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Fixture: OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns
Date & Time: Monday, August 10th, 2:30 PM ET (Tuesday 12 AM IST)
Venue: The Field House, Orlando, FL
The OKC Thunder enter this tie on high spirits after a good performance from their second-string players helped them to an easy win against the Washington Wizards. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns have given themselves a solid chance of making it to the NBA Playoffs in the West by winning each of their five seeding games thus far.
OKC Thunder Preview
The OKC Thunder have done a good job in Orlando thus far and are currently occupying the fifth seed in the West. They've won three seeding games already will be hoping to snag a couple more before the start of the playoffs.
The biggest positive sign for Billy Donovan has to be the youngsters stepping up in the absence of key players such as Dennis Schroder and Steven Adams. Darius Bazley had 23 points in OKC's last game and he'll be hoping to make the most of his opportunity if given an extended run against the Phoenix Suns.
Key Player - Chris Paul
OKC Thunder will be without the likes of Adams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nerlens Noel, Danilo Gallinari and Dennis Schroder against the Phoenix Suns. How well Chris Paul is able to mesh with the youngsters will decide the fate of this tie.
CP3 managed nine assists in OKC's last game which also featured several bench players on extended minutes. He has also averaged 18.4 points in the bubble while shooting at well over 50% from the field. So there's still some hope.
Thunder Predicted Lineup
Chris Paul, Hamidou Diallo, Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley, Mike Muscala
Phoenix Suns Preview
Nobody gave the Phoenix Suns a chance heading into the seeding games. And after nearly two weeks of the season restart, they find themselves just one game behind the ninth-placed Portland Trail Blazers.
Monty Williams' side has persevered with its defensive identity but has now thrived on the offensive end as well in these last few games, especially in the clutch. Deandre Ayton enters this tie on the back of two consecutive double-doubles while Devin Booker remains as reliable as ever from the field.
Key Player - Devin Booker
Devin Booker has been on fire in the NBA bubble. He's averaged 29.4 points per game on 50% shooting from the field. He's not quite at his best yet from downtown but is still finding ways to produce on the offensive end. He scored 27 in the Phoenix Suns' last game against OKC Thunder and will be hoping for more of the same on Monday.
Suns Predicted Lineup
Ricky Rubio, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Deandre Ayton
Thunder vs Suns Match Prediction
The OKC Thunder got the better of the Phoenix Suns in both their previous fixtures this season. However, the Suns have been extremely clutch in Orlando and have been able to amp up both defense and offense, when needed. Meanwhile, the Thunder will be without several key players. Expect Devin Booker and co. to take this one.
Where to watch Thunder vs Suns?
Local telecast of this matchup will be available on FOX Sports Oklahoma and FOX Sports Arizona. You can also live stream the game via the NBA League Pass.
Also read: LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction and Match Preview - 10th August 2020
Guess the Lakers players!
