Big Man Battle Could Highlight Thunder-Sixers Opener
By Randy Renner, Senior Writer
After a month of training camp and six preseason games the Oklahoma City Thunder are finally about to play a “real” game and it sets up for what could be an interesting big man battle between Steven Adams and Joel Embiid.
It’s also the first real chance to see what the Thunder will look like without Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka and how much of an impact newcomers Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, Joffrey Lauvergne and Alex Abrines could have.
Abrines is good to go tonight after missing practice time with a bruised hip so the Thunder are fully healthy except for backup point guard Cameron Payne who is likely to miss at least another month with his broken foot.
Barring a big surprise Sabonis will become the first Thunder rookie to start on an Opening Night. Remember Russell Westbrook didn’t become a starter his rookie season until a few games after Scott Brooks took over from P.J. Carlesimo and Durant’s rookie season was spent in Seattle when the Thunder were still the Sonics.
Oladipo is expected to get the start at shooting guard with Andre Roberson sliding to small forward.
Adams continues in his familiar spot at center and he’ll go up against Embiid, the former Kansas star who is still technically a rookie since his physical problems have prevented him from playing since being drafted in 2014.
Embiid has had a solid preseason, averaging 11.4 points and six rebounds a game. Adams is quickly becoming one of the best centers in the NBA. His teammate and fellow “stache brother” Enes Kanter told reporters Tuesday the Adams-Embiid battle should be “fun to watch” but he’s expecting Adams to get the better of Embiid.
“They’re both talented big men,” Kanter said, “but Steven has a lot of experience so I’ll definitely pick Steven.”
Embiid, who is coming off multiple foot surgeries, is on a minutes restriction tonight. Coaches and medical staff are expected to limit the 7-2, 275 pounder to a series of five 4-minute stints on the floor. He has averaged a shade under 15 minutes of playing time in the preseason and won’t go more than 20 tonight.
"I have been waiting for a long time,” Embiid told Philly.com, “I haven't played in two years, and I was a high pick and (Sixers fans) have been waiting for a long time. So it's going to be special for the city, for myself, for the coaches, my teammates, and my family."
Adams has gone up against a big 76ers rookie before. Just last season Jahlil Okafor went 3-for-18 in his first game against OKC with Adams blocking three of those shots and altering several more.
The Sixers are still expected to struggle this season but they have 10 players on the roster now that weren’t around the last time these teams played. The Thunder have six new faces.
So while a lot of the attention will be on the Adams-Embiid matchup there will be plenty of other storylines to follow.
Tipoff is set for 7:10, an hour later than what is usual for an east coast contest because ESPN will be televising the game nationally.
The Thunder will fly home right after the game to get ready for Friday night’s home opener against the Phoenix Suns.
NOTES
- The Thunder’s only loss to Philadelphia came in the first game the teams played on November 15, 2008 when the 76ers drilled the Thunder 115-85. Since that night OKC has won 14 straight.
The Sixers still have injury issues. Tonight they’ll be without Nerlens Noel (knee), Ben Simmons (broken foot) and Jerryd Bayless (wrist).
In two games against Philly last season Westbrook averaged a triple-double with 20.5 points, 16.0 rebounds and 10.5 assists.
Oladipo has a career scoring average of 19.6 points against the 76ers.
Kanter’s 24.1 Player Efficiency Rating (PER) last season was the 10th highest in the NBA and the best among bench players.