Thunder Game Day: OKC Faces Donovan Mitchell, Cavs to Finish Homestand

The Thunder won the first meeting in Cleveland, but the Cavaliers were missing some key pieces.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is looking to finish the six-game homestand on a high note.

The Thunder will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday for their final matchup of the regular season. The Thunder won the first game with late heroics after trailing by 10 in the closing minutes.

Another duel between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell should be competitive. Mitchell currently leads the NBA in scoring at 32.5 points per game.

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ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 2.5-point underdogs to the Cavaliers, and the total over/under is 229.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Wednesday’s game will be round two between Chet Holmgren and Evan Mobley. However, with Jarrett Allen in the mix for Cleveland, the frontcourt battle will have a different look.

In the first matchup with the Cavaliers, Holmgren finished with 13 rebounds and seven blocks. Considering the Thunder’s rebounding woes, Allen, who missed the first game and is averaging eight rebounds, could be the difference this time.

Outside shooting played a significant role in the first game, as Cleveland shot only 12-of-45. Oklahoma City shot 50% from 3-point range and nailed four in the final three minutes.

Although Darius Garland is back for the Cavaliers, slowing down Mitchell will be the Thunder’s top priority. Mitchell scored 43 points in the first meeting, with 26 coming in the second half as he led the Cavaliers back into the game and helped them build a lead.

Still, Garland has played only three games this season and has turned the ball over at least four times in those games. After Cason Wallace’s performance against Trae Young on Monday, he may get an opportunity to harass Garland in this game.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (4-3) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-4)

INJURIES:

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

WHEN:

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at 7:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

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

FINAL WORD:

This game will serve as another early test for the Thunder, particularly on the glass. If the Thunder can rebound well against the Cavaliers, it could be a turning point for them in that area.

After this game, the Thunder will have their first road game in two weeks as they play the Sacramento Kings in an In-Season Tournament matchup.

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