Thunder Game Day: OKC Hosts Mavericks in Matchup of Superstar Guards
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s quest for the No. 1 seed continues against a likely playoff team.
The Thunder will host the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday in the teams’ third meeting this season. Although they split the matchups in Dallas, the Mavericks dominated for stretches of both games.
In the most recent meeting in February, Dallas handed Oklahoma City a 35-point loss, its worst this season. Meanwhile, their December game saw Oklahoma City survive after allowing a 30-0 run in the fourth quarter.
ODDS:
The Thunder enter the day as 10-point favorites against the Mavericks, and the total over/under is 237.5 points.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Both teams retooled their rosters at the trade deadline and have seen success in the weeks since. Despite those moves, this game will be centered around the stars.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic are both looking to make a late run at MVP, and a nationally televised matchup could bolster their cases. This season, Doncic is leading the league in scoring at 34.6 points while averaging 9.9 assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 31.1 points while leading the NBA in steals and helping the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference standings. Although the superstars will control the game, it might come down to the secondary stars and battle down low.
With Jalen Williams expected to return from an ankle injury, he might not be his usual self, making Chet Holmgren’s impact as important as ever. He probably won’t match the scoring output of Kyrie Irving, who is averaging 25.2 points, but he can control the paint.
Against Derrick Lively II and Daniel Gafford, Holmgren’s ability to win his matchup inside could have a significant impact on the outcome.
RECORDS:
Oklahoma City Thunder (45-20) vs. Dallas Mavericks (38-28)
INJURIES:
Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.
WHEN:
Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 9 PM CT
LOCATION:
Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK
TV/RADIO:
TNT, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start Your Free Trial)
FINAL WORD:
A Thunder win could provide some breathing room at the top of the conference, with only two games in the next week, both against teams under .500. Although there is plenty of time left in the season, games against playoff contenders in March can provide valuable experience.
The Thunder will travel to Memphis for their second matchup against the Grizzlies this week on Saturday.
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