Game Preview: Toronto Raptors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Toronto Raptors will be facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday at 7 p.m. EST. The Raptors, who currently hold a record of 28 wins and 19 losses, sit third in the Eastern Conference, while the Thunder lead the Western Conference with an impressive 37-9 record.
Recent Performances
In their previous game, the Thunder’s standout player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, managed to score 47 points despite the team suffering a narrow 117-114 defeat to the Indiana Pacers. Known for their dominance at home, Oklahoma City boasts a remarkable 20-4 record at Paycom Center. With an average of 52.5 points scored in the paint, led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s contribution of 13.0, they rank ninth in the NBA in this category.
On the other hand, the Raptors have performed admirably on the road, achieving a record of 15-9. They excel in ball distribution, averaging 29.6 assists per game – the third-highest in the Eastern Conference, with Immanuel Quickley averaging 6.3 assists.
Key Matchup Insights
The match will also showcase the Thunder’s shooting proficiency from beyond the arc, as they average 13.3 three-pointers per game, a stat that slightly exceeds the 12.7 that the Raptors typically allow. Additionally, Toronto outpaces Oklahoma City by scoring an average of 114.3 points per game, while the Thunder concede 108.0.
Key players to watch include Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 32.3 points and 6.2 assists for the Thunder, and Chet Holmgren, who has been contributing 15.7 points over his last ten games. For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes averages 19.7 points along with 8.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists, while Quickley adds 16.3 points and 5.4 assists over the past ten games.
Team Statistics
In their last ten outings, the Thunder have a 7-3 record, managing to average 118.9 points, along with 42.0 rebounds and 23.9 assists, while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents, on average, score 111.1 points per game. Conversely, the Raptors hold a 6-4 record, scoring an average of 113.4 points and showcasing strong performances in rebounding and assists, averaging 41.7 rebounds and 30.5 assists. Their opponents typically score around 111.7 points per game.
Injury Updates
Injury updates reveal that the Thunder will be without several players: Ajay Mitchell (hip), Nikola Topic (groin), Jalen Williams (thigh), Alex Caruso (adductor), Thomas Sorber (knee – out for the season), Aaron Wiggins (groin), and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf). The Raptors also face challenges with Jakob Poeltl (back), Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb), and Ja’Kobe Walter (hip) unable to play.
