook tonight.
  • The Dallas Mavericks are coming off one of their worst seasons in 20 years. They’re 3-8 on the season and are fresh off 117-102 loss to the Utah Jazz.
  • Rookie sensation Luka Doncic leads the Mavericks in scoring, averaging just a shade over 20 points per contest 20.2).
  • The Thunder are 7-3 against the Mavericks in their last 10 games. However, they’re just 5-5 in their last 10 at the AAC.

FOLLOWING THE ACTION

  • You can catch the radio on Oklahoma City’s WWLS, 98.1 FM. Matt Pinto will be your play-by-play voice. If you’re in Tulsa, catch it on 1450 AM.
  • Chris Fisher and Michael Cage call the game on the Thunder’s flagship station, Fox Sports Oklahoma. You can watch the game there, catch it on NBA League Pass, or use the Fox Sports App (If you’re in Oklahoma).

SCOUTING THE MAVERICKS

  • The Dallas Mavericks are 3-8 on the season, sitting 14th in the Western Conference.
  • The Mavericks lost to the Utah Jazz 117-102 earlier this week.
  • Dallas has lost six of their last seven games.
  • All-time against The Mavericks, the Thunder are 81-73.
  • Since relocation, Oklahoma City leads Dallas 21-15.
  • When games are played in Dallas, the Thunder are 9-9.
  • Last season, the teams split their games.
  • INJURY REPORT:
    Devin Harris (hamstring) is questionable.
    Dirk Nowitzki (ankle surgery) is out.
    Luka Doncic (knee contusion) is questionable.
    Wesley Matthews (hip contusion) is questionable.
  • The Thunder’s largest margin of victory over the Mavericks came on 2/4/13, where Oklahoma City prevailed by a score of 112-91 (21-point margin of victory).
  • Meanwhile, the Thunder’s largest margin of defeat (23 points) vs. DAL occurred during an 86-109 loss on 3/16/14.

THUNDER INJURY REPORT

  • Andre Roberson (ruptured patellar tendon) is out.
  • Russell Westbrook (ankle sprain) is out.

NEXT UP

  • They wrap up the week by playing the Mavericks on Saturday night in Dallas on Nov. 10.
  • The Thunder host the Suns for the second time on Monday, Nov. 12.
  • They play the Knicks and then the Suns again to wrap up the week.



Three Keys to the Game

Free throws

When a team is struggling like Dallas is, they’re likely to gamble on the defensive side to make things happen. Oklahoma City needs to make the Mavericks pay when they commit silly fouls. The Thunder make their free throws, they run away with this game.

Limit second chance points

Oklahoma City is lower third in the NBA in allowing second chance points. Maybe it’s Westbrook missing a third of the season or what, but the Thunder’s blocking out has been lacking. Let’s see if the Thunder can step up and stop the Mavericks from dominating the offensive glass.

End quarters strong

Oklahoma City has done a better job this season of closing out quarters. That starts a little bit with the bench, as they’re on teh court for a majority of the quarter endings. This should and has to continue tonight. If the Mavericks can pull some momentum at the end of a frame, it could allow a team that shouldn’t win this game, to smell blood and stay in this one.

We invite you to follow Thunder Digest on Twitter and like Thunder Digest on Facebook. Don't forget to subsribe on Youtube! Our Podcast is on iTunes and on Stitcher. We also have a Thunder Digest Instagram account if you love fun Thunder photography!

Rockets Meltdown! 11.8.18

6 days ago
Chuck Chaney
5 min read

The Oklahoma City Thunder did their thing, handed James Harden and the Rockets a beautiful loss. The fans of the Rockets are on the edge. Houston, there is a problem. Thanks Melo, for all of your hard work in helping the Thunder win tonight. The Houston fans noticed that, too. Enjoy yet another great meltdown!

