Thunder Gameday: OKC Back in Paycom Center to Face the Kings

Oklahoma City returns from its arduous five-game road slate to play Sacramento at home on Tuesday night.

Feb 11, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Sacramento Kings will go head to head on Tuesday evening to close out the season series.

Sacramento currently leads the series 2-1, with Oklahoma City taking their last matchup while inside Paycom Center. They'll be back at home again on Tuesday, as they hope to knot things up with the Kings.

Following a five-game road stint where Oklahoma City lost three consecutive games for the first time on the season, the absence of Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hurt the Thunder drastically.

At least one of those two will return on Tuesday night versus Sacramento, as Gilgeous-Alexander has been cleared for competition while Williams still remains a game-time decision.

Feb 11, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (34) / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS: 

The Thunder enter the day as 5.5-point favorites against the Kings, and the total over/under is 228.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME: 

Of course, the most notable aspect of this game will come in Gilgeous-Alexander's return from a four-game hiatus.

A 30-point per game scorer and the main hub for the Thunder's offense out of attendance for four games is going to take a toll on any team, and it certainly did for Oklahoma City on its road trip. Without both him and Williams, it was a 2-3 road trip for the Thunder, its worst on the season.

But against the Kings on Thursday, they'll have him back, and possibly Williams.

3-point shooting was a strong point for the Thunder to grab its first win against the Kings since 2021. 48.1% on 27 attempts, they shot less than usual but were efficient in their shot selection and execution. It's been a theme this season that Oklahoma City greatly struggles when their outside shot isn't dropping, as it goes with most teams. But in their first two losses on the year to Sacramento, they shot a combined 26.9% from outside on 76 total attempts.

They'll need to refine their outside shot in Gilgeous-Alexander's return, but the Thunder will already be hungry to recoup back at home following a tough road stretch.

RECORDS: 

Oklahoma City Thunder (53-25) vs. Sacramento Kings (45-33)

INJURIES: 

Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN: 

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 7 PM CT

LOCATION: 

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

TV/RADIO: 

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

Live Stream: fuboTV (Start Your Free Trial)

FINAL WORD:  

The Thunder should have a chip on their shoulder on Thursday night. With Gilgeous-Alexander back in action from his quad issue, he'll be in store for a big night as he's surely rested and healthy.

Next, Oklahoma City will stay home to take on the San Antonio Spurs at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

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