The Toronto Raptors are set to host Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Western Conference leading Oklahoma City Thunder.
Th Thunder are 16-4 and they have been one of the most complete teams in the league and will be a great challenge for the Raptors.
The Thunder are an explosive offense, ranking eighth in the league in offensive rating. Gilgeous-Alexander is the driving force of their offense as he is averaging the most drives per game at 22.2. On the season the Canadian is averaging 29.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists.
If the Thunder’s offense isn’t enough of a handful to deal with they also boast the league’s number one defense.
Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett will have to take on most of the offensive load again as the Raptors remain without Immanuel Quickley (elbow) and Gradey Dick (calf) is questionable. Bruce Brown (knee) and Kelly Olynyk (back) remain out. A big blow for the Raptors is that Jakob Poeltl has popped up on their injury report as the big man is questionable to play with an illness. This game will be an uphill battle without Poeltl’s presence on the glass.
For the Thunder Ousmane Dieng (finger), Chet Holmgren (hip) and Jaylin Williams (hamstring) are out.
This will be another tough obstacle for the Raptors, but they have shown that they can keep games competitive against elite competition.
Oklahoma City Thunder (16-5) vs. Toronto Raptors (7-15)
7:30 p.m. EST, Thursday, December 5, 2024
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: TSN
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Scottie Barnes
SG: Ja’Kobe Walter
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Ochai Agbaji
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Davion Mitchell, Chris Boucher, Jonathan Mogbo,
Projected Thunder Starting Lineup:
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: Cason Wallace
SF: Lu Dort
PF: Jaylen Williams
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Key Reserves: Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Ajay Mitchell
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