  • Beat the Thunders!
  • This the game Harden/CP3/Melo all show up!
  • I’d like to see a 40-pt game from Melo here.
  • I hate OKC
  • It seems Westbrook will be out tomorrow. Hoe we can have a big CP3 game and a revenge game for Melo.
  • Rockets win a boring game.
  • Guys if you lose against this team…i mean, OKC sucks imo….
  • OKC without Russ won’t have enough scoring…4 game win streak on deck
  • Melo gonna make OKC regret not wanting him.
  • Adam’s will abuse everyone on that switch
  • Rockets need to play better.
  • Harden on the Game of Thrones dude doesn’t seem like a good match-up.
  • So I guess Ferguson will be the scrub to go off tonight
  • OKC of course from worst to first in 3’s once they play us.
  • Lol Melo
  • Terrible quarter! Rockets look like trash so far
  • CP3 has fallen off a cliff paul
  • Bench is ****ing trash
  • Only down 10 after the 1st, could be worse.
  • Same story … harden sits offense goes to hell
  • f***ing okc is on a back to back and we had a long 2 days rest….
  • Melo…
  • Fatty Felton with garbage shots
  • Paul should earn the same money as Melo
  • Yall gonna box out or nah?
  • Thunder scoring at will on us. With no Westbrook
  • Melo Paul where are you tonight?
  • Melo has got to be a -20
  • Adams looks like a superstar without Westbrook.
  • washed melo
  • Take Carmelo out
  • with a gun
  • 0 points, 1 TO, 3 assists, 1 rebound, one half, 40 million dollars
  • I sure wish Carmelo could step up in his first game back in OKC.
  • LOL Paul George is killing a team with Paul and Harden.
  • PG embarrassing the rockets
  • Carmelo -15. Worst on the floor.
  • Down 12 points to a team without Westbrook
  • Paul is impacting the game the other way but the scoring has to be there.
  • Thunder have no offense, too bad bad we have no defense lol (and no offense either for now)
  • Melo is useless out there. 1st half showed why okc got rid of him
  • CP3 is done.
  • I’m getting real sick and tired of this Chris Paul disappearing act.
  • We’re missing Eric Gordon a lot right now
  • Welcome to Rockets, CP0.
  • Trade has to be coming very soon. This team is just really bad.
  • What is up with all the s***ty passes
  • Pains me to say this but Chris Paul looks washed up…
  • OMG who broke CP3?
  • how do the rockets get out of cp3’s contract? is lebron still interested?
  • Even the OKC mascot fans are bored.
  • I’m turning this off.
  • We are the OKC of last year, this year. This sucks.
  • Melo’s “triumphant return” isn’t really going according to plan
  • Adams is bullying clint
  • and sad clint b****ed all summer like a millennial p**** because he wasn’t getting steven adams money
  • How were scoring like 120ppg first few games and now cant even score 60 in 3Qs?
  • I’m offended by this game
  • Westbrick is such an annoying douchebag.
  • My God this is an inferior product.
  • Rockets missed their chance last year. Oh well
  • Lmao at Felton tripping all over the place and still looking like valid positioning.
  • cp3 and melo suck so bad
  • I’m done, not worth it
  • Melo 0 pts or what in 3 quarters. 0-8?
  • lol @ people in here talking smack over the summer saying that this team is even better than last year’s and a serious threat to Warriors.
  • Can’t believe what I’m watching
  • The Thunders are playing bad, but we are even worse.
  • Man who ****ing knew CP3 would be in decline this soon? Man ****ing 40 million a season for the next 4 years….
  • Melo is super trash tonight
  • Tonight? lol
  • The Melo curse is real.
  • Raymond Felton is officially outplaying CP3 … what is the world coming to
  • What are Thunder fans thinking now, after watching Melo trash playing?
  • Thunder didn’t even play well, Rockets just played like pure trash..
  • Probably should save Carmelo from himself. Sit him.
  • Disgraceful! Absolutely embarrassing.
  • We are now 4-6 with Fat Melo 0 for 11(goal tend don’t count)
  • just attack melo you get a free layup
  • we gave Capela 90 million to miss dunks and not grab rebounds LOL
  • BRING IN MELO for clean up on AISLE 8 0 for 11 and rest the starters
  • I wish we could score
  • We got FAT RAY FELTON going off
  • I have tickets for Thursday and I don’t wanna go anymore
  • Westbrook made Melo shoot 1-11 again.
  • beware of contract year players on freshly signed deals.
  • Steven Adams > sum of the Houston Rockets frontcourt
  • Why is Melo happy and smiling after going 0 for 11, team get destroyed, can’t score more than 80 points?
  • We held em under 100!
  • Who cares less about winning Dwight or Melo?
  • Melo really showed his old team
  • My NBA LP payment went thru today… *hangs head*
  • Well, looked forward to this game all day for nothing.
  • this is going to be a long long season.
We invite you to follow Thunder Digest on Twitter and like Thunder Digest on Facebook. Don't forget to subsribe on Youtube! Our Podcast is on iTunes and on Stitcher. We also have a Thunder Digest Instagram account if you love fun Thunder photography!

