Thunder Gameday: Back Home Against Surging Hornets

Charlotte has been winning games of late as the team will be in Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder tonight.

The Charlotte Hornets have won two-straight games as they travel to Oklahoma City to match up with the Thunder at Paycom Center today. The Thunder have won six of their last ten games, as the play-in picture continues to remain fluid. 

This is the type of game in which Oklahoma City really needs a win. With the last week of the season ahead, every game matters at this point. Furthermore, the Thunder will want to take care of business before yet another game tomorrow night at home. 

Injuries will play a key part in this game, as both teams could be missing major pieces. 

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 8-point favorites the Hornets, and the total over/under is 228.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Oklahoma City could be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tonight, as he enters the day designated as questionable on the injury report. He sprained his left ankle on Sunday night against the Portland Trail Blazers which is what he's still working through. 

On the flip side, the Hornets will be without quite a few pieces. LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Cody Martin are all out of this contest. Gordon Hayward is doubtful as well, while Kelly Oubre Jr. is questionable. 

Regardless of who takes the floor tonight, the Thunder should have more talent and be he favorite. Especially at home, OKC has been really good on both ends this season. 

In the event that Gilgeous-Alexander is out, Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey will take over as the primary scoring options. Furthermore, Lu Dort will need to have an efficient night from the floor while also playing great defense. 

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (37-38) vs. Charlotte Hornets (25-51)

WHEN:

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 7:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD:

Following this contest, the Thunder will be back at it tomorrow against the Detroit Pistons in the second night of a back-to-back. Meanwhile, the Hornets head back to Charlotte to host the Chicago Bulls.

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