Game Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder are rolling into tonight's matchup against the Washington Wizards with a scorching 7-game winning streak and an impressive 22-5 record on the season. Their stellar 81.5% win percentage is backed by a potent offense averaging nearly 115 points per game while allowing just 103 points on the defensive end.
Over their last 10 games, the Thunder have been nearly unstoppable, winning 9 of those contests behind a 116-point scoring average and a stifling defense that has held opponents to just 101.6 points per game. They're knocking down shots at a blistering 47.9% clip from the field and a respectable 36.4% from beyond the arc.
On the glass, OKC has dominated the boards recently, grabbing nearly 46 rebounds per game over their last 10 outings. Their balanced attack is also averaging 26.7 assists and forcing 11.6 turnovers per contest during this torrid stretch. The Thunder are firing on all cylinders and will look to extend their winning ways against a struggling Wizards squad.
In stark contrast, Washington has endured a nightmarish 4-22 start, sitting at just a 15.4% win rate while giving up a whopping 122.2 points per game. Their offense hasn't provided much relief, averaging 107.5 points on 44.3% shooting from the field and a pedestrian 31.7% from three-point range.
The Wizards' woes have continued over their last 10 games, where they've posted a dismal 2-8 record while getting outscored by nearly 15 points per game. They're turning the ball over 17.2 times and allowing opponents to shoot just under 44% from the floor during this stretch. Grabbing just 46.4 rebounds per contest hasn't helped their cause either.
Unless the Wizards can find a way to shore up their porous defense and take better care of the basketball, they'll have an uphill battle against this red-hot Thunder team. Oklahoma City has been dominant at both ends and should be able to extend their winning streak if they can maintain their recent level of play.