Thunder Gameday: OKC Goes to Brooklyn to Rematch Nets

After a couple days of rest from a back-to-back, the Oklahoma City Thunder reenergize to go against the Brooklyn Nets.

Wednesday may have been a tough three-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but it has been quite the new year for the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

On Tuesday it overcame the league-best Boston Celtics in an exhilarating game, showcasing the potential the Thunder roster has to become real contenders in the Western Conference. 

The next block in the road is the 15-20 Brooklyn Nets, who are undergoing a big change this season. Since dealing Kevin Durant at the 2023 trade deadline, the roster has been a mix of young and veteran talent that is stuck in the middle of the East. 

Mikal Bridges has been the franchise's best player, and is currently averaging 20.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game season. He gives the Nets a versatile style of play, adding value both on the offensive and defensive end.

It's a worthy matchup for Oklahoma City, especially coming out of possibly its toughest stretch of games in the entire season. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 5-point favorites to the Nets, and the total over/under is 235 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Brooklyn has a plenty of players to throw at Oklahoma City, with any given scoring option having the chance to pour on offense. It has a well-rounded roster, but lacks a true star to compete with most teams. 

The aforementioned Bridges is having a great year, but 22-year-old Cam Thomas is actually leading the Nets with 21.5 points per game. His shooting splits of 43.8/35.5/80.6% don't exactly jump off the page, and limiting his scoring ability will be crucial for the Thunder. 

The Nets are shooting 37% from behind-the-arc this season, with most of that efficiency coming from wings Cameron Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV. They have plenty of floor spacers to give Oklahoma City trouble, especially if a few start to get hot. 

Giving up 141 points like it did against the Hawks will also not be in the Thunder's best interest, so it has to step back up on that side of the ball if it wants to secure another win. 

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (23-10) at Brooklyn Nets (15-20)

INJURIES:

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

WHEN:

Friday, Jan. 5, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. CT

LOCATION:

Barclays Center — Brooklyn, NY

FINAL WORD:

The Thunder made fairly quick work of the Nets in their last matchup on Dec. 31, so if it can play them similarly, it shouldn't have a problem gaining another victory. 

Oklahoma City will then travel to Washington, DC to face the Washington Wizards (6-27) at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8. 

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