After a crushing loss to the Orlando Magic, the Sixers will try to get back in the win collum against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder have gone through a near-complete roster makeover this offseason, trading away both Paul George and Russell Westbrook.
Coming back to the Thunder are second-year phenom Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and generational point guard Chris Paul. Gilgeous-Alexander will be at least a large part of the Thunder’s future, the talented combo guard has a wonderful amount of potential. As for Chris Paul, he is still a very talented player, though he is on one of the most bloated contracts in the NBA.
This team may only be 4-7 but it has a blend of youth and experience that the Sixers shouldn’t take lightly.
Keys to the game
Play to your strengths
The Sixers will need to operate within their wheelhouse tonight. Working Embiid in the post, pick and pop with Horford, Simmons running in transition, playing to their strengths is the key. Too often the Sixers force the offense instead of letting it come to them. Embiid hanging around outside, Simmons standing around, running Tobias Harris over screens. You can’t expect to win when your players ignore their strengths.
Guard the perimeter
The top three players for the Oklahoma City Thunder are all shooting over 40% from three. The Sixers will need to rotate effectively and make sure that they close out on shooters. Chris Paul, Gilgeous-Alexander, or Danillo Gallinari all have the ability to shoot the lights out tonight and that spells trouble for the Sixers. They will need top defensive performances from Josh Richardson, Ben Simmons, and Matisse Thybulle.
Where to watch?
Tip-off is at 8:00 PM EST with coverage beginning at 7:30 PM. Watch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia, listen live at 97.5 FM the Fanatic.
