Oklahoma City Thunder: How will OKC fare inside the Orlando bubble?

Taking a closer look at what the Oklahoma City Thunder will face in the restart

Long ago, on March 11, 2020, it was inside Chesapeake Energy Arena where the NBA changed forever. Just before the Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz tipped off a pivotal seeding contest, the NBA rushed to hit the hiatus button amidst the growing threat of COVID-19.

More than four months later, the Thunder and Jazz are expected to restart the 2019-20 season, facing off against each other in an August 1 tilt. Recently the NBA released the schedule for the restart inside the bubble based in Orlando Florida.

Roughly one month away from the restart, let’s examine OKC’s eight-game schedule.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz, Game 1

Oklahoma City is set to tip-off their first match on the third day of return to play. This game will serve as Utah’s second of their eight games. During two regular-season contests, OKC went 1-1 when facing the Jazz, with the first loss occurring on opening night back in October last year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander clocking in at 23.0 points per game.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets, Game 2

The Nuggets have consistently presented problems for the Thunder, ever since former Thunder legend Russell Westbrook knocked the Nuggets out of the playoffs with his now-infamous MVP moment three years ago. Despite the division rivalry, the Thunder and Nuggets only met twice during the regular season before it shutdown. OKC went 1-1 in those contests and sixth man Dennis Schroder was their leading scoring at 25.5 points per contest.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Game 3

Like many teams, OKC struggled versus the West-leading Lakers falling to 0-3 on the season. However, two of their defeats came by a total of nine points. Their leading scorer for the season series was a tie between Danilo Gallinari and SGA, both starters clocked in at 21.3 points per game.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Game 4

This match will be interesting for many reasons. In addition to the Grizzlies battling for their playoff lives and their rookie and franchise foundation JA Morant jockeying for Rookie of the Year honors, both teams have a long history together. Memphis is arguably OKC’s biggest rivalry. Oklahoma City went 1-1 against the Grizz and their leading was once again Schroder at 25.5 points per game.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Washington Wizards, Game 5

The visit will require social distancing, but the Thunder should be able to catch up with their former head coach Scott Brooks before or after this contest. Perhaps he and Paul can reminisce their battles from when Brooks was on the OKC sidelines and CP3 was steering the Clippers ship. In their lone match against the Wizards, this season the Thunder lost 97-85. This game will also be the first half of OKC’s only back-to-back inside the bubble.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns, Game 6

Fortunately for the Thunder, two of their easier contests make up their back-to-back set. Both opponents are far below sub .500 and there is a chance both squads could be eliminated from playoff contention by the time these games transpire. The leading scorer in this series was Gallo posting 25.5 points per match.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat, Game 7

When the Thunder faces the Heat they are often outmatched and out-couched. It will be intriguing to see how the Heat fare in Orlando, as they previously used homecourt to their advantage earning the third-best home record in the league behind the Sixers and Bucks.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. LA Clippers, Game 8

For their eighth and final match, the Thunder will take on the LA Clippers. When the OKC Thunder saw the Clippers last it was their final home game that actually started and was completed. It was a forgettable match on the Thunder’s end, as the Clips took control early, won wire-to-wire, and dominated all evening. In the final match before entering the playoffs, the Thunder hope things fare better for them this time around.

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Overall, the Thunder possesses a cumulative record of 5-10 against the competition they will face in Orlando. Suffice to say, OKC must be better if they wish to climb up the standings. Games are scheduled to begin in just over a month and fans, along with the players are eager for things to get underway.

What game do you think will be the most difficult for the Thunder in Orlando?

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