Preview - OKC Thunder vs Golden State Warriors

The OKC Thunder will take on the Golden State Warriors tomorrow. The Thunder are among the top teams in the league with a record of 36-12. They haven’t even lost more than two in a row this season. But their current form leaves something to be desired as they haven’t won more than two in a row for almost three weeks now. The Warriors are no pushover this season as they stand at 30-18. For most of those games they were without the services of Andrew Bogut, who was out with an injury since November and has now returned to the starting lineup.

The OKC Thunder boast of the best offense in the NBA with 105.9 points per game, and the Warriors are placed at 23 among all NBA teams in defense as they are allowing 100.3 points per game. While playing on the road the Warriors give up 103.5 points per game, that’s 27th in the league. And they are coming into this one after a 31 point beatdown at the hands of the Rockets who shot 23 of 40 threes against them. A game like that can light up a fire under you and make you want to play extra hard the next day and redeem yourself. It can also make you go into post traumatic stress disorder when you had to live down 23 three pointers the previous night. Prior to that loss to the Rockets, the Warriors had won four straight games. The Thunder are coming in with a win over the Dallas Mavericks, 112-91 was the final score. They have now won 14 consecutive games against Western Conference opponents. They average a league best 43.6 from downtown at home. That’s not good news for a visiting team which just tied the NBA record for most three pointers allowed.

The Thunder are shooting 47.9% from the field and the Warriors are only shooting 45.9%. The last time these two teams met, the Warriors pulled away with a 104-99 win as Steph Curry dropped 31 on them and David Lee gave them 22 points and 12 rebounds. Curry averages 23 points on 53 percent shooting in all the 12 games he’s played versus the Thunder. Kevin Durant had 33 points in that game. There are rumours that Russell Westbrook has turned the corner on his gunner mentality ever since he had an altercation with his teammates and coaches. Evidence of that, a few days ago, Westbrook was whistled for a foul. He reacted by raising his hand in a ‘my bad’ motion. A hitherto unheard of action from the man who is usually the most hot headed player on the court. In the last three games he’s played, Westbrook is shooting 52.7% from the field. Expect more of Durant in this one.

Here’s how the starting lineups stack up

Steph Curry vs Russell Westbrook

Curry is averaging 20.8 points per game with 6.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds. Westbrook is averaging 22.6 points per game with 8.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds. But Curry is shooting 45.3 % from downtown as opposed to 32.3% from Westbrook. The Thunder guard is vastly more athletic but the Warrior is probably the best shooter in the NBA.

Advantage - too close to call. Curry plays a more dominant role for his team so lean towards Warriors.

Klay Thompson vs Thabo Sefolosha

Klay Thompson is having a stellar year as he’s averaging 16.5 points per game with 4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Thabo is a solid defender but he only averages 7.1 points and 4 rebounds per game.

Advantage- Warriors.

Harrison Barnes vs Kevin Durant

Advantage - Thunder. Move along. Durant averages 29.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks. Barnes averages 9.2 points and 4.3 rebounds.

David Lee vs Serge Ibaka

David Lee is having a great season with 19.4 points per game and 11 rebounds. Ibaka is averaging 13.8 points and 8.1 rebounds but he’s playing 5.4 minutes less than Lee.

Advantage - Warriors. David Lee may not be as athletically gifted as Ibaka but he’s vastly more talented.

Andrew Bogut vs Kendirck Perkins

Bogut is still easing into his game following his injury. He averages 8.1 points and 5.5 rebounds while Perkins averages 4.4 points and 5.9 rebounds. Both players are averaging less than 25 points per game with Perkins averaging 25 and Bogut 21.4. The Warrior is a better offensive threat and Perkins is a bulkier presence on defense. Bulkier, not necessarily better. As Bogut is averaging 1.9 blocks per game and Perkins only 1 per.

Advantage - Warriors

The match is at 6:30 AM on 7th February. This is a vital matchup between two Western Conference powerhouses. Expect a close contest.