OKC Thunder Guard Chris Paul against Utah Jazz (Photo by Alex Goodlett / Getty Images)
Taking a closer look at what Oklahoma City Thunder will face in rebooting
A long time ago, on March 11, 2020, it was inside the Chesapeake Energy Arena where the NBA changed forever. Shortly before Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz launched a key seeding contest, the NBA rushed to press the pause button amid the growing threat of COVID-19.
More than four months later, Thunder and Jazz are expected to restart the 2019-20 season, facing off against each other in an inclination of August 1. The NBA recently released the reboot program within the Orlando, Florida-based bubble.
About a month after the reboot, we review OKC’s eight game schedule.
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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz, Game 1
Oklahoma City is ready to kick off their first game on the third return day. This game will serve as the second of their eight games in Utah. During two races of the regular season, OKC went 1-1 in tackling Jazz, with the first loss occurring on the opening night of October last year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earns 23.0 points per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets, Game 2
The Nuggets have consistently presented problems with Thunder since ex-Thunder legend Russell Westbrook eliminated the Nuggets from the playoffs with his now infamous MVP moment three years ago. Despite the division’s rivalry, Thunder and Nuggets met only twice during the regular season before closing. OKC went 1-1 in those races and the sixth man Dennis Schroder was their best score with 25.5 points per race.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Game 3
Like many teams, OKC fought the western Lakers leaders, dropping to 0-3 this season. However, two of their defeats came in for a total of nine points. Their best scorer for the season was a draw between Danilo Gallinari and SGA, both holders scoring 21.3 points per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Game 4
This game will be interesting for many reasons. In addition to the Grizzlies fighting for their lives in the playoffs and their rookie and the JA Morant franchise foundation that are fighting for the honors of Rookie of the Year, both teams have a long history together. Memphis is probably OKC’s biggest rivalry. Oklahoma City went 1-1 against Grizz and their leader once again was Schroder at 25.5 points per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Washington Wizards, Game 5
The visit will require social departure, but the Thunder should be able to catch up with their former head coach Scott Brooks before or after this match. Maybe he and Paul can remember their battles since Brooks was on the sidelines OKC and CP3 was driving the Clippers ship. In their solitary game against the Mages, Thunder has lost 97-85 this season. This game will also be the first half of the only back-to-back within the OKC bubble.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns, Game 6
Fortunately for Thunder, two of their easiest competitions make up their back-to-back set. Both opponents are far below the .500 and there is a possibility that both teams can be eliminated from the playoff contention by the time these games expire. The top scorer in this series was Gallo who scored 25.5 points per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat, Game 7
When Thunder tackles Heat, they are often out of date and out of control. It will be interesting to see how the Heat will go in Orlando, given that they had previously used homourt to their advantage by earning the third best home record in the league behind Sixers and Bucks.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. LA Clippers, Game 8
For their eighth and final game, the Thunder will face the Los Clippers. When the OKC Thunder saw the Clippers last, it was their last home game that actually started and completed. It was a forgettable game at the end of the Thunder, when the Clips took control early, won wire by wire and dominated all evening. In the last game before joining the playoffs, the Thunders hope things are better for them this time.
Overall, Thunder has a cumulative 5-10 record against the competition it will face in Orlando. Suffice it to say that OKC must be better if they want to rise in the rankings. The start of the games is expected in a little over a month and the fans, together with the players, are eager to start things.
Which game do you think will be the most difficult for Thunder in Orlando?