Thunder Game Day #11: vs. Houston Rockets

6 days ago
Chuck Chaney
4 min read

Oklahoma City Thunder (6-4, 3-2 home)

vs.

Houston Rockets (4-5, 4-1 away)

Thursday, November 8 :: 7:00 p.m. CST :: Chesapeake Energy Arena (18,203)
TV Coverage:TNT (245 DirecTV, 31 Cox, 730 HD 108 AT&T U-Verse, 138 Dish)
Radio Coverage: 98.1 FM/640AM/97.1 Tulsa
View from the enemy: Here.
Line: The Oklahoma City Thunder are a 4.5-point underdogs. The over/under is 214.5.
Online Stream: TNT | WWLS Sports Animal | Live Stats | Twitter | Facebook
Game Notes: Thunder: here | Rockets: here

SETTING THE SCENE

  • Two of the NBA’s hottest teams showdown on TNT tonight as the Thunder, winners of six straight, host the Houston Rockets, winners of three straight.
  • Both teams were victims of poor starts. Oklahoma City started 0-4 and the Rockets started 1-5. Both teams are starting to steer their ships in the right direction.
  • It’s the return of Carmelo Anthony after his one year stint in Oklahoma City. Anthony, 34, is averaging 14.7 points on 43.6 percent from the floor and 35.2 percent from deep.
  • It’s the Thunder’s third game on TNT this season, they’re 0-2 so far, with losses to the Warriors and the Celtics.
  • Oklahoma City is going for their longest win streak since last season when they won eight straight. That win streak spanned most of January. Jan. 13-28, 2018.

FOLLOWING THE ACTION

  • You can catch the radio on Oklahoma City’s WWLS, 98.1 FM. Matt Pinto will be your play-by-play voice. If you’re in Tulsa, catch it on 1450 AM.
  • Chris Fisher and Michael Cage call the game on the Thunder’s flagship station, Fox Sports Oklahoma. You can watch the game there, catch it on NBA League Pass, or use the Fox Sports App (If you’re in Oklahoma).

SCOUTING THE ROCKETS

  • The Houston Rockets are 4-5 on the season, 12th in the Western Conference Playoff race.
  • Last season, the Rockets won over 60 games and were the No. 1 overall seed in the Western Conference.
  • In their last game, the Rockets beat the Pacers 98-94 on Monday night.
  • The Rockets, after starting 1-5, have won three straight and are on the verge of getting back to .500.
  • All-time against the Rockets, Oklahoma City is 109-107.
  • Since relocation, the Thunder are 16-20.
  • Since 2015-16, the Thunder are 4-7.
  • When the two teams meet at the ‘Peake, Oklahoma City is 11-8. Including 3-3 since 2015-16 season.
  • Last season, Oklahoma City won the regular season series 2-1, including a 112-107 win and 122-112 loss in Oklahoma City.
  • INJURY REPORT:
    Brandon Knight (knee) is out.
    Eric Gordon (right abductor strain) is questionable.
    Michael Carter Williams (illness) is out.
    Nene (calf strain) is out.
  • The Thunder’s largest margin of victory over Houston came on Dec. 29, 2013, where Oklahoma City prevailed by a score of 117-86 (31-point margin of victory).
  • Meanwhile, the Thunder’s largest margin of defeat (12 points) vs. Houston occurred during a 89-77 loss on Nov. 1, 2008.

THUNDER INJURY REPORT

  • Andre Roberson (ruptured patellar tendon) is out.
  • Russell Westbrook (ankle sprain) is out.

NEXT UP

  • They wrap up the week by playing the Mavericks on Saturday night in Dallas on Nov. 10.
  • The Thunder host the Suns for the second time on Monday, Nov. 12.



