OKC Thunder Gameday: Thunder Remain Home to Challenge Utah Jazz

After a huge win over the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City looks to continue its momentum against the Utah Jazz.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are riding high coming off a 138-136 win over the Golden State Warriors, and it will be seen if it can build off that momentum tonight. 

The Thunder will matchup with a struggling Utah Jazz roster, who find themselves towards the bottom of the Western Conference. Lauri Markkanen has carried the vast amount of their offense this season, averaging 23.7 points per game on 48.4% shooting. He will be a game time decision due to a hamstring injury, a key part of the direction this game could go. 

Behind the former All-Star, Jordan Clarkson, John Collins and Collin Sexton round out the top of the Jazz scoring leaders. Even with some talented players, the Jazz simply haven't put it together as of yet.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City has performed as one of the best teams in the West this season. It sits only behind the Minnesota Timberwolves in the standings, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Rookie of the Year frontrunner Chet Holmgren.

Jalen Williams (#8) drives against the Utah Jazz defense / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 12-point favorites to the Warriors, and the total over/under is 232.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The biggest question is the potential absence of Markkanen, Utah's best player by a wide-margin. The 7-footer is a dangerous offensive weapon that can shoot from anywhere, and is one pace for another All-Star season. If he plays, the focus has to be on him. 

If not, the Jazz typically will score by committee. The Thunder can't let its opponent's record and roster status get ahead of it, as players like Clarkson and Sexton have the ability to get hot at any time. 

The Utah defense has also been towards the bottom of the NBA this season, which is something Oklahoma City can take advantage of. Even though Walker Kessler has shown the ability to be a strong interior defender, he has little defensive presence around him to help.

The Jazz have the highest turnover average in the entire league of 17.7, while the Thunder has the fourth-highest points off turnovers with 17.2 points per game, a considerable advantage for Oklahoma City. 

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (14-7) vs Utah Jazz (7-15)

INJURIES:

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

WHEN:

Monday, Dec. 11, 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:

To continue its early season dominance, Oklahoma City must win the games it should, which includes tonight. The Jazz are no pushover, but it is certainly a game the Thunder should take care of before a more difficult matchup this week.

The Thunder will travel to the West Cost to visit the Sacramento Kings (12-8) on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 9:00 p.m. CT.

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