Thunder Projected Starting Line-up:
PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Thabo Sefolosha
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Jeff Green
C: Nenad Krstic
Key Reserves: James Harden, Serge Ibaka
The Lakers look to rebound from their recent loss when they take on the young and talented Thunder tonight.
Frontcourt: Krstic is a big seven footer who is more known for his role in the Serbia/Greece summer brawl than his basketball skills. At the four, Green shoots a dismal 42.2% from the field. He is not an efficient player by any means, but he is the Thunder’s third scoring option and averages a respectable 15.4 points. Ibaka has played very well this year in and has shown flashes of his potential. He is a great shot blocker from the weakside and rebounds very well.
Backcourt: Westbrook is a straight baller who has posted averages of 22.2 points, 8.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. He can seemingly do it all: drive, dish, board, and defend. Sefolosha starts at the two and is known for his defense. The star of the Thunder is Durant who is quickly rising to stardom. His insane length makes him a great defender and his scoring abilities are among the best in the league. Off the bench, Harden averages 1.3 treys at a 40.3% clip.
Keys to Lakers Victory:
The Thunder have a strong backcourt but a weak frontcourt. To take advantage of this, the Lakers should pound the ball into the paint and let Bynum/Gasol go to work.
The Lakers will need to attempt to stop Westbrook and Durant. They’re a dangerous duo who will keep the Laker defenders busy for the night.
The Thunder always play the Lakers hard, so expect this game to be very close.
Lakers’ Injuries: Theo Ratliff, Matt Barnes