With key players sidelined on both sides, OKC targets interior scoring and defensive stops in a crucial road test against an injury-depleted 76ers squad.
Oklahoma City continues its road trip against the Philadelphia 76ers. Jalen Williams returns to action for the first time since suffering a hamstring strain on Feb. 11, but the Thunder will not be at full strength because Ajay Mitchell is serving a one-game suspension for his role in the scuffle against Washington. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is missing Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr.
Check out three key matchups for this contest.
Thunder’s Interior Scoring
Since Feb. 26 (Embiid’s last game), the 76ers’ defense has surrendered the 8th-highest restricted area attempt rate in the league at 30.9%, according to NBA.com. Opponents are getting to the rim frequently because Philadelphia lacks rim protection and elite point-of-attack defense.
The Thunder’s offense is built on slashing and rim pressure, so the reigning champs should be able to feast around the basket. Look for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein to especially wreak havoc inside the paint.
Philadelphia’s weakness also makes it a good ramp-up game for Jalen Williams because he will not see elite help defenders in this matchup. He subsequently may be able to test his finishing skills without too many defenders swarming him and potentially causing him to land awkwardly on his leg.
Limiting VJ Edgecombe
Philadelphia selected Edgecombe with the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and the rookie has justified this selection. He’s averaging 15.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and four assists per game while holding his own defensively.
Edgecombe will carry a large amount of offensive responsibility in this matchup, so Oklahoma City likely sends Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace his way. If Edgecombe struggles mightily to score and pass against these defensive aces (which is likely), then Philadelphia’s offensive outlook becomes even gloomier.
During the previous matchup between these teams on Dec. 28, the Thunder held Edgecombe to 10 points on 3-of-16 shooting from the field.
Thunder's Defensive Rebounding
The 76ers will trot out a lot of lengthy forwards due to injuries, and Andre Drummond remains a dangerous offensive rebounder.
Therefore, Oklahoma City needs to crash the glass and prevent the 76ers from racking up second-chance points. Hartenstein is the best Thunder player in this department, and he’s coming off a 20-rebound performance against the Wizards. Holmgren and Jaylin Williams are also key rebounders to monitor.
If Philadelphia is mostly held to one field goal attempt per possession, then its offense will not keep pace barring an outlier 3-point shooting night.