Injuries abound! Discover how offensive rebounding, turnovers, and shooting will decide this shorthanded clash.
The Thunder bounced back with an overtime win against the Jazz, and it looks to keep the momentum going against the Grizzlies.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams are all ruled out, while Alex Caruso is questionable to play.
Memphis also has numerous important players sidelined, including Ja Morant. Shams Charania of ESPN reported today that “for the first time, the Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining offers to potentially move two-time All-Star Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.” It’s possible that this news impacts the Grizzlies’ morale tonight.
Check out three key matchups for this contest.
Offensive Rebounding, Turnovers and Free Throws
With so many stars and crucial role players sidelined, it may be tough for both teams to consistently generate decent shots in the half court. Therefore, finding ways to score easy points in other areas should be a point of emphasis from both coaching staffs.
Put-backs, points via turnovers and free throws are all sources that can be tapped. Memphis has the rebounding edge, but Oklahoma City owns the points off of turnovers advantage. If these cancel out, then free throws could be the difference. Jalen Williams leads the active Thunder players at 3.6 free throw attempts per game, while Jaren Jackson Jr. paces Memphis at four attempts per game.
Overall, the team that comes out of these three areas net positive has a good chance of winning this injury-riddled game.
Thunder’s 3-Point Shooting
Oklahoma City has made just 31.8% of its three-point attempts over its past 13 games. Winning in the modern NBA with this degree of poor shooting is incredibly difficult, so the Thunder’s 7-6 record during this span is not too surprising.
The team needs to bounce back and have a strong shooting night because it cannot rely on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren’s scoring inside the arc.
Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins are especially vital to this goal. They represent Oklahoma City’s top three-point shooters, especially when contested.
Jalen Williams and Kenrich Williams Playing Center
Both forwards are capable of playing small-ball center for stretches, and they must prove it with Branden Carlson being the only active center against Memphis.
Jalen and Kenrich Williams need to crash the glass, box out and be somewhat effective as primary rim protectors. Otherwise, Memphis may overwhelm Oklahoma City and essentially force the Thunder to either have a strong shooting night or lose.