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Oklahoma City Thunder
vs
Golden State Warriors
Preview
The story so far
The Warriors have spent much of the season shorthanded including the first match between these two teams. They are finally getting back to healthy although they will still probably be missing shooter Anthony Morrow and power forward Anthony Randolph. The Thunder got a much needed win over Denver at home on Friday. That win did a lot to wipe the bad taste of a four game losing streak out of Thunder fans mouths. The Thunder are back to a half game out of the 8th seed despite that losing streak. The Thunder are currently 1-1 in their home stand with winnable games tonight and against Atlanta before heading back out on the road.
The Matchups
CJ Watson v Russell Westbrook
The Warriors shot well last time they were in OKC. Watson was 3-7 for 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 3 turnovers. Westbrook did not have a good game he was 4-17 for 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and 4 turnovers. Westbrook played superb against Denver his 4:1 assist to turnover ratio was a big part of the win as was his defense against JR Smith and Chauncey Billups.
Edge
Stephen Curry v Thabo Sefolosha
Sefolosha will probably bounce around between Watson, Curry, and Ellis depending on who has the hot hand. Curry is a good shooter and the Thunder will need to make sure to close out on his shot ASAP. Curry went 9-14 in the first game but was limited by foul trouble throughout the game. Sefolosha continues to work to find his place in the Thunder offense. Last game against Denver they showed some new sets which opened holes for him to cut to the basket and he responded with 8 points on 6 shots. Sefolosha is going to make an impact on this game with his defense last meet he forced 9 turnovers I expect he will again tonight.
Edge
Monta Ellis v Kevin Durant
In the first game Ellis took the majority of the shots and he went 12-28 for 31 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 9 turnovers. 31 points on 28 shots is not good but when you add 9 turnovers you start to see why the Thunder won going away. KD also had an off game, 28 points on 24 shots is decent but considering he went 9-24 in those shots... well it's just not what we have come to expect from our All Star. Tonight Durant will probably spend a lot of time on the court playing the 4 as the Thunder will probably go small to counter the Warriors lineup. He should be able to get into the lane and to the line a lot I am thinking 45 points tonight.
Edge
Corey Maggette v Jeff Green
Maggette got tossed against the Thunder the first game. Considering the lack of depth on the Warriors and how many other players were in foul trouble it was probably the final nail in the coffin. Maggette did not get tossed without first making a huge scene the refs seemed to give him a lot of leeway because the Warriors were in such dire straights. Jeff Green has been exploding out of his slump into the player we all knew he could be. Well maybe not all of us but enough of us. In the last five Green is shooting the three at a 37% clip while still rebounding at a high rate.
Edge
Andris Biedrins v Nenad Krstic
Biedrins is back from injury after missing the first game. Biedrins is not much on the offense but he is a rebounding monster. Given the lack of rebounding ability in the other four positions on the floor Biedrins will be called upon to get the majority of the rebounds for the Warriors. Krstic was not a big part of the first win over Golden State but tonight matched up against more of a true center he will probably play a bigger part.
Edge
Bench v Bench
Ronnie Turiaf is expected to play this time around. The former Laker is a decent backup with some offensive game. Cartier Martin is the D league pickup who has been pretty solid. Anthony Tolliver another D league call up that gives the Warriors a little size. Vladimir Radmanovic is still recovering from an achillies tendon injury but could play, just probably won't play well.
Collison broke out of his slump, he went 4-5 against the Nuggets and grabbed 5 rebounds. Harden was the real gem of the first game against the Warriors, he had 26 points on 13 shots and got to the line 14 times. Harden also grabbed 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. This will be the first time Maynor and Ibaka get to see the Warriors. Ibaka could have a field day if he gets into the game while the Warriors are playing their small lineup. Maynor just needs to continue to be a solid backup for Westbrook.
Edge
The Prediction
The Bench will be huge in this game. The Warriors don't have one really while the Thunder have one of the best in the league. Harden had a great game against the Warriors and I expect he will again tonight. Green has been playing much better and could be one of the keys to this game. Green is one of few power forwards that can defend guards effectively. Durant should add another game to the streak and could hit 50.
Thunder win 116-104
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