Sixers look to gain momentum vs Thunder
Updated: Oct 25, 2021
The Philadelphia 76ers will travel Oklahoma City tonight for their first of a two road game trip.
The Sixers, coming off a thrilling defeat Friday night to Brooklyn, have a bad taste in their mouth heading into tonight’s game. With plenty of mistakes and poor coaching down the stretch, they will look to right the ship vs the Thunder.
The Thunder, who are clearly in a rebuilding situation, are 0-2 on the season. In those two games, Oklahoma City has failed to score more than 95 points.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Score at will
If the Sixers aren’t scoring at will, then we’ll have a huge problem. This is a Thunder team that just gave up 124 points to Houston a couple of nights ago.
Limit scoring opportunities for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai, who hasn’t gotten off to the hottest start the season, is by far Oklahoma City’s best player. We have to make life tough on Gilgeous-Alexander in order for a comfortable win.
A primary ball-handler needs to step up
Tyrese Maxey, or heck even Furkan Korkmaz, needs to step up and assert themselves tonight as a ball-handler. This is a great chance for Maxey to solidify himself as the starting PG with Milton out.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Josh Giddey
The highly-touted rookie out of Australia has shown glimpses of greatness in just the two games he has played. An all-around player with phenomenal passing skills might be tough for the Sixers to slow down.
Tobias Harris
Although the Thunder have young and exciting players, they are lacking a dominant big man. with the Thunder’s defensive focus being Joel Embiid, it’s possible we see a masterclass from Tobias Harris tonight.
INJURY REPORT
Sixers
Andre Drummond - Doubtful (ankle)
Joel Embiid - Questionable (knee)
Shake Milton - Out (ankle)
Grant Riller - Out (knee)
Ben Simmons - Out (personal)
Thunder
None
HOW TO WATCH
Time: 7:00pm
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic