Another NBA night, the Italian one between Sunday and Monday, which features intriguing challenges and key moments in the race for the post-season. With the regular season now at the halfway point, each match can become crucial for the standings and the momentum towards the play-offs. Among the most anticipated matches there will be comparisons between teams fighting for top positions, Conference duels and protagonists looking for continuity after strong recent performances. After a night with surprising results and stand-out performances — such as the comeback of Lakers a dallas and the clear victory of the Heat — the spotlight shifts to the new challenges that will test the balance, fitness and depth of the NBA teams’ rotations. In particular, pay attention to the match between Toronto Raptors e Oklahola City Thunder who will face each other during the night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Toronto Raptors (28-19) VS Oklahoma City Thunder (37-9)
The bar is raised for Toronto who arrives at the match against Oklahoma City after having won three consecutive games in the West. The latest is the one against Portland won 110-98. Results that place the Raptors, for the first time this season, as official candidates to reach the Conference finals. The Canadians, like their opponents, are also called to deal with the absences of Jakob Poeltl out from December 21st, Ja’Kobe Walker has missed the last seven games with a hip injury and Collin Murray-Boyles he missed the last three games with a thumb injury. Despite the injuries, the team’s performance was surprising. A little less performance Dick which have been up and down this season, hasn’t had the impact it should have but despite this the coach Darko Rajakovic he renewed his trust in him, underlining the improvements made in defence.
The Oklahoma City Thunder last season they dominated the Eastern Conference, losing only one interconference game in the regular season. This year they are no longer so dominant, the schedule is not the same as the first matches and the pace has dropped. The Thunder come into their home game against the Raptors having lost two of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents, including Friday’s unexpected 117-114 home loss to Indiana. A misstep which, however, is not a concern, as long as the next challenge is won. The overall record against Eastern teams is 9-3. Mike Daigneault’s team is also struggling with injuries and will have to do without Williams and the owner Isaiah Hartensteinstopped due to a calf problem.
ANALYSES. The two teams find themselves face to face after a year, it is the first time they have faced each other this season. The last precedent was played in February 2025 and saw the Thunder triumph. Overall, the balance of the five matches is in favor of Oklahoma who have won four times. The Raptors won only one. For Canadians this will be a forbidding challenge.
The other races
San Antonio Spurs – New Orleans Pelincans
Milwaukee Bucks – Dallas Mavericks
Phoenix Suns – Miami Heat
Los Angeles Clippers – Brooklyn Nets