Three Keys to the Game

Start fast

With no Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City have to start fast. You cannot let a team like the Rockets jump on you. Sure, they may still blow the lead but you have to put your foot on the gas from the opening tip and not let up. While the Rockets aren’t the dominant team of the past, they’ll still get hot and light you up.

Stop fouling

The Thunder commit more fouls than any team in the NBA. They’re committing 26.0 fouls per game, which leads to 30.8 free throws per game, most in the NBA. However, over their four-game win streak, the Thunder are a little bit better, only 25th in fouling. They’re only allowing 27.5 free throws per game during the winning streak.

Hit threes

Houston is going to their threes up. Oklahoma City has to do the same. If the Thunder are going to keep pace with the Rockets, they’re going to need to shoot decent from deep tonight. Oklahoma City cannot afford another 28 percent performance from deep.

We invite you to follow Thunder Digest on Twitter and like Thunder Digest on Facebook. Don't forget to subsribe on Youtube! Our Podcast is on iTunes and on Stitcher. We also have a Thunder Digest Instagram account if you love fun Thunder photography!

Cavs Meltdown 11.7.18

7 days ago
Chuck Chaney
3 min read

The Thunder survived the Cavaliers but the Cavaliers didn’t survive the meltdown. Oklahoma City will take their six game win streak back home to play the Rockets. Until then, enjoy the fun meltdown from the Cavs fans.

  • Rough day today. Let’s be honest, this probably won’t help. Still, excited to watch.
  • Wonder what kind of crowds they’re getting for home games now? Seems like the rich people seats are kind of sparse.
  • Jesus steven adams is a thicc boi
  • Adams is actually one of my fav players in the league. Great personality
  • George having a fairly bad game so far
  • Noel, who the f*** did your hair?
  • Do they know Ferguson is ass? C’mon, leave him open…
  • Paul George seemed really good once upon a time. What a fraudulent star
  • I mean I should be upset that we’re losing, but I dunno. I watched Duke.
  • Maybe giving Sexton bursts of 4 mins isn’t the ideal way to develop him? What a shock!
  • JR’s eyes look high AF
  • That’s cause he is high
    I bet JR and Clarkson smoke that same
  • 17-0 scoring run. Cripes.
  • That got out of hand in a hurry
  • The Cavs announcers are honestly the worst in the league
  • Lol our offense.
  • Jordan ain’t gonna change. He wants his and that’s that
  • A quarter away from holding another L.
  • I do not like Noel hair
  • Clarkson got an assist!!!!!!!!!
  • A shining moment in NBA history
  • The f*** was that JR? You had a layup.
  • these turnovers are absurd
  • That was a truly beautiful pass from Stephen Adams.
  • Clarkson’s family is being held hostage. If he passes it, they die.
  • Paul George really isn’t a superstar like they want you to believe
    lol, it’s your fault he just made that buzzer beater
  • PSA: Clarkson prefers Turnovers over Assists on his StatSheet.
  • I’m breaking my screen the next time JR ignores an open Sexton
  • Cavs are dangerously close to winning this.
  • YO PG should be ashamed of hisself for not dominating this game. The only elite player on the court.
    Maybe he’s only Flacco elite.
  • Y’all Clarkson could get a triple double lol
  • JR getting blood on fools
  • Is sextons upside Schröeder?
    I don’t think Schröder’s upside is Schröder.
  • Gonna get relegated
  • This team will go down as the worst team in NBA history. No way they win 10 games
  • Hello 1-10
    Hello Zion
  • The hunt for another W continues another few days.
  • I hate my dishwasher.
  • Man, the transition from being a fan of an annual championship contender to a fan of a top lottery pick contender takes some work
  • I’ve watched every game so far this season. I need more hobbies.
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Thunder Game Day #10: at Cleveland Cavaliers

1 week ago
Chuck Chaney
4 min read

Oklahoma City Thunder (5-4, 2-2 away)

at

Cleveland Cavaliers (1-9, 1-4 home)

Wednesday, November 7 :: 6:00 p.m. CST ::Quicken Loans Arena (20,562)
TV Coverage: FS Oklahoma (DirectTV 675, Cox 37, HD 722, Tulsa Cox 27)
Radio Coverage: 98.1 FM/640AM/97.1 Tulsa
View from the enemy: Here.
Line: The Oklahoma City Thunder are a 6.5-point underdog. The over/under is 218.
Online Stream: FS OK | WWLS Sports Animal | Live Stats | Twitter | Facebook
Game Notes: Thunder: here | Cavaliers: here

