Oklahoma City is fresh off a 21-point comeback over Memphis, and it seeks to keep the momentum rolling against Miami. A slew of key players return to action, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. The only players sidelined for the Thunder in this matchup are Isaiah Hartenstein, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber. 

Here are three key matchups that will be worth monitoring. 

Miami leads the NBA in pace and frequency of transition possessions according to NBA.com. Creating chaos by speeding up the game is one of the Heat’s main goals. 

Oklahoma City cannot allow Miami to dictate the terms of engagement. It must impose its will by shutting down transition opportunities and forcing the game to be half-court heavy. Fortunately, the Thunder’s defense surrenders the fewest transition points per game. It helps that the team barely attacks the offensive glass, which means players do not get stuck behind the outlet pass. 

Oklahoma City’s offense does not generate many transition possessions, but it leads the league in points per transition possession. If the team continues to seize advantages, then it would increase its margin for error and discourage Miami from desiring a track meet. 

Overall, how well the Thunder performs in transition will be a notable X Factor. 

Miami’s offense has largely abandoned traditional pick and rolls with shooters in the corners and instead embraces ball movement, quick decisions and aggressively attacking the hoop. As a result, it ranks first in drives per game and third in paint attempts per game. 

Although Isaiah Hartenstein’s absence definitely hurts Oklahoma City’s interior defense, the unit remains elite at protecting the paint. Chet Holmgren, in particular, will be crucial in this matchup. His ability to warp the court as a help defender should deter Miami from racking up points near the hoop. 

Elite three-point shooters are a thorn in the Thunder’s side because it chooses to protect the paint at all costs. Norman Powell certainly qualifies, as the veteran is shooting 42.3% from beyond the arc this season on 7.3 attempts per game. But he’s also a threat inside the arc, so Oklahoma City cannot merely chase him off the line in order to neutralize him. 

Defensive aces Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace must hound Powell in all areas of the court and do an excellent job of navigating off-ball screens. Otherwise, Powell may torch Oklahoma City’s defense.