OKC Thunder vs. Atlanta Hawks: Game Preview, Betting Info, Keys to the Game

The Oklahoma City Thunder will battle the Atlanta Hawks in game three of the season for each side. In the Thunder's home opener, they will have a rest disadvantage playing on the second night of a back to back.

Oct 17, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) moves the ball around Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin (4) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter night two of a back-to-back fresh off a beat down of the Chicago Bulls in a game that the Thunder controlled nearly wire-to-wire. The Hawks come in rising a two game winning streak and in a battle of unbeaten teams, something has to give.

Oct 17, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots a three point basket as Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) defends during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 9.5-point favorites against the Atlanta Hawks, and the total over/under is 231.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The Oklahoma City Thunder have to shoot better from beyond the arc, off two dreadful performances from distance, it can - and will - turnaround for the Bricktown ballers.

Defensively, the same approach has to be taken as in the first two games. Becoming pests, playing on a string and out right frustrating teams. This is easier said than done on thet second night of a back to back, but the Thunder have enough perimeter weapons to keep their defense fresh.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got off to a slow start against the Bulls, with the lack of rotational pieces and with a rest disadvantage, it is important for him to get the scoring started early and often to help the Thunder navigate this jam packed schedule.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-0) vs. Atlanta Hawks (2-0)

INJURIES:

The Oklahoma City Thunder will not release an injury report until Sunday afternoon, due to this being the second night of a back to back.

Atlanta Hawks:

• Dominick Barlow, OUT (Not with the Team)
• Bogdan Bogdanovic, OUT (Hamstring)
• Kobe Bufkin, OUT (Shoulder)
• Seth Lundy OUT (Ankle)
• Cody Zeller OUT (Not With the Team)

Check out  later today for an updated injury report.

WHEN:

Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 6:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

FINAL WORD: 

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be tested against the Atlanta Hawks, who are playing good basketball. The Thunder are on the second night of a back to back and project to lack key pieces of their rotation. A year ago, the Thunder got off to a hot 2-0 start before stumbling in a forgettable home opener on the second night of a back to back.

Up next, the OKC Thunder play host to the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama in a Nationally Televised showdown in the Paycom Center on Wednesday Night.

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