SETTING THE SCENE

  • There’s no LeBron James or Russell Westbrook in this game but the Thunder are hopefully going to shine in the Rock ‘n Roll Capital as they play the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight!
  • The Thunder, one of league’s hottest teams, winners of five straight. They’ve knocked off a couple of good teams in the process as the Clippers and Pelicans are victims of the Thunder’s roll.
  • The Cavaliers, in a post-LBJ era, struggling once again. They’ve fired their head coach and are just trying to not take on as much water as possible. The Cavaliers would love to have a No. 1 pick once again.

FOLLOWING THE ACTION

  • You can catch the radio on Oklahoma City’s WWLS, 98.1 FM. Matt Pinto will be your play-by-play voice. If you’re in Tulsa, catch it on 1450 AM.
  • Chris Fisher and Michael Cage call the game on the Thunder’s flagship station, Fox Sports Oklahoma. You can watch the game there, catch it on NBA League Pass, or use the Fox Sports App (If you’re in Oklahoma).

SCOUTING THE PELICANS

  • The Cleveland Cavaliers are 1-9 on the season, worst record in the NBA.
  • The Cavaliers are coming off a 102-100 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday night.
  • Cleveland’s win total predictions is 30.5, about 12th in the East playoff race.
  • All-time against The Cavaliers, the Thunder are 63-48.
  • Since relocation, Oklahoma City trails Cleveland 7-12.
  • If you count the non-LeBron years, Oklahoma City leads Cleveland 4-3.
  • When games are played in Cleveland, the Thunder are 2-1 in non-LBJ years and 3-6 overall.
  • Last season, the teams split their games, each winning on the opponents courts, respectively.
  • INJURY REPORT:
    Kevin Love (foot) is OUT.
    Sam Dekker (ankle) is OUT.
  • The Thunder’s largest margin of victory over Cleveland came on Dec. 12, 2010, where Oklahoma City prevailed by a score of 106-77 (29-point margin of victory).
  • Meanwhile, the Thunder’s largest margin of defeat (35 points) vs. Cleveland occurred during an 117-82 loss on Nov. 26, 2009.

THUNDER INJURY REPORT

  • Andre Roberson (ruptured patellar tendon) is out.
  • Russell Westbrook (ankle sprain) is out.

NEXT UP

  • Oklahoma City has to play the Rockets in the second night of a back-to-back on the Nov. 8.
  • They wrap up the week by playing the Mavericks on Saturday night in Dallas on Nov. 10.
  • The Thunder host the Suns for the second time on Monday, Nov. 12.



Three Keys to the Game

Start fast

With no Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City have to start fast. You cannot let a team like the Cavaliers jump on you. Sure, they may still blow the lead but you have to put your foot on the gas from the opening tip and not let up. This is not a good Cleveland team and there’s little room for error with Westbrook out.

Stop fouling

The Thunder commit more fouls than any team in the NBA. They’re committing 26.0 fouls per game, which leads to 30.8 free throws per game, most in the NBA. However, over their four-game win streak, the Thunder are a little bit better, only 25th in fouling. They’re only allowing 27.5 free throws per game during the winning streak.

Paul George

Paul George needs an explosive performance. He’s been really inefficient this season, posting near career lows across the board. The thing about George is when he struggles on the offensive side, he makes up for it in other ways. Tonight, the Thunder need an all around game from a team that has no one to stop him.

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Pelicans Meltdown 11.5.18

1 week ago
Chuck Chaney
4 min read

The Thunder lost Westbrook but won the game. The Peli’s fanbase is in full meltdown mode as they’ve lost six straight. Oklahoma City really seemed to push this fanbase to the edge! We’ve all been there. Heck, we just were there at an 0-4 start. One bad comment on the Russ injury but some people stepped up. That was pure class. Anyway, enjoy!

