Thunder Gameday: OKC Thunder Looks to Get Back on Track Against Phoenix Suns

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be once again facing a shorthanded team as they look to get back in the win column.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is continuing on the road as it finds itself in the valley taking on the Phoenix Suns. The Thunder is fresh off their second in-season matchup, which was a loss to the Sacramento Kings.

Now, the Thunder takes on another team that will be without a star guard as the Suns have yet to play with their new big three since acquiring Bradley Beal this offseason. Devin Bookers is doubtful, as Beal and Kevin Durant continue and build chemistry in their first few games together.

This matchup is the first of three matchups for the two teams, though they won't square off again until March. 

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS: 

The Thunder enter the day as 2.5-point underdogs against the Suns, and the total over/under is 235.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME: 

It's no secret the Suns are going to have one of the best offensive attacks in the entire league. However, without Booker in the lineup, the Suns only have two offensive superstars in this matchup. While guarding Kevin Durant is no easy task, slowing down Beal might be a bit easier. Beal is coming off an injury, and seeing one of Lu Dort or Cason Wallace on the floor as a disruptor on the perimeter will throw Beal off and force him into potential struggles.

If the Thunder is able to stabilize Beal -- and shut down any potential outburst from Eric Gordon, who is more than capable -- then the Suns' entire offensive prowess comes down to Durant. There won't be a playmaker setting them up, and it'll be up to iso ball from Durant. 

Evidently, if the Thunder can force the Suns to play solely through Durant and take the rest away, the Suns will come away with some dry spells, which opens the opportunity for the Thunder to go on a run and build a lead. Also, this would help the Thunder get out in transition and build some offensive rhythm, which will be huge when combating another good offense. 

And, this goes without saying, but the rebounding will have to be solid. There's no reason a game with this much talent should come down to Jusuf Nurkic and Drew Eubanks dominating the glass. 

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (5-4) vs. Phoenix Suns (4-5)

INJURIES: 

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

WHEN:

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at 7 p.m. CT

LOCATION:

Footprint Center - Phoenix, AZ

TV/RADIO:

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

FINAL WORD:

The Suns have struggled without having their full big three available this season. As long as the Thunder can force Durant to be a playmaker and not let the rebounding game beat them, they should be able to battle to the end.

The spread projects this game to be close, so playing a complete game of their play style will be important. 

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