Thunder Gameday: Kicking Off Weekend Series Against Jazz

In the first of two games over the next three days, Oklahoma City will host Utah tonight.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently on a five-game skid heading into a back-to-back against the Utah Jazz. This is a crucial two-game series for both teams, as play-in standings are extremely close and these games could dictate tiebreaker scenarios.

Utah defeated Oklahoma City in overtime just after the break, which was the first loss in the recent string for the Thunder. Can they bounce back tonight, or will the streak stretch to six?

The injury report will be key in this one, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has missed the last four games for Oklahoma City.  

Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 3-point underdogs to the Jazz, and the total over/under is 232.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The last time these two teams matched up, Lauri Markkanen was the difference maker for Utah. He was impossible to defend for most of the night and hit key buckets in crunch time. He was the primary reason the Jazz were able to get the win in overtime. 

Alongside him in the frontcourt is rookie Walker Kessler, who is also a key player in today's game. A dominant shot blocker and rebounder, the undersized Thunder roster could once again struggle to retain him.

If Gilgeous-Alexander misses this game, it will be up to Lu Dort, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams to put the team over the top. Those three will each need to have solid games to have a chance.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (28-34) vs. Utah Jazz (31-32)

WHEN:

Friday, March 3, 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:

Following this contest, these two teams will match up once again on Sunday night. 

---

Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.