  • Geaux Pels! The win streak starts tonight. Lets get back to .500
  • Great news for the Pelisons is that OKC is terrible from deep.
  • Inauspicious start
  • For a team that prides itself on pace, we are really not doing anything in our transition offense or defense tonight…very sluggish start
  • Not liking how easily they’re getting to the rim right now.
  • this pels team is not great
  • Maybe AD getting traded by Christmas will be a reality. Set him free.
  • Hard.to.watch.
  • Just wait Till the second unit hits the floor.
  • My best guess is we need AD to play perfect, otherwise we don’t stand a chance
  • Adams hits AD with that across the arm, no call. Not the first time.
  • Pelicans look awful . It’s almost like these guys don’t even practice
  • $10 we come out this timeout and get a bad shot if one at all, then okc goes on a quick 5-0 run.
  • Do the Thunder have 30 points in the paint yet?
  • I wonder if we ever don’t give up over 100 this season
  • Game looks horrible n I have 4k
  • Man the Pels have had some ugly possessions
  • What is it with these turnovers. Good lord. Lackadaisical
  • Downside: Frazier sucks. Upside: He’s only playing until Payton gets back.
  • Time to burn it all down
  • Every time I look at the box score for the Thunder I think of Turd Ferguson.
  • moore must have bet on OKC. no other explanation for that pass directly to the wrong roster
  • I don’t need to prove my fandom to you. Ask your wife.
  • is AD missing shots on purpose
  • Mic’s just picked up Westbrook swearing and the refs. Not a tech? hmm.
  • We can really afford this sloppy ****
  • AD said he was the best in the league. He needs to prove it because he’s not even close like this.
  • some of our turnovers are just pure comedy
  • Sorry guys, this is just pathetic exhibition of basketball by the Pels
  • Get healthy Westbrook
  • I done it in grade school. Crutches for a week but lingered pain for awhile. I hope he has a quick return for them. He is a fierce competitor.
  • Well that sucked for Westbrook. There aren’t many things more painful than that split second while you turn your ankle bad like that.
  • If Westbrook can’t play…..OKC may be good…..
  • Hopefully he’s alright. Not alright enough to come back into this game, but alright.
  • Westbrook on the ground, audibly screaming. Sounds painful.
  • Don’t like seeing a player hobble off the court.. unless it’s Russ or Harden
  • WESTBROOK. OUT WE DID SUMN RIGHT
  • Nah..I don’t want to see any player go out like that
  • Not cool. I hate seeing guys get hurt. Don’t wish it upon anyone. Anyone who has played this game has been down that road.
  • Have these guys now forgotten how to catch the ball?
  • What in the actual frick is going on with this team?
  • They really need a vocal guy to rally these guys in these moments
  • We’re just not a good basketball team.
  • Steve Adams has dominated AD tonight.
  • and heeeeerrrreee come the turnoversss
  • Lmao, get that trash Frazier off the floor dude is just crap literally frank can’t be any worse and atleast he can score
  • He couldn’t defend my grandmother. She’s in a wheelchair.
  • Offensively and defensively this is the worst they have looked in awhile.
  • Westbrook is an anchor. OKC needs to pray he’s out a while.
  • OKC has played poorly and leads by 10
  • AD looks like complete garbage
  • Well, at least we can keep our heads up. We played a good 4 quarters.
    Cumulatively.
    Across the last 5 games.
  • This team sucks.
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Westbrook out Wednesday at Cleveland

1 week ago
Chuck Chaney
1 min read

The Oklahoma City Thunder will need to win some basketball games without their best player. Russell Westbrook is out Wednesday night in Cleveland against the Cavaliers due to a right ankle sprain.

Westbrook rolled his ankle with 4:30 left in the third quarter. Oklahoma City went on to beat the Pelicans and win their fifth straight game but held on without Westbrook.

ESPN’s Royce Young thinks it’s going to be Monday against Phoenix, or maybe as early as Saturday against the Mavericks.

Oklahoma City is already 0-2 without Westbrook this season. They almost beat the Warriors but faltered late against the Clippers.

Dennis Schröder will start in place of Westbrook, as he did the first two games of the season without Westbrook. He averaged 14.5 points, seven assists and 3.5 rebounds in two starts against Golden State and the Clippers.

This season, Westbrook is averaging 24.1 points, 8.9 assists, 8.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the floor through seven appearances this season